Daphne Oz’s Foodie, Fun and Fuss-Free Pregnancy
Daphne Oz is one of those women you’d want to plan a play date with, if you could. She’s friendly and warm, quirky and real — personality traits that shine through on The Chew, the daytime lifestyle talk show she stars on with chefs Mario Batali, Michael Symon and Carla Hall and entertaining expert Clinton Kelly. Her success has skyrocketed in recent years. She joined the cast in 2011 and in 2013, wrote the cookbook and lifestyle guide, and _The New York Times _best seller, Relish. Now, a new challenge: parenthood! Daphne chatted with us about being pregnant with her first baby (also the first grandchild for dad Dr. Oz!).
The Bump: Other than your parents, Mehmet Oz, MD, of The Dr. Oz Show, and author Lisa Oz, who are your role models?
Daphne Oz: Role models evolve and change with every stage in your life. Right now, it’s the moms who make time for their careers, if that’s what they want to pursue, and who make time for themselves. We tend to forget about taking care of ourselves when we’re taking care of everyone around us.
TB: You and your cohosts seem like you might be friends in real life. True?
DO: We are! I get paid to eat some delicious things and hang out with great friends. If only we could tape our behind-the-scenes revelry. That would be a show you’d want to watch. It’s hysterical!
TB: So did you have to change what you ate once you were pregnant?
DO: I love Mexican food and sadly have to stay pretty far away from it because I can’t take the heat. I miss the margaritas too!
TB: What are you looking forward to most about motherhood?
DO: I can’t wait to read bedtime stories, do art projects, play dress up, have dance parties and bake delicious treats with our girl! All those magical things I loved so much about childhood.
TB: Is there anything you’re nervous about?
DO: A huge learning curve. There are so many things I don’t know!
TB: You’re really big on date night. Why?
DO: My husband, John, and I both thought it was important not to lose sight of our relationship, even as we made way for a new addition. Even if it’s a 15-minute meal together, relishing uninterrupted time keeps us connected.
TB: What’s the biggest change you made since you became pregnant?
DO: I try not to stress out if everything on my to-do list doesn’t get done. You start to realize how important it is to take care of yourself, so you can take care of another little person who totally depends on you. That means cutting out the energy drains that have no room in your life anymore. I used to be a terrible procrastinator, but now I have great reason to prioritize and be more efficient with my time.
TB: What did you do to nest for baby?
DO: I nested like a crazy person! I really de-cluttered and did major guttings of my wardrobe, books and papers. For the nursery, I worked with a furniture store called Bellini on a French blue and coral scheme. It has a soft, plush texture and fun tribal and geometric accents. I tend to be classic in my taste, so this was a chance to experiment, get a little funky and be playful, but sophisticated.
TB: What are your favorite and least favorite things about pregnancy?
DO: I love the kicks! I’m sure we’ll be making up some dance moves together. My least favorite thing is waking up uncontrollably at 4:30 a.m.! It’s like my body is advance training me for all the sleepless nights that are ahead.
*_TB: Are there any moms in Hollywood you look up to?
DO: *_Seems like Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Garner have a lot of fun with their kids! I’d love to learn how to juggle it all from Victoria Beckham.
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