**Maria Menounos Discusses Sugar-Free Diet for Daughter Athena on Heal Squad Podcast**
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Former E! News correspondent Maria Menounos has opened up about her decision to keep her daughter, Athena, on a strict sugar-free diet. In a recent episode of her podcast, *Heal Squad*, Menounos spoke to Jeannie Mai about the health implications that have guided her parenting choices, particularly in relation to her family’s history of diabetes.
Menounos, 47, who shares Athena with her husband, Keven Undergaro, explained that her approach is largely shaped by her own experiences with diabetes, as well as those of her family members, including her father and brother. “We don’t eat any sugar,” she stated, reflecting on the importance of instilling healthy eating habits in her daughter from a young age.
The conversation revealed Menounos’s commitment to providing a clean diet for Athena, consisting primarily of proteins, vegetables, and fruits. “How?” Mai asked, prompting Menounos to elaborate further on her family’s healthcare background. “Because I’m diabetic. My dad’s diabetic, my brother’s diabetic. We have so much diabetes in my family, so I’m teaching her to eat really clean because I have the option. She has zero option as a kid.”
Menounos emphasised the urgency with which she approaches her daughter’s nutrition. Understanding that she may not always have control over Athena’s diet as she grows, she expressed her determination to establish a solid foundation. “At some point, I’m not going to have the same kind of control, so it’s just protein, vegetables, yeah that’s it.”
When Mai inquired whether fruits are included in Athena’s diet, Menounos confirmed, sharing some of her creative approaches to offer healthy snacks. She mentioned making homemade popsicles using pureed strawberries and watermelon juice and shared a recent attempt at cottage cheese crust pizzas that Athena, interestingly, did not seem to enjoy.
The discussion turned to social situations where sweets are present, such as birthday parties. Menounos recounted a recent experience, noting that while they had attended only one such gathering, Athena showed no interest in the cake. “She didn’t want any of the stuff. And she’ll say, ‘I don’t like cake with sugar,’” Menounos noted. Her laughter indicated a sense of pride in her daughter’s indifference towards sugary treats.
Emphasising her guiding principle, Menounos described her approach to parenting as one focused on laying down a healthy foundation for Athena. “I’m going to build this foundation as strong as I can, knowing that she’s got my blood and we’ve had so many things. I’m like, I have to be super super careful with her,” she explained.
In her lifestyle, Menounos has also ensured that Athena stays hydrated with healthy drinks. When Mai asked about her daughter’s beverage choices, Menounos revealed, “Nope, just water. Oh, actually, she loves sparkling water,” which runs counter to the typical sugary juices often offered to young children.
Mai further acknowledged the potential benefits of Menounos’s strategies, suggesting that they could prevent Athena from developing habits leading to diabetes. Menounos agreed, explaining, “We have insulin resistance. And plus, it’s just the healthier way to be. So I’m like, if I can do it right now… I would not have been like this if the s— didn’t hit the fan.”
Ultimately, Menounos’s reflections on health and nutrition underscore a growing trend among parents who are increasingly conscientious about their children’s diets. Her proactive measures against sugar intake serve not only her daughter’s wellbeing but potentially create a lasting legacy of health consciousness within their family dynamic.
Through her candid discussions on *Heal Squad*, Menounos has sparked conversations about diet, health, and the complexities of parenting in an age where sugary treats are ubiquitous. As she continues to navigate her unique journey as a mother, her insights reaffirm the importance of making informed choices—particularly when a family history of health issues is at stake.