What makes you feel healthy?
Exercise, sleep, and a lot of water! (And brushing my teeth – I have a weird obsession.)
Is there a link between what you eat and how you’re feeling?
Absolutely, through my skin more than anything. My skin is very sensitive to certain foods. With some roasted nuts and oily foods, my skin goes crazy. I have a great relationship with food which also means I know when to stop when I am full – although I have also learned to stop when I’m almost full to let my stomach catch up to my brain. I find that when I over-eat I tend to be more sluggish, especially during the day!
The Good Life Eatery
What do you believe are the cornerstones of a healthy, balanced diet?
Green vegetables, protein and a lot of water. I think it’s not only what you eat, but what you don’t eat or avoid. It’s easier said than done to avoid processed food because it’s accessible and cheap but I think cutting it out is the key to leading a healthy balanced diet.
There’s no harm in having the occasional indulgent meal because your body is craving it. Go for it – just don’t let it be from a box that goes into the microwave and contains more salt than you should be having in a week.
“I know the foods that make me feel good and energised and what foods don’t really work for me, and I think that’s the most important thing. Obsessing about food can often lead to dangerous, unhealthy habits.”
Does your diet change throughout the year?
I’m fairly consistent. I love anything sour and spicy – lime, vinegar, chilli, mustard! Although in the winter I make a lot more soups and broths, and in summer I eat more salads. I also find that I eat more fruit in summer as well as more cold foods – I like to roast or braise vegetables and then eat them at room temperature.
“I go to The Ashram in Mallorca every year, but that’s about the closest thing I have done to a detox programme.”
What do you think are the most nutritious foods?
I think the most nutritious foods are actually the most basic – sustainable/wild fish, organic eggs, green vegetables and water are the most nutritious foods. I don’t take a lot of supplements or superfood powders as I feel I get all my nutrients from the food I eat.
I tend to make extra at night when I’m cooking dinner so I can pop by my house for lunch when it’s too crazy at The Good Life Eatery to get the chefs to make me lunch, which is almost always the case! I also drink four litres of water a day.
What is your food routine?
I eat three meals a day. I don’t eat first thing in the morning; I will have a protein shake or eggs at around 10am. I always have a solid lunch, which is usually a big salad with some sort of protein, and a then a light dinner. I don’t snack too much. I used to, but I found that then I couldn’t stop snacking and I didn’t actually eat real food.
“Green vegetables are some of the most nutritious foods.”
Favourite snacks?
If I am going to have a snack, I am more of a savoury person, so I tend to have cumbers/carrots with hummus or some sort of protein wrapped in lettuce with mustard.
How do you treat yourself in terms of food?
I’m comfortable with my body therefore I am comfortable with food and allow myself the occasional indulgence. I know when I have overindulged so I will just be careful for the next day or two.
“The main success of any diet is that it forces portion control, which most people have no idea about.”
Do you believe in diets or detox programmes?
I do think certain diets and detox programmes work if you are overweight and really struggling to shift weight, but I think the main success of any diet is that it forces portion control, which most people have no idea about. I go to the Ashram in Mallorca every year, but that’s about the closest thing I have done to a detox programme. It’s my favourite week of the year!
“I wear a lot of Nike and I am obsessed with Nike trainers!”
What would be your biggest piece of advice for people looking to kick-start a healthier diet?
Start simple and don’t get overwhelmed by all the different types of foods, diets, eating styles. Leading a healthy life is quite simple and it’s not expensive or scary. It just takes a little bit more time because you aren’t buying ready-made food in a box.
“Leading a healthy life is quite simple and it’s not expensive or scary. It just takes a little bit more time because you aren’t buying ready-made food in a box.”
What is the hardest part of the day for you to avoid temptation?
I would have to say after dinner when I am at home relaxing and watching TV.
Is there anyone you consider a healthy role model?
My mom! She’s 65 and she’s absolutely phenomenal.
How do you stay on track when you travel?
“I also love to go to the Duke of York Square food market on Saturday mornings and buy my veggies, cheeses, fish and meat.” Image credit: murdocklondon.com
I don’t go anywhere without my Nikes!
Do you have a specialty dish?
Depends on who is coming over. I love to make salt-baked sea bass or red snapper. I also make a fantastic “clean” truffle spelt risotto.
How did you learn to cook?
I spent a year and a half at the French Culinary Institute in New York. I then went on to do an 18-month apprenticeship with Daniel Boulud at the three-Michelin star restaurant, Daniel.
What’s your shopping routine?
I order my basics from Ocado; they have a really nice selection of natural and organic products. I really love their range of vegetables called Natoora, which is all seasonal Italian produce. I also love to go to the Duke of York Square food market on Saturday mornings and buy my veggies, cheeses, fish and meat.
“I really love Natoora, which is all seasonal Italian produce.”
What are your pantry essentials?
Quinoa, wild rice, Ortiz tuna, almonds and chilli powder.
Which ingredient was your greatest discovery?
Red chilli – I love spicy!
What’s your exercise routine/schedule?
I work out with a personal trainer for an hour four times a week and I do Pilates once or twice a week. I try to do yoga with my business partner, Yas Larizadeh, sometimes when we can actually find a minute to relax.
What is your greatest motivation to work out when you are feeling sluggish?
Me. I am quite disciplined!
