Kelsea Ballerini, a country music artist, admits to being a caffeine lover and needing her morning coffee to start her day. She has collaborated with The Original Donut Shop Coffee brand to create a “Ballerini Blend” inspired by her favorite coffee treat. Ballerini enjoys adding a touch of sweetness to her coffee to make it feel special, such as a vanilla latte. As a touring musician, she pays close attention to what she eats, treating her body like an athlete. Ballerini ensures she gets enough protein and caffeine to sustain her energy during long nights on tour.
When it comes to food, Ballerini’s approach varies depending on whether she is touring or at home. While on tour, she focuses on maintaining her energy levels and ensuring she has a good carb waiting for her post-performance, often craving pasta. However, when not touring, Ballerini listens to her body and cooks more at home. She has learned to adapt her diet as she has gotten older and has found that different approaches work for different seasons of her life. One of her favorite at-home dishes is chili crunch salmon with sides of vegetables and bone broth rice.
Ballerini’s partner, Chase Stokes, also enjoys cooking, and they take turns in the kitchen depending on where they are staying. When in Charleston, Stokes takes the lead in cooking and has impressed Ballerini with his homemade chimichurri skirt steak. However, when they are in Nashville, Ballerini likes to showcase her cooking skills, particularly when it comes to Italian dishes. She is currently working on perfecting a spicy rigatoni dish, embracing her Italian heritage and taking pride in her cooking abilities.
Ballerini emphasizes the importance of learning what works best for her body and adjusting her diet and exercise routine accordingly. She recognizes the need to care for her body as a touring musician and focuses on maintaining her energy levels through proper nutrition and movement. Ballerini’s connection to food goes beyond just sustenance; she sees cooking as a way to relax, bond with loved ones, and explore her creativity in the kitchen. As she continues to grow and evolve, Ballerini’s approach to food and nutrition reflects her desire to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle while still enjoying the simple pleasures in life, such as a good cup of coffee or a delicious homemade meal.
