Giada De Laurentiis Opens Up About How She Is Navigating Through Life Post-Divorce

— -- Chef Giada De Laurentiis is opening up about moving on after a tough breakup.

De Laurentiis separated from fashion designer husband Todd Thompson in December 2014, after 11 years of marriage, and in the upcoming edition of Dr. Oz's magazine The Good Life, the "Home With Giada" star admitted that she's still figuring out how to navigate life on her own.

“We had been together since I was 19; I’m now 45. That’s a lifetime with someone," said De Laurentiis. "It was a very difficult time. I don’t have the answers; I’m figuring them out as I go. I’m also afraid, like many other women who go through this, and men, too, for that matter.”

The 45-year-old chef explained some of the challenges she has faced since becoming a single working mom, and revealed that she learned to be more independent by believing in her ability to overcome anything.

“I never knew how to hook up a TV; I had alarms going off in the night that I never had to deal with because my ex-husband would handle all that stuff. I can do those things now," said De Laurentiis. "If the water heater breaks, I can handle it. It’s moments like those that wake you up and make you think, ‘Oh, my gosh, I can take care of myself.’"

"Every challenge is an opportunity to become stronger and believe in yourself more," the chef continued. "That’s what it’s about: believing in yourself.”