Zooey Deschanel Reveals Her Children Provide Creative Fuel for Her New Series

By TS Lustgarten , Parent Herald May 29, 10:57 am

Photo: (Photo : TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)

Zooey Deschanel, the renowned actress and star of the hit show "New Girl," recently opened up about how her children have inspired her new show, "What Am I Eating?" In an exclusive interview with TODAY.com, Deschanel discussed her passion for food and the motivation behind creating the informative and entertaining series.

According to Today, Deschanel's journey into exploring food and its origins began six years ago when she, along with Matthew Segal and Jarrett Moreno, founders of Candle Media's Attn, created the web series "Your Food's Roots." The series aimed to raise awareness about mindful consumption and educate viewers about where their food comes from.

From "New Girl" to Food Advocate: How Zooey Deschanel's Kids Sparked Her Culinary Journey

Now, in 2023, Deschanel is excited to present "What Am I Eating?" a revamped version of her previous series. This new show incorporates expert interviews to delve deeper into the complexities of our food system and offer smarter approaches to cooking.

According to Yahoo News, the actress shared that becoming a mother sparked her curiosity about food even more. She realized that food not only nourishes our bodies but also brings people together. Deschanel expressed her frustration with finding answers to her own questions about food, particularly when dining out. She often wondered about the origin of the ingredients used in restaurants but found that the staff couldn't always provide satisfactory answers. This curiosity and the desire to find answers for herself became the driving forces behind her new show.

Deschanel, known for her adventurous palate, revealed that her children, unfortunately, tend to be picky eaters. However, she personally enjoys trying new foods and experimenting in the kitchen. At home, she opts for simple yet delicious dishes. While Deschanel and her family were vegetarians for a significant period, they now incorporate fish into their meals. She frequently prepares vegetarian dishes, fish, pasta, roasted vegetables, salads, and soups. Cooking has become a passion for her, and she finds joy in the process.

Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott Balance Cooking and Cleaning

During the interview, Deschanel also mentioned her boyfriend, Jonathan Scott of "Property Brothers" fame, who joined her in celebrating the premiere of "What Am I Eating?" While Scott enjoys eating, Deschanel takes on the role of the primary cook in their relationship. She acknowledged Scott's culinary skills but emphasized her own enthusiasm for cooking. As a team, they divide tasks, with Deschanel taking charge of cooking and Scott handling the cleanup duties.

According to Market Watch, Deschanel described "What Am I Eating?" as a fun and informative culinary journey that the whole family can enjoy. The show consists of six episodes, each focusing on a specific food-related topic. The first episode, titled "Big, Fat Lies," explores the best fats and oils for a healthy diet. Other episodes cover subjects such as organic versus non-organic foods, greens, cereal, grains, and chocolate.

The primary goal of the show, according to Deschanel, is to ignite curiosity about food, encourage viewers to try new things, and provide them with valuable information in an engaging and entertaining manner. Deschanel emphasized that the show is not about shaming others for their food choices but rather about inspiring and exciting people to make informed decisions about what they consume.

"What Am I Eating?" is now available for streaming on Max, offering viewers the opportunity to embark on a flavorful adventure while learning more about the food they eat.