Looking for some real-life healthy eating tips? We talked to three Instagram stars to find out what they eat daily to keep up with their hectic schedules and maintain their great physiques.
Let’s start with Hannah Barrett, known as Yoga Girl London on Instagram. Hannah, a mom of two, uses her platform to highlight the benefits of yoga. After a demanding finance job and a tough experience with post-natal depression, yoga became her way of finding peace. Today, she’s not only known for her yoga but also for her lean figure. Naturally, we had to ask about her eating habits.
Here’s a glimpse into what a day of eating looks like for Hannah:
– 7:30am, Breakfast: Buckwheat pancakes
– 12pm, Lunch: Poached eggs with boiled sweet potato
– 3pm, Snack: An apple or pear
– 7pm, Dinner: Veggie stir fry with cashew nuts
– 8:30pm, After dinner snack: Some dark chocolate
Hannah believes in keeping meals simple and nutritious. Despite being a fan of easy cooking, she avoids processed foods. For her, preparing wholesome meals quickly is possible using fresh ingredients, and she often refers to cookbooks and online recipes for inspiration. Lunchtime at her house is often shared with her daughter after a full morning of activities. Eggs are a staple in their meals, especially poached or scrambled, as they are protein-rich and aid muscle recovery.
Hannah emphasizes the importance of not restricting herself. In the past, she tried extreme diets and found them unsustainable. Instead, she practices mindful eating—allowing herself treats like chocolate in moderation. She doesn’t skip breakfast as it fuels her busy yoga teaching schedule. She usually enjoys buckwheat pancakes, making them in bulk to freeze for easy access. This not only saves time but is a delight for her kids, especially when topped with nut butter.
For snacks, Hannah prefers green smoothies packed with vegetables and a bit of apple for sweetness. She used to be cautious about sugar but now enjoys fruit in moderation. Pantry staples for Hannah include nut butter, dark chocolate, and plenty of veggies and eggs. She avoids gluten when possible due to bloating but doesn’t stress over occasional consumption. Dairy, however, triggers her IBS, so she opts for alternatives like cashew milk. Her philosophy is to listen to her body and eat accordingly.
Next, we have Laura Hoggins, a personal trainer and founder of the London fitness community, Lifted. Laura, known as @laurabiceps, found happiness in small, sustainable lifestyle changes. Her active lifestyle means she burns a lot of calories each day, so she focuses on eating enough to maintain her energy and support muscle repair.
Laura’s daily eating plan includes:
– 5am, Breakfast: Oats with nut butter and banana
– 10am, Snack: Rice cakes with nut butter or chocolate rice cakes
– 1pm, Lunch: Sweet potato and feta frittata
– 3pm, Snack: A banana
– 7pm, Dinner: Poached or grilled cod with veggies and new potatoes
– 9pm, Snack: Carrot stick and hummus
Laura advocates eating to fuel your lifestyle rather than restrictive dieting. Protein is crucial for her energy and muscle health. Eggs are a favorite for their versatility and nutritional value. Preparing meals in advance ensures she’s never without energy-sustaining food. Laura loves breakfasts rich in carbs, such as porridge oats with nut butter. Lunch focuses on protein for muscle support, with eggs being her go-to. She’s not one for “cheat meals,” preferring a balanced approach where pizza or cake is enjoyed without guilt.
She believes carbs are an important part of a diet, as they provide essential energy. Laura prioritizes a protein source in meals, often adding carbs and veggies for balance. Dinner tends to be lighter after a busy day, usually fish with vegetables.
Finally, there’s Rowan Cheshire, a British freestyle skier and two-time Olympian. Her diet revolves around her performance needs, especially around training times.
Here’s what a day looks like for Rowan:
– 7:30am, Breakfast: Omelette with poached salmon
– 10am, Snack: Piece of fruit
– 12pm, Lunch: Chicken breast with vegetables and rice
– 3pm, Snack: English breakfast tea with biscuits
– 7pm, Dinner: Veggie stir fry with quinoa
Rowan begins her day with a protein-rich breakfast, like an omelette with salmon, for energy and muscle recovery. Her performance-based diet means she eats smartly around her training schedule, usually two hours beforehand. She ensures her meals balance all macronutrients needed for her day’s demands. Rowan doesn’t believe in restricting any food group and enjoys carbs and fats in moderation.
Snacks like fruit and carrot sticks with hummus are her go-to choices for quick energy. While vegetables are the cornerstone of her diet, providing necessary nutrients without high calories, meal prepping chicken and veggies helps her stay fuelled and manage portion control effectively.
These insights from Instagram stars show that balanced, nutritious eating doesn’t have to be complicated or restrictive; it’s about finding what works for you and listening to your body’s needs.