Mom Muse | Danielle McPartlin

There’s nothing like having health issues to force us to make a life change, especially when we have kids. Can you remember when you last took the day off to “lounge” in bed when you were sick or tired? Not an option. When actress Danielle McPartlin, mother to two young boys, was faced with constant fatigue and weight struggles stemming primarily from an underactive thyroid disorder, she set out to find a cure. Her story and success are an inspiration to us all, plus a strong reminder that we need to be responsible for our own health!

Married to actor Ryan McPartlin (best known for his role as Captain Awesome on NBC’s hit show Chuck), Danielle has the extra pressure of being photographed regularly on the red carpet, thus looking fit and camera-ready isn’t an option. For years, she bounced between calorie-counting diets that only led to failure and disappointment when her friend shared her own success with the Whole30 lifestyle. Danielle enthusiastically embraced the program. The addition of Paleo-friendly, unprocessed, organic real foods, coupled with the elimination of gluten, set her on the right track towards healing her body. After a short time on the anti-inflammatory diet (plus a regular fitness routine), Danielle improved her sleep, boosted her energy and found herself in the best shape of her life. (Look at her amazing physique??!! Okay, we are sold!)

Danielle’s family and friends (including celebrities) were impressed by her overall transformation and soon began asking her to cook for them. Her unique, healthy, homemade dishes were a hit. Seeing a high demand for this style of cooking and nutrition consulting beyond their circle of friends, Danielle and Ryan launched Plate Therapy, a healthy meal-delivery service. Soon, Danielle and her partner, celebrated contemporary chef Thatcher Mills, moved out of their home kitchens and into a commercial one. Plate Therapy was on its way. Although, her “baby” is expanding quickly, Danielle makes it a priority to stay true to the original boutique business model and provides clients with personal support and encouragement. Ryan stays involved as the company’s Chief Taste Tester, plus manages growth efforts. Right now, Plate Therapy operates solely in the Los Angeles area, but we will be anxiously waiting to hear of their expansion into new markets!

The McPartlin family.

Married since 2002, Ryan and Danielle live with their two sons — Wyatt (9) and Dylan (6) — just outside of Los Angeles in Santa Clarita, California.

MSL: Describe your style in five words or less.
Sloppy, sexy, street chic.

Ryan and Danielle on the red carpet. Photo Credit: Getty Images

MSL: What do you like best about your work?
The thing I LOVE about my job is changing clients’ perspective on food. When I started the Whole30 lifestyle, it was a fun challenge to take comfort food that I use to eat as a kid and adapt them to my new style of eating. Lasagna, stuffed portabella mushrooms and shepherd’s pie are just a few of the beloved meals that I make for my clients.

Danielle with her partner Chef Thatcher Mills.

Delicious, healthy dishes from the Plate Therapy menu.

MSL: What do you see as your biggest challenge?
The same challenge all working moms face — maintaining a good balance between work and family. My challenge is shutting down when it is family time. My kids hate it when I’m distracted by my phone. If I am returning a client’s text or email at a time when all my focus should be on my kids, they call me on it and I love that. It makes me realize that work can wait. I strive to enjoy the present and this time when my kids still want to be around me and talk to me. We all know this won’t last forever!

MSL: What has been the biggest moment of your career so far?
Moving Plate Therapy from my kitchen into the 2,000-square foot kitchen we cook out of today. At that time, I knew it was no longer a hobby and now a real business.

Danielle doing what she loves.

MSL: What’s the one item in your closet you can’t live without, that makes you feel both chic and comfortable?
My Rag & Bone leather jeans. I can throw them on with a t-shirt, fur vest and high tops or wear them to a red carpet event. I live in them!

MSL: Whose style do you most admire and draw inspiration from?
I love the blog Sincerely Jules, and also love model Alessandra Ambrosio. Both ladies look sexy and chic without trying too hard.

MSL: Do you have any tips on how you streamline one’s morning routine?
No, ha! If you have some tips for me, pass them on! It is like a four-alarm fire every morning in my house. My mom always tried to teach me to be organized, and I am getting better and better. By the time my kids are grown and I am retired I hope to have that skill mastered.

MSL: Developing a unique style comes at an early age for some children. Do you let your children choose what they’re going to wear?
My kids have a pretty good sense of style. I still usually lay out what to wear in the morning just to make things a little smoother. The one thing I have passed on to them is a bit of a shoe fetish. They love cool sneaks.

MSL: How do you talk about getting dressed with them?
Just do it!!! My boys like to dilly-dally in the morning. I am constantly reminding Wyatt and Dylan, get your pants on! Are your socks and shoes on??? Get your jacket on! I guess that is part of having two boys. 

MSL: Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to hear.
I love building Lego sets. It is almost therapeutic for me. It is fun for the boys and I to do together.

MSL: What’s your best style advice for other moms?
I have learned that you don’t have to wear expensive everything. I spend my money on my staples. For example, my Rag & Bone leather pants, plus I love nice shoes. The pants and shoes I can wear for years. I find cute tops, sweaters and tees that don’t break the bank and pair them with my expensive staples and I have a great outfit. I know after a few wears I am done with the tops and I don’t feel guilty about not wearing them again.

Danielle and her husband, actor Ryan McPartlin, on the red carpet. This is a great example where she’s wearing an inexpensive dress with nice shoes and looks super glam!! Photo Credit: Getty Images