The Pregnancy Food Rule Joanna Gaines Never Breaks

In 2018, famous Fixer Upper-s Chip and Joanna Gaines welcomed a new son, Crew, to their crew, bringing their total number of children to a nice, round five. This means many things: that Crew better love hand-me-downs, that the family now needs to buy out a full row on a transatlantic flight, and that Joanna Gaines basically has a Ph.D. in pregnancy. So, if America's favorite home renovator has advice for eating smart while carrying a child, we're here for it.

"For the most part, I just try to eat a lot of protein during the day," Gaines told Health in an interview just before Crew was born. "And then not too many carbs or I will crash at [sic] and not make it." She went on to emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and said she uses fruit for a quick sugar rush when she's craving something sweet. "But typically with sweets," Gaines added, "I go all out. If you're going to make the cake, just make the cake." As if you didn't already adore the woman.

It's all about balance and flexibility

Gaines knew how important snacking is in the life of a pregnant lady and told Health that she never left home without a few healthy options tucked into her purse for emergencies. "I'm just always hungry and then I get full really fast," she explained. Gaines is all about balance though, and pointed out that what really worked for her was flexibility: "I just learned with four kids and one more on the way you gotta make it a little more flexible, have fun with it."

The Gaines family strategy – to relax and enjoy the ride – is definitely working out for them. After a year out of the spotlight, Joanna and Chip recently returned with almost as many exciting announcements as they have children. The couple is still happily adjusting to life with Crew, as they simultaneously promote Chip's new book and the team's new network, Magnolia, which debuts on discovery+ this summer (via Showbiz Cheat Sheet). Any...other announcements? "I love the process of being pregnant. I love giving birth," Gaines told the Today show in 2018 (via USA Today). Fingers crossed she's got enough snacks for whatever comes their way!