Padma Lakshmi Opens Up About Her Daughter's "Strict" Eating Habits

Padma Lakshmi is a discerning judge on Bravo's Top Chef. And at home, she also makes sure the meals that come out of her own kitchen uphold certain standards. 

When dishing with Parents about the way she and her daughter maintain a balanced diet, she said, "There are a lot of things I’m not strict about, like bedtime, but I’ve always been pretty strict about what [my daughter Krishna eats]."

Padma elaborated on what exactly their diet looks like.

"I believe you set a child’s eating patterns by the time they’re four or five, and the best way to get a child to eat healthily is to eat well yourself. We try to keep our diet 50 percent fruits and vegetables, and Krishna knows that I’ll look over her plate."

That doesn't mean that Padma's not open to the occasional indulgence, however. (As we know, she's mastered the art of late-night nachos.) "Mainly, I stress balance," the foodie said. "Last night we had takeout pizza, and Krishna finished it off with Häagen-Dazs, so for the next couple of days we’ll have to be healthier."

Padma also revealed that her 10-year-old is becoming quite the top chef, herself. "The other day I wasn’t feeling well,” she says. “And all by herself, Krishna made a dish of couscous, vegetables, and Sriracha butter that was exactly what I wanted to eat.”