Maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle involves eating the right food; but while many of us think that our meals help us achieve our fitness goals, often, that is not the case. In our new Food Log series, we ask a nutritionist to assess a regional influencer’s daily diet to find out what she is eating right and where she can improve.
To kick off the series and with the help of Dubai-based nutritionist James Heagney, we take a look at the daily food log of makeup expert and beauty mogul Huda Kattan.
Heagney is a fully CISSN certified sports nutritionist and founder of the swanky executive gym, D5 Dubai, in DIFC. For the last 10 years, he’s been working with clients who want fast but safe fat loss results from a body composition perspective. His methods include fixing the gut, effectively cleansing the liver, removing environmental pollutants, and detoxifying estrogens—a common issue with females—to holistically heal the entire body.
Breakfast
Homemade chia seed pudding with coconut milk and brown sugar (or agave syrup), topped with raspberries.
Our nutritionist says: This is the main part that I would alter in her food log. Opting for a protein source, such as salmon, would boost her intake while also providing the body with omega-3 oils, which have many fantastic benefits. I would then select a good fat, such as avocado, as it provides an excellent source of monounsaturated fats and also a sizeable hit of fiber. Avocado is a genuine superfood.
Lunch
A beetroot, spinach, avocado, and chicken (sometimes) salad with lemon dressing.
Afternoon Snack
22 Days Nutrition vegan protein bars from the USA (a favorite of Beyoncé and JLo).
Our nutritionist says: Typically protein bars, unless homemade, tend to be glorified chocolate bars loaded with soya proteins and hidden sugars. The 22 Days Nutrition vegan bars, however, pass the inspection.
Dinner
Chicken breast, steamed basmati rice with coconut oil to give it a tropical flavor, and steamed green beans with truffle oil, topped with shaved parmesan and pink Himalayan salt.
Our nutritionist says: I like the gluten-free approach for its anti-inflammatory and gut health protective qualities. Huda’s approach to dinner, that is including coconut and truffle oil, is a good example of how to bring that restaurant flavor to the table while staying healthy.
Evening Snack
The Bodyism’s Clean and Lean Serenity shake; it contains calcium, magnesium, and chamomile to promote a restful and rejuvenating sleep. Restorative amino acids encourage muscle recovery, support the immune system, and help the body recover from stress.
Our nutritionist says: One of my favorite parts is allowing dessert as a treat while still nourishing the body. A high protein vegan-based chocolate drink with natural herbs is designed to help the body unwind. Glutamine has fantastic healing properties for the gut lining. Using natural herbal formulas is something I encourage with many clients, as this can be a real game changer in today’s fast-paced life.
Conclusion
This is an excellent nutritional plan with plenty of thought put into every meal. Huda has selected a wide variety of foods, which are loaded with phytonutrients, minerals, and antioxidants.
One of the first things I look for in a nutrition plan is the inclusion and priority of protein sources. Typically, females tend to under-eat when it comes to their daily protein intake, sometimes underestimating its importance. For example, proteins (amino acids) provide the body with the nutrients needed for effective liver detoxification. If the body is lacking in protein, your rate of effective detoxification will be compromised.
Exercise
The beauty maven’s fitness routine includes a daily high-intensity 30-minute workout on the recline bike. She includes a series of arm
