Nestled in a cozy white blanket on her Los Angeles deck, Chrissy Teigen exudes her familiar charm, yet there’s a noticeable shift in her demeanor. The mother of two has transformed into a more introspective and patient version of herself after enduring a challenging year. In September 2020, at 20 weeks pregnant, she and her husband, musician John Legend, tragically lost their third child, whom they named Jack. Following this heartbreak, Teigen faced public scrutiny due to resurfaced social media messages, prompting her to look inward. “I feel very good,” she reflects. “I feel like I’ve had a lot of closure.”
This newfound tranquility hasn’t come easy. At 35, Teigen has made significant changes to her lifestyle, including quitting drinking and attending therapy several times a week. She has embarked on a journey to confront her insecurities and emotions, working to become her best self. “I think that’s where the real growth happens, when your world is turned upside down,” she explains.
Amid the turmoil, Teigen found solace in creating her third cookbook, Cravings: All Together: Recipes to Love, set to release on October 26. The recipes are designed for everyday families, featuring dishes like crispy yams with lime yogurt and a sweet-smoky eggplant dip. “For me, it’s very personal,” Teigen shares. “I was deeply involved, but it’s also things that I really, really needed to eat.”
In an interview with Mommy Talk, Teigen discusses the lessons learned, the significance of new beginnings, and the comfort that food brings to her life.
Creating the Cookbook During a Difficult Time
“During the turmoil, I craved comfort food, which inspired my deep involvement in this cookbook,” she recalls. “In the past, I had struggled with bouts of postpartum depression while writing my previous book, but this time, I needed the process to survive.” Her kids were actively involved in the cooking, and with her co-author living with them during the project, she was able to create a nurturing environment. “It was cool to realize that anyone can make any recipe in this cookbook.”
Reflecting on her journey, she realizes that it was time to confront her issues and seek healing through therapy.
Advice to Her Past Self
If she could speak to her early 2020 self, Teigen would emphasize the unpredictability of life. “I needed to be shaken up and humbled. Before losing Jack, I wasn’t treating my body well,” she admits. “Now, I recognize my body’s resilience and the importance of self-care.”
A Remarkable Calmness
Teigen expresses a newfound calmness, attributing it to her therapeutic journey. “I don’t hold any anger anymore. I used to get riled up over small things, but now I feel like a more complete person,” she shares. She acknowledges that the experience of losing Jack helped her grow and appreciate life more deeply.
Talking to Her Kids About Jack
Teigen’s children, Miles and Luna, were aware of the situation surrounding Jack. They were involved during the home ultrasounds and were present during the emotional aftermath. “We explained to them that we lost Jack, and they now understand he is a part of our lives.”
The family honors Jack’s memory in their daily lives, ensuring he remains a significant presence. “They even pour a glass of water for him when we go on trips,” she adds, showcasing how open discussions about grief can foster healing.
Finding Joy in Parenting
Teigen finds joy and distraction in her children, who keep her grounded. “My daughter recently jokingly told me I need to lose weight to be Morticia from the Addams Family, and my son once said I looked like the Incredible Hulk!” she laughs.
She enjoys cooking with her kids, who have different approaches to food. “Miles loves to cook if it involves getting messy, while Luna has a vision for beautiful outcomes.” Despite her culinary efforts, Teigen admits that her children still gravitate towards familiar favorites like chicken nuggets and Happy Meals. “You can’t change that,” she quips, acknowledging the universal appeal of kid-friendly meals.
Chrissy Teigen’s journey showcases resilience and growth, demonstrating how embracing vulnerability can lead to profound personal transformation.