Sarah Michelle Gellar: Charlotte Loves Veggies – and Sushi!

Courtesy Health

Staying fit has always been a priority for Sarah Michelle Gellar — no matter the time or place!

So, it was no surprise when the actress found herself going into labor at the gym.

“It was funny, too, because I was getting cranky and I said to my trainer, ‘I’m just cranky today,’” Gellar, 34, says in Health magazine’s October issue.

“She was like, ‘Maybe it’s because you’re going to give birth!’ And I was like, ‘Nah, not yet.’ It turned out I was in labor. I didn’t realize.”

Now the proud mother of 2-year-old daughter Charlotte Grace, her first child with husband Freddie Prinze, Jr., is hoping to pass on her healthy lifestyle to her little girl.

“We’ve already taught her to love healthy food. We took her to sushi on Saturday night and everybody couldn’t believe what she inhaled,” the Ringer star says. “I think it’s important at a young age to enjoy different tastes.”

Lately, the whole family has been putting their taste buds to the test with a daily blend of vegetables, whipped up by Gellar herself.

“We make this green juice for her. It’s basically everything but the kitchen sink. We go to the farmer’s market and buy everything and just put it in the juicer: kale, Swiss chard, carrots, celery,’” she shares. “And now we’ve all started drinking it and we’ve all been healthier.”

While she’s dedicated to staying in shape, Gellar can’t completely escape her insecurities concerning her body, despite her ability to “tune it out.” Fortunately, however, motherhood has given her a whole new perspective on the issue.

“I just have to remember that I’m human and I’m a mom. Being a parent changes the vanity at least a little bit. It has to. Your priorities are different,” she says.

The shift in priorities came following Charlotte’s birth and now Gellar isn’t willing to let anything stop her from placing her family first in life. “I never do anything at lunch, because most of the time I eat before we break for lunch, and I nap during lunch,” she explains.

“I don’t want to miss the mornings with [Charlotte], so no matter how late we work, I get up with her. My weekends I refuse to work because that’s her time. I love [my] job — it’s not my first priority anymore.”

– Anya Leon

Comments

Stella Bella on September 23rd, 2011

Wish I could get my daughter to drink green juice. I really struck out on that one! On the other hand, she does eat fruits and vegetables and very little junk, so that’s a good thing. Teaching our children about healthy food is so important!

Courtney on September 23rd, 2011

Very important indeed, to start little ones off on a healthy diet! I think she should recognize that toddlers can become super picky, and it’s ok if they want to eat buttered noodles, too, for a week straight!

We went through that with our 2 and a half year old, and it’s best to not force the issue – she returned to her normal, healthy eating habits after experimenting with the noodles, and now she’s sick of them, ha!

ecl on September 23rd, 2011

I agree that it’s important to teach a healthy lifestyle. But I also always get the feeling from these celebs that a lot of this is body image issues disguised as healthy living. It can be a fine line, especially for women/girls, and probably an especially tricky issue for celebs who are constantly judged by their appearance and know it.

Best of luck to Sarah!

eribri on September 23rd, 2011

That’s great that she is expanding her daughter to healthy foods at such a young age! It also is very helpful so you can tell what they’re allergic to.

Daniela on September 23rd, 2011

I agree.

Kat on September 23rd, 2011

Exposing children to healthy food at a young age keeps them from being picky eaters. Children only become picky when they have a choice between breaded fish sticks, and french fries, or backed chicken and broccoli.

Parents are the ones who choose their little one’s diets. If you choose to feed them junk, don’t expect them to want to eat their veggies. They won’t. So, if you never feed them cookies, and chips and soda, and candy, they won’t want those things, because they never tasted them. They will WANT the veggies…maybe even ones you, yourself don’t like.

Example, my neighbors toddler used to eat EVERY veggie or fruit put in front of him. His dad gave him chips and Oreos one day, and now he won’t eat anything but junk food. His mom gives it him, to keep him from starving. If they would stop giving him junk, he would go back to eating the other stuff because he wouldn’t have a choice. PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR KIDS FOOD CHOICES. Stop using the excuse that they are picky…they will eat whatever YOU give them when they get hungry enough. It’s common sense.

KSG on September 24th, 2011

That’s BS Kat. My kids both ate everything they were given as babies. My son still does. My daughter on the other hand has slowly stopped eating everything but a handful of foods. She wants what she wants. She can be given a very healthy well rounded meal and will pick and choose. She doesn’t cry for oreos and chips–she just picks at her meals.

Just because you give them healthy choices doesn’t mean they are going to eat them. My husband is 41 and still refuses to eat peas or carrots. You can lead a horse to water……..

KC on September 24th, 2011

I couldn’t agree more KSG, I know I was a VERY picky eater as a kid, even though when I was a toddler I loved fruits, veggies, shrimp, etc. But as I got older I became very picky, but not obessed with junk food…just picky. I think people are quick to judge other people’s parenting and that includes what their kids eat. Unless you have a truly picky kid, you just don’t understand.

My parents always made sure I got the nutrients I needed and I always had to have a glass of milk at dinner, even though I hated it. And when I got older, if I didn’t like the meal we were having, I just had to make my own. And now that I’m an adult there are still foods that I don’t like, but I would definitely not consider myself a picky eater. I love every kind of foreign food, especially Indian and Thai.

You just have to give your kids time and they’ll open up there palatte. I’ve known a lot of picky eaters, but I’ve never known one that didn’t get less picky as they grew up.

Sandy on September 24th, 2011

That isn’t true, Kat. All of my kids have been exposed to a variety of interesting and healthy foods from the start, and yet I have one who is VERY picky. He doesn’t like sauces or dips or condiments. He doesn’t like certain textures. While some picky eaters are made, some are born.

anya on September 24th, 2011

Yeah I agree with most everyone else here

I always had the theory that Kat has BEFORE kids. Now I have my boy and we restrict sweets. He is almost 2 and is just now tasting ice cream, pretzels ect. Has never had soda and doesn’t drink juice.

I was soooo proud because all he has ever eaten was veggies and whole wheat bread and fruits but now suddenly he has no interest in it. I’ve finally found he will eat hotdogs. So hotdogs it is this week. We always offer the healthy food first but if he chooses not to eat it I have my back ups.

IZZN on September 25th, 2011

Sounds like a good first time mom and healthy eating is so important. Just hope that baby is getting plenty of good protein too, even if it isnt trendy right now. Growing kids need protein for healthy brain development, among other things. I also love it that I have no idea what that child looks like or other too-personal info on her; good job on the famous parents for maintaining her privacy.

Katie on September 25th, 2011

So happy for her! My son has always eaten his fruits and veggies. Only thing he doesn’t like a lot of is cheese or mac and cheese believe it or not. But he loves his milk! Glad to hear celebrities and going that extra mile to get their kids to eat healthy and stay on track with that. So important!

LAURA on September 25th, 2011

Serving healthy choices does not guarantee that a child will not be a picky eater. Some kids are super picky when they’re young and grow out of it later. Some are not picky and then become picky …. it all depends. Tell me please ……… should babies have sushi?

Amanda on September 25th, 2011

I agree in the fact that children need to enjoy different tastes and eat as healthy as possible, BUT I can’t get past the fact that when she was filming “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” that she dissed North Carolina and said it was a hick state that fried everything. Didn’t your mother ever teach you if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all?? Sorry that North Carolina’s hospitality didn’t suit your snooty needs.

Flipper on September 25th, 2011

sushi is dangerous for young children, alot of it can contain parasites and childrens immune systems cant fight off something like this

dsfg on September 25th, 2011

When her daughter grows up and decides to eat the “forbidden” foods, she’s going to get fat because her body won’t be used to eating junk.

lmstate on September 25th, 2011

All of you are right including Kat. Kat’s group do get messed by exactly what she said. However, the other parents are also correct.

For some reason they do got real picky. In Kat’s scenario – it is harder to get back to a healthy lifestyle. She was right about everything there. But, the other parents – frankly your kids will return with a lot less drama to a well-rounded diet.

Example, Example, example…your children will follow what they see and are taught.

You can look at the science – common sense always beats out over-compensation/spoiling. Good luck everyone!

Cinder Lou on September 25th, 2011

There needs to be a bit more education about sushi out there. People for some reason have this idea that sushi is just rolls, so they think sushi rolls are healthy. It really depends on the roll, but most of the rolls that Americans typically order are smothered in sauce and thus usually not healthy. So unless the rolls you’re getting are sauceless, they’re probably pretty fattening. One typical Americanized sushi roll (something like a Dragon roll) can be up to 800 calories… maybe even more. So … moderation when it comes to sushi … for all of us!

Jester on September 25th, 2011

How great that a 2 year old will drink green juice. I won’t even drink it. I can barely get V8 Juice down.

Kim on September 25th, 2011

Should a baby really be eating raw fish?

Whitney on September 25th, 2011

Before I had children and when my first child was a baby I thought like Kat too. I thought, “How hard could it be to raise a healthy eater? Just give the child healthy food and don’t offer unhealthy food.” That sounds logical enough, right?

When my firstborn was old enough to start eating solids, I gave him only healthy food. He didn’t eat much. It didn’t surprise me much because he had never really been much of an eater, even his mommy milk and formula didn’t interest him much. We always had to strongly encourage him to drink.

One evening at a church activity he was in the nursery and was introduced to goldfish crackers for the first time. He was STUFFING HIS MOUTH FULL as if he’d been starving his entire life and was finally given food for the first time.

Watching him hungrily stuff his mouth full of junk food made me cry, and from that moment on, I learned that I was just going to have to feed him junk if I ever hoped for him to eat.

Now he’s 8, and a few months ago he asked for some fresh baby spinach, then he ate it by the handfuls. Parenting isn’t easy, but eventually our efforts do pay off here and there in tiny ways.

Louise on September 25th, 2011

If you don’t have junk in your home, then how are your kids going to eat it? Yes, there are some picky eaters. But there are also parents out there that facilitate that.

I have seen several friends cook different meals for their kids (usually unhealthy bs like chicken nuggets and fries) because they won’t eat the regular meal. At my house, I cook very healthy (we juice every single day as well and easily eat 10-12+ servings of fruit/veggies a day). And if the kids don’t like it, I am sure as heck not making them another meal.

I have 3 children and not one of them are picky eaters but I also feel not coddling children with food helps that. If your kids are eating a bunch of junk, STOP BUYING IT. You as parents are responsible for what goes in their mouths

Cathy on September 25th, 2011

I agree with you completely Kat, and may I add that people who cater to their kids ‘pickiness’ drives me insane!

alicejane on September 25th, 2011

Amanda, she was 20 years old when she filmed I Know What You Did Last Summer. She’s 34 now. That was nearly half a lifetime ago for her. I’m not saying it wasn’t rude of her to say; it was, but maybe it’s time to let it go? I’m from Canada, and when I was young I used to travel to Saskatchewan every year, and I hated it. I thought it was hick. I’m older now and realize I was naive and rude and I was in Saskatchewan this summer and loved it.

When my nephew started eating solids my sister and her husband fed him very healthy food, the same stuff they were eating. When he hit two he went through a very, very picky phase where he only wanted to eat white things like pasta, bread…. we were lucky if he’d even eat eggs. Then one day the switch flipped and he’ll eat anything and everything again.

Every kid is different, and it’s always possible Charlotte will go through the same type of phase but I think it’s awesome that she’s being exposed to all these great foods! Treats are good every now and then, but when a kid’s daily meals consist of fast food and Kraft Dinner it’s sad.

JM on September 25th, 2011

I am a pediatric occupational therapist. I work with little ones that have HUGE food issues. A lot of the times kiddos who are “picky eaters” tend to have undiagnosed food allergies or have very irregular digestive systems. They have learned via trial and error that eating is a painful experience, minus the foods they CAN eat.

I also work with children with sensory processing issues, which affects their eating as well. A lot of children with sensory processing issues have difficulty tolerating textures, the “spiciness” of food, at times even the temperatures of food. While children are notoriously picky eaters, you have to rule out certain issues before you deem a child being stubborn or a parent being “lazy.”

As for Sarah Michelle Gellar, I think it is fantastic she is letting her little one try new things. As long as she checks in with her child’s doctor, her diet shouldn’t be that much of an issue.

BTW– I was one of those notorious “picky eaters.” I am proud to say that I am a vegetarian that inhales veggies, beans, and whole wheat like it’s my job. People can change =)

Lala on September 25th, 2011

Regarding Kat’s post – I had a friend growing up, that was not allowed to drink sugary drinks, or eat any type of sweet. While that’s how her mom chose to raise her, that is not how she chooses to raise her own children.

In regards to sugar, everything in moderation. You need to teach them limits and boundaries – not just deprive them. Depriving them will only cause them to rebel later on.

Most the time, children become picky eaters, as a way to be in control. They control what goes in their mouths. It doesn’t matter what you put on their plates.

My son LOVES fruit and most vegetables. I feed him a variety of foods – and he has to at least taste new things. If he doesn’t like it, then I don’t force him to eat it. Also, forcing your kids to clear their plate, can lead to over eating in the future. If they don’t want to eat, at least tell them they need to eat as many bites as their age.

tina on September 25th, 2011

can young kids eat sushi like that? sounds unsafe

Halee on September 25th, 2011

Feeding an infant Sushi or raw fish is a ticket for disaster.

And too much of the ‘green stuff’can make a child nauseous.

What is in this woman’s head???

LAURA on September 25th, 2011

NEVER SERVE SUSHI TO VERY YOUNG CHILDREN! DO YOUR RESEARCH “HEALTH” MAGAZINE!

Shelly on September 25th, 2011

I’m a vegan and I eat sushi. Not all sushi has raw fish.. some sushi is just veggies and some has cooked fish or even cooked beef so don’t assume it’s all raw.

Shelly on September 25th, 2011

Not all sushi has raw fish. I am vegan and I eat sushi. I have veggie sushi. Also, many varieties contain cooked fish or even cooked beef.

Jenna on September 25th, 2011

To all of you criticizing the sushi, only maybe a third of the sushi rolls at most places these days are raw. Most of it is cooked shrimp, crab, eel and veggies like cucumber and avocado.

SherriP on September 25th, 2011

Parents have to have some control, but it’s important to remember your kids go to places other than your homes. If your kid is never exposed to sweets or any sort of sugar, and then goes to a friends house and is, you bet that kid is going to over indulge. It’s like, you have your kids and they don’t play with things all over your house, because they are used to it, some new kids comes to your house and has a hey day, the same applies to food.

David on September 25th, 2011

The less apt parent’s thinly veiled attempts to assuage their own sense of responsibility is heartbreaking. There’s never a good excuse for allowing your children to eat junk. You are solely responsible for establishing your child’s palate for nourishing, healthy foods. It’s very easy to give in to a child’s demand for sugar… it’s so much more difficult to tough it out and spend the time teaching your child how to have a healthy life. Shame on you you, junk-pushers. It’s now going to be incredibly hard to adjust your child’s diet, but if you love them you can do it.

Devon on September 25th, 2011

I agree that some kids are just picky eaters….but that doesn’t mean they have to eat junk. My 4yo was easy; she ate whatever I gave her and loves healthy foods. My 2yo is another story. He hates green beans and won’t touch cooked spinach, among other random things. But he sure as heck doesn’t get french fries or chicken fingers as an alternative.

First, I can just as easily make him one of the healthy options he DOES like. Second, if he “refuses” to eat anything, he certainly isn’t going to starve by skipping part of a meal. Nor is he getting a “reward” of junk food if he has a food-related tantrum. That’s a huge part of parenting, people: making smart decisions despite the roadblocks kids will sometimes give you.

Jillian on September 25th, 2011

Those of you saying sushi is not safe and people should educate……need to be educated. Sushi is not all raw. I know some people who eat sushi and have never eaten one piece of raw fish. So, look into it before telling others they are doing harm.

And if she says sh is eating healthy and eating sushi, then I bet she makes good choices! It is very possible to eat sushi healthy. But of course you can also go very bad!

mo on September 26th, 2011

argh new moms so cocky and silly. every kid eats vegies at 2! see what happens in preschool when the other kids “yuck my yum” and ruin it all. you’ll see then mamacita.

Emma on September 26th, 2011

Kat, do you have kids? You sound like the typical know-it-all that actually knows nothing about having kids first-hand. If you do have kids, you’ve just gotten lucky.

My first son ate every type of baby food I gave him. Then when he was about 2 he decided he didn’t like vegetables and it has been a major battle to get him to just take a bite ever since. He’s 6 now and still holding strong to his anti-vegetable thing.

My second son hated baby food, but once he started eating real food he’ll eat just about anything. He loves salad, but hates things like cake and pizza. Go figure.

mimi on September 26th, 2011

not all sushi is raw! there’s lots with just veggies, avocado, roasted chicken, cooked tuna, tempura prawns etc. i eat sushi all the time and refuse to eat raw fish.

of course, it isnt a SUPER healthy alternative given how much white rice is used and the amount of soy/terriyaki/wasabi sauce/mayo is added, so it is best eaten in moderation. still a better alternative than mcdonalds or kfc.

TamIAm on September 26th, 2011

My daughter is nearly two and also loves sushi. In fact, I’ve also used the term “inahle” to describe her when we take her out. We never offer her the raw options, but she loves the cooked stuff – California rolls, avocado or dynamite rolls in particular. She also loves dumplings and tempura vegetables and shrimp, which we give her as a treat.

As for healthy eating, I agree that some kids are still choosy no matter how diverse the food is that you offer. I cook healthy meals for my daughter and try to include lots of variety, but often times she rejects it. That being said, I agree that parents are responsible for what their kids eat. Just because a child prefers unhealthy options doesn’t mean they should be offered. We no longer offer a back-up option at mealtimes for our toddler. We have a variety of foods at the table for her to choose from. If she doens’t want any of it, she waits until the next meal or snack, which is also a healthy option.

If a child knows it’s only a matter of time before they’re offered something they like that’s not as healthy as the original option, of course they’ll hold out. Kids are smart and learn routine. They can only eat what we offer them, so if they learn they control mealtimes (ie. mom will give me hot dogs if I reject this chicken or salmon for long enough), of course they’ll do it. So that’s where I disagree with some of the above comments.

Sara on September 26th, 2011

My daughter inhaled all fruits and veggies I made for her until she was 9 months old. I went away for five days, leaving her with her grandmother. When I came back she ate yogurt and drank milk. Only. She is nearly two now and it has been an uphill battle with her since then. As much as I loathe it I often give her chicken nuggets and fries, in desperation. Even then, some days she eats virtually nothing at all. I know what (I won’t be doing) with baby no.2 )

Jen on September 26th, 2011

I don’t know about Sushi, as I have never tried it or researched it. At first I didn’t think it was safe for a 2 year old to eat sushi. But it seems as though there are some sushi eaters, including the vegan person, who enjoy it. As I understand it, vegans eat no foods from animals. It would be nice for the article to have been specific as to the type for clarification for us novices reading this. Thanks for teaching me something new today. I honestly thought all sushi was raw fish!

Amanda on September 26th, 2011

Hey Flipper – not all sushi is raw fish. A lot of it’s cooked. I had the same misconception about it until I worked at a sushi restaurant.

Carmen on September 26th, 2011

I hope all you people know that sushi can kill a 2 year old child! This is not healthy eating for a toddler is toxicity eating because of the raw fish in sushi! Stopp the nonesense ladies!

Allie on September 26th, 2011

Like some said it really depends on the sushi…if she’s giving her 2 year old raw fish she should probably stop. I highly doubt she is though..no one can be THAT stupid. Good for her though. However letting your kid enjoy a treat once in awhile is a good idea too. Not saying give them candy once a week…but if you don’t let them experience the “bad” stuff sometimes they will grow up and go wild with it when they are older. Everything in moderation. It’s good to see though………..getting a bit upset with the fat 2 year olds i see at the malls with a huge ice cream and chocolate all over their face (yuck!). Hopefully Sarahs little girl grows up to be health centered but not body centered. There is a difference.

Allie on September 26th, 2011

I should mention that I’ve witnessed children screaming in the malls I worked at and their parents giving in and getting them said ice cream……that’s pretty bad like ok a treat once in awhile sure. But letting your kid walk all over you while it’s 2 and the size of a 4 year old really is not good….

Betty on September 26th, 2011

chances are the sushi is what you would find at a Hy-Vee or grocery store. Cooked impersination crab meat for the kiddo. They do have childrens sushi which contains the taste, but none of the same “dangers” associated with the adult version. We get it for our daughter so she can feel apart of the group, but we know that her body can handle the food. Its like sticky rice, impersination crab meat stuff and veggies. Do no be so quick to judge them, parents like these 2 would know what is and is not good for their child.

Annie on September 26th, 2011

Not every child has the ability to eat these type of foods. I’m the mother of two and my oldest child who is five years old has been struggling with selective eating disorder since she was 2. I really do get overwhelmed at times reading these stories. I would however love to see articles on a celebrity mom who’s child is refusing to eat. Cooking five to six meals a day can be difficult and expensive for the average family. So now even more a celebrity who has it all and whose child has the perfect diet. I guess some people really can have the best of the best.

LM on September 26th, 2011

Kat..you are an idiot!! You can’t make that assumption at all..sounds like you are not a parent whatsoever!! Thanks JM for pointing out issues that some kids have in regards to eating! My daughter was diagnosed with sensory issues due to different textures including food. We had to take her to occupational therapy for six months to work on this sensory issues including eating food that she was not necessarily wanting to eat due to the texture of the food. It’s a slow process..but she is getting better and just started eating green beans!!

Trish on September 26th, 2011

Sarah Michelle Gellar is a sweetheart…but here’s hoping she gave her child veggie rolls instead of the raw fish stuff. A bit of a risk giving a baby sushi.

katie on September 26th, 2011

Like many people have pointed out already, not all sushi is raw fish. Children can, however, eat certain types of raw fish and seafood safely. You just have to know what types of fish are appropriate and go to a restaurant where it is handled properly. There are cultures in this world where raw fish is a diet staple and they do perfectly fine.

I’m a mother as well as a pediatrician, and I would much rather feed my children safely prepared raw sushi than fried fish sticks from a freezer. (Although sometimes fish sticks are mighty tasty and a guilty pleasure!)

annie on September 26th, 2011

Well said Devon.

Grace on September 27th, 2011

@dsfg: I don’t know where you’re getting your information from, but that’s the most ridiculous argument for feeding a kid junk food that I have ever heard.

MamaToPickyEater on September 29th, 2011

It’s obvious that those people on here who are criticizing those parents that give their picky eaters food that they don’t agree with have never come in contact with a truly picky eater. I’m not talking about a kid that doesn’t like vegetables or fruits, I’m talking about a child that will literally not eat ANYTHING.

I’m the mother to a 2 and a half year old and we’ve struggled with this on a daily basis. Yes, I have my research and taken her to plenty of doctors. She does have some minor food allergies that affect her digestion as well as sensory issues with certain food textures. Guess what? She LOVES chicken nuggets and french fries (gasp!) so I make them for her…literally from scratch with the healthiest options I can find for her WHEN I can find them.

I’ve cried many nights over this, yet one of the best solutions I’ve found to her food issues is to not make a big deal out of it at all. Her pediatrician tells me that yes, she may be a little small and have a bothersome eating issues but she is one of the happiest, smartest toddlers he’s come into contact with and dang if I couldn’t agree more

heather on September 29th, 2011

“When her daughter grows up and decides to eat the “forbidden” foods, she’s going to get fat because her body won’t be used to eating junk.”

are you serious?