Savannah Guthrie Reveals Her Secret to Getting Her Kids to Eat Broccoli (Exclusive)
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Savannah Guthrie, the beloved co-anchor of Today, recently shared some parenting insights with PEOPLE at the launch event for the show’s new cookbook, “Today Loves Food: Recipes from America’s Favorite Kitchen.” The 53-year-old mum opened up about the challenges she faces in getting her 8-year-old son, Charley, to eat his fruits and vegetables, a task she describes as no small feat.

According to Guthrie, Charley is a picky eater who sticks to just three types of food, with specific requirements on how they are cut. She recalls, “Not only is he a picky eater who eats three things, but things have to be cut in the right way! So I can get him to eat strawberries, but the lines have to be this way [when I cut]. And he hovers over me and says, ‘Smaller, smaller, mom!’ And then he branched out to cantaloupe, and I was so excited. And then he said, ‘Mom, cut it smaller like the strawberries!'”

Guthrie, who shares Charley and her 10-year-old daughter Vale with husband Mike Feldman, further explained that her kids have a particular penchant for small portions. She revealed, “They only eat broccoli — it’s the only vegetable they will actually even consider, and they complain about it. But they will try no other vegetables. So they get three, tiny little trees that are really a sub-flora of broccoli. In fact, it’s amazing that [my kids] are still growing!”
In contrast to veggies, Vale and Charley prefer what Guthrie refers to as “beige food,” with a strong inclination towards items like “chicken fingers.” Craig Melvin, Guthrie’s co-anchor, shared a similar experience with his daughter Sybil, who he says considers dishes fancy if they contain more than one ingredient. Melvin humorously notes, “She considers something fancy if there’s more than one ingredient in it. So, ‘Daddy, I don’t want that. It’s too fancy,’ and I’m like, ‘It’s broccoli and cheese!’ But my son will eat a lot of different things.”
The launch of “Today Loves Food: Recipes from America’s Favorite Kitchen” was inspired by the show’s love for cooking segments, featuring recipes from all the anchors and contributions from renowned chefs, including Ina Garten. The cookbook is now available and promises a delightful culinary experience for fans.
Savannah Guthrie’s candid revelations shed light on the everyday struggles faced by parents when it comes to managing their children’s eating habits. Despite the challenges, Guthrie’s creative approach to preparing vegetables like broccoli showcases the lengths parents go to ensure their kids maintain a healthy diet.
The stories shared by Guthrie and Melvin about their children’s food preferences resonate with many families navigating mealtimes with picky eaters. The humorous anecdotes serve as a reminder that parenting is a journey filled with surprises, even when it comes to something as seemingly simple as getting children to eat their vegetables.
As Guthrie continues to balance her role as a TV host with her duties as a mother, her insights into family life offer a glimpse into the relatable challenges faced by many parents. By sharing her experiences, she connects with audiences on a personal level, demonstrating that even celebrities face the same everyday hurdles as everyone else.
