Shawn Johnson's Secret Tricks to Get Her Picky Eater to Love Healthy Food!

Just like many other parents, Shawn Johnson East doesn’t always manage to prepare perfectly balanced meals for her children.

In an exclusive chat with TopMob News, the Olympic gymnast confessed that her world is extremely diverse. Her 5-year-old daughter, Drew, is quite choosy about her food, she said. On the other hand, her 3-year-old son, Jett, loves wasabi and finding new, healthy foods for him to eat can be a real challenge.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’ve perfected a handful of unique culinary techniques when it comes to dinner time in our shared Nashville residence with my partner, Andrew East.

To begin with, I opted to take out the large television from our spacious living room-cum-kitchen area, as it proved quite distracting during meal times.

She mentioned that on most days, the family, including Andrew and children Drew, Jett, and 13-month-old Bear, gather at the table for dinner. She acknowledged that there can be some fussing and noise from the kids, but they manage to stay seated for about five minutes, which she emphasized is not like a scene from a movie.

But there’s some semblance of a happy ending.

Shawn described her method as having buffet-style meals where she sets everything out for others to help themselves. However, she and her husband have an understanding that if they offer a dish, they are okay with it being finished by the guests. In other words, they don’t set out food and then limit portions.

As a die-hard fan, let me tell you this: “If your heart desires a whole heap of broccoli for supper, by all means! Or if you’re craving nothing but buttery noodles tonight, go for it. I’ll set that up for you.

And, yes, Drew’s go-to pasta is featured quite regularly.

Shawn pointed out that his daughter isn’t fond of any type of meat. In other words, we can’t serve steak or chicken for her. She will eat fish occasionally, but it’s difficult to get enough protein into her diet. That’s why she started this entire adventure.

Which means some of the credit for Beam’s new Kids All-in-One Superpowder goes to the preschooler.

After spending numerous years combining vitamins, probiotics, and other essential nutrients for her children, Shawn proposed a concept for a child-centric greens powder to the brand’s co-founder, who is affectionately known as Uncle Matt by Drew, Jett, and Bear – Matt Lombardi.

She mentioned that he developed something specifically for her kids, not intended for mass production. The powder was rich in vitamins, folate, calcium, and zinc. Initially, she had to use some deception to hide its green color from the children (“I put it in sippy cups so they wouldn’t see the color”). However, even her toughest critics, the pickiest ones on her team, gave it high praise for its taste.

In a regular routine, our children always request warm milk transformed into chocolate milk before bedtime, and this has been the case every single night for six months now, as Shawn explained. “They adore it,” she added, “and they’ve figured out it contains their vitamins, but they’ve never questioned that. All they want is their chocolate milk.

I can’t help but be thrilled when I see my daughter savoring a mix of spinach, broccoli, cabbage, and kale alongside her buttered noodles. It’s such a joy to know she’s getting a healthy boost!

As a flavor connoisseur, I’ve been on an exhilarating journey, testing 16 brand-new flavors in pursuit of the next incredible taste sensation. It’s not just about me; I’m catering to two distinct palates—the one who is as picky as they come and the one who appreciates everything. The anticipation is killing me!

Because Shawn has no interest in using the clean-plate-club tactics of her youth.

She constantly keeps in mind her desire to foster a healthy approach towards food for her children, as she has personally battled with extreme dieting methods such as diuretics and Adderall, and has experienced eating disorders. Growing up in an era where the mantra was ‘Clean your plate’ and ‘Finish all your food or no dessert,’ she understands the struggle of food obsession from her own past.

Instead, she strives for an everything-in-moderation approach.

Shawn mentioned that he makes an effort to clarify the science of food, ensuring his children have a comprehensive understanding of foods that foster strength, aid brain function, and promote sleep. Additionally, he explains that while sugar can be tasty in small amounts, excessive consumption may cause discomfort in their stomachs. In simple terms, they are aware of its benefits but also understand the potential risks associated with it. Overall, his children show a commendable level of intelligence about nutrition.

If you fancy a bit more sweetness, carry on reading to explore some adorable family moments.

Shawn and Andrew appear with their third baby, son Bear, in December 2023.

Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East welcomed their third child on Dec. 12, 2023.

The former NFL player already has a sweet connection with baby No. 3.

The newborn shared a hug with big sister Drew, born in 2019, and brother Jett, born in 2021.

The gymnast captioned this cute shot of her thirdborn with the bear emoji.

In 2016, Shawn and Andrew got married, and they stood alongside Drew and Jett for a portrait taken in 2022. This image was described by her with the caption, “The Hulk and his beloved family.”

For Halloween 2023, the guys chose their fighters as the girls went for magical vibes.

In August 2022, Shawn commented: “I couldn’t have scripted this better!” The little one is now obsessed with his latest plaything. He’s all giggles and constant smiles, hardly letting go of it.

The fam was ready for fireworks on July 4, 2022.

Shawn and Andrew relaxed with a swim alongside their kids.

Drew modeled her one-piece swimsuit during a family pool day.

2025-02-11 17:19

Shawn Johnson’s Secret Tricks to Get Her Picky Eater to Love Healthy Food!

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