Gisele Bündchen is presently engaged in promoting her upcoming cookbook, Nourish: Simple Recipes To Empower Your Body & Feed Your Soul, a collaborative effort with experienced cookbook author Elinor Hutton.
In a recent discussion with Harper’s Bazaar for her feature in the February 2024 Joy Issue, the Horizontina, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil native delves into her new role as a single mother post her separation and subsequent divorce from former NFL star Tom Brady, 46.
As she reflects on the dynamics of her transformed household with 14-year-old son Benjamin and 11-year-old daughter Vivian, especially now that her eldest is approaching the age when she left home, Bündchen emphasizes the importance of equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate life independently.
Part of the ethos she aims to instill in her children’s lives is encapsulated in the phrase, ‘The way you make your room, the way you organize and make your bed is the way you’re going to do your life.’ She stresses the significance of learning in the present moment, questioning, ‘If you’re not learning here and now, then when and with who?’
Despite the adjustments in her blended family, notably the divorce and the addition of a second home, Bündchen has observed some resistance from her children.
‘Sometimes, I get pushback, especially because now they’re in two different homes and there are two different ways. But I feel like I owe it to my kids, because of what my mom taught me,’ the 43-year-old mother of two shared regarding her parenting approach.
In reality, Bündchen has long played the role of a mother of three, having been a stepmother to Brady’s 16-year-old son, Jack, from his previous relationship with actress Bridget Moynahan, 52.
With Benjamin transitioning into his teenage years and Vivian following closely behind, the renowned model and entrepreneur is committed to ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive in their personal and professional endeavors.
Despite the challenges, Bündchen remains steadfast in her dedication to nurturing their blended family life and disregards external opinions, asserting, ‘I can’t really worry about what other people say about me because what they say about me is none of my business.’
Inspired by her parents’ health struggles in later years, Bündchen is motivated to prioritize her well-being and make proactive choices for a healthier future. She emphasizes the invaluable nature of health, stating, ‘You can have all the money in the world. If you don’t have your health, it’s not possible to buy it back.’
Recognized for her enduring influence, Forbes has consistently ranked the iconic model as the highest-paid in the industry from 2002 to 2016.
Looking ahead, Bündchen intends to share her victories, setbacks, and aspirations as she embraces a healthier and more fulfilling life journey.
Nourish: Simple Recipes To Empower Your Body & Feed Your Soul, set to release on March 26, caters to families seeking to incorporate nutritious meals into their weekly routine—reflecting the wholesome approach Bündchen adopts for her own children.
Acknowledging varying financial circumstances, Bündchen assures that the recipes in Nourish are inclusive and accessible to all individuals.
While the focus remains on abundant fresh produce, the cookbook also features versatile ingredients like nuts, beans, oats, seeds, quinoa, and wild rice, complemented by animal proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
Expressing gratitude to Harper’s Bazaar for the opportunity, Bündchen took to Instagram to thank the publication and share insights about her new cookbook, Nourish.
Additionally, she credited her glam team for their contributions to the Harper’s Bazaar feature: Photographer: @luisalbertorodriguezstudio, Stylist: @mr_carlos_nazario, Creative Director: @lauragenninger, Hair: @jimmypaulhair, Makeup: @yad1m, and Manicure: Andréa J. Vieira of @thenailsaloon.
Bündchen and Brady’s relationship began in December 2006 after being introduced on a blind date, culminating in their wedding in February 2009 at St. Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica, California, followed by a second ceremony in Costa Rica two months later.
After 13 years of marriage, the couple decided to part ways, finalizing their divorce in October 2022.
The Harper’s Bazaar February 2024 Joy Issue will be available on newsstands in the U.S. on Tuesday, January 30th.