by Pictured: Actress and ActivatedYou Founder Maggie Q.
From meditation and gua sha to hiking with her dogs and growing her own food, Maggie Q’s passion for holistic wellness is no secret.
The IS Different star has been quite open about her diet and exercise on social media.
In an exclusive Q&A, I had the chance to ask Q how she fuels her body for sustained energy amid an action-packed schedule.
Thank you, The Protégé the actor’s approach to food is extremely balanced, unlike many famous diets that tend to be restrictive, extreme, and sometimes, quite strange.
However, it’s important to check in with a nutritionist before trying any new diet, as everyone has different nutritional needs, metabolism, genetics and lifestyle. Therefore, even identical twins process the same food differently.
That being said, we can probably all take inspiration from Q’s eating habits.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s on her plate:
Breakfast
“I eat very lightly in the morning. I mainly do liquids,” says the 44-year-old actor and founder of ActivatedYou.
Every morning for nearly 20 years, Q has started his day with freshly squeezed green vegetable juice, followed by a cup of tea or coffee.
“Choosing a lighter meal can prevent the sluggishness associated with heavier breakfast options, which increases your overall productivity and well-being,” says nutritionist and health coach Yasmeen Alsumait.
California-based registered dietitian Nicole Ibarra recommends including protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fat as well for a better breakfast.
Pre-lunch
Q takes probiotics with one liter of water before lunch.
Probiotics help replenish good bacteria and keep bad bacteria in check. This restores gut balance and keeps it functioning properly, says Dr. Amy Myers, doctor of functional medicine and New York Times wholesale author of The Autoimmunity Solution.
Almost 80% of your immune cells are in the gut. In addition, approximately 95% of your body’s supply of serotonin, aka the ‘happy hormones’, is produced in your gut.
Throwing off the balance of your gut microbiome can lead to a host of health issues, including auto-immunity, depression, anxiety, and leaky gut, explains Dr. Myers.
“Taking a probiotic every day can help keep your microbiome in balance, which promotes optimal digestion and immunity, which are critical to all aspects of your health and well-being,” she says.
However, finding the right type of probiotic is crucial. Dr. Myers recommends talking to your doctor first, to find out what works best for you.
Lunch
“I like big lunches,” says Q, who believes having your biggest meal in the middle of the day can help combat the evening slump.
Alsumait says that having your largest meal at lunchtime has a strategic advantage because it coincides with your body’s natural peak in metabolism and digestive efficiency, which occurs around midday.
If you workout before dinner, Ibarra recommends eating your lunch 3-4 hours before exercise to optimize performance.
Snack time
Q’s go-to snacks include whole fruit, nuts and smoothies.
“I don’t eat bars or crackers, or shop-bought bread or any snacks that come in a bag,” she says.
But that doesn’t mean Q doesn’t indulge now and then. “You prefer pizza, no question. I also love French fries,” she shares.
Research suggests that avoiding your favorite foods altogether is a healthier and more sustainable approach to eating.
However, it is important to practice moderation.
It is well known that a high intake of processed and ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. But, many people may not know how it affects us psychologically, says Avery Zenker, a registered dietitian with Everflex Fitness.
In the short term, it can cause brain fog, fatigue, and mood swings.
In the long run, diets high in ultra-processed foods may increase the risk of depression, anxiety and other mental health issues, Zenker explains.
In addition, ultra-processed foods are often hyper-palatable, which can interfere with hunger signals and make the brain want more. “By prioritizing whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, individuals can better regulate their appetite and support overall health,” says the nutritionist.
Dinner
“Dinner is usually pretty light—mostly protein and vegetables,” Q shares.
“A lighter evening meal can contribute to improved sleep quality, as your body is not tasked with extensive digestion overnight,” says Alsumait.
Maggie Q on her diet philosophy
“When I was younger, I believed that one type of diet was right for everyone. That ‘healthy’ was a little shadow of choice,” says Q. “As I’ve matured and studied more about our biological makeup and how different we all are, I realize there is no such thing,” she says. .
Now, “I listen to my body, and I guide it in the direction that feels good and give it what it asks for,” says the Hawaiian actor.
For those who want to tune in to their body’s hunger cues, certified holistic nutritionist Jamie Maitland recommends practicing mindful eating.
Simply put, it’s about engaging all your physical and emotional senses while eating or drinking. It’s also about paying attention to your food choices and your body’s response to them, without judging them.
A good place to start is to be mindful of what you eat. “If you can recall and write down every bit of food you’ve eaten in a day, you can start to identify specific eating habits that you may need to address,” Maitland explains. .
You can learn more about mindful eating habits here.
