The Foundation of Her Simple Diet
Audrey Hepburn’s approach to food was grounded in simplicity and health, a philosophy that starkly contrasted with the glamour of her public image. Following a period of severe malnutrition during World War II, where she survived on tulip bulbs, her relationship with food became one of appreciation rather than restriction. Her diet was not a fad but a consistent, mindful way of eating, emphasizing fresh, whole foods, many from her own garden. She believed in consuming fresh, natural produce and drinking plenty of water, a habit her son Luca Dotti highlighted in his book, Audrey at Home.
A Typical Day's Menu
While her meals were simple, they were also satisfying. Based on the accounts of her partner and son, a general breakdown of her daily food intake offers insight into her modest but nourishing habits.
- Breakfast: Hepburn often began her day with a simple yet hearty breakfast of brown bread with jam. Another variation included a boiled egg on wholegrain bread with spinach or avocado on rye. She was also a regular coffee drinker, reportedly consuming several cups with milk. Her habit of never skipping breakfast was central to her health rules.
- Lunch: For lunch, she favored lean meat, such as chicken or veal, often paired with pasta and fresh vegetables from her garden. She loved Italian food, particularly pasta dishes, a love affair that began during her time in Italy.
- Dinner: Dinner was typically light and simple, sometimes consisting of chicken soup with vegetables. This continued her focus on fresh, uncomplicated ingredients.
Her Indulgences and 'Detox' Days
Despite her generally healthy eating habits, Hepburn was not one to entirely deny herself pleasure. Her son Luca Dotti recalls her love for pasta, noting she had a "serious pasta addiction" and could have eaten it almost every day. Her favorite was spaghetti al pomodoro, made with fresh, garden-grown tomatoes.
She also possessed a sweet tooth, a fact often mentioned by those closest to her. She enjoyed a square of dark baking chocolate after dinner, connecting the taste of chocolate with the feeling of liberation from her wartime experiences. In addition, her partner noted she would sometimes have "a finger or two of Scotch at night".
To balance these indulgences, Hepburn would observe a monthly "detox" day, consuming only plain yogurt and grated apple. This practice, according to her family, was not about weight loss but more of a reset for her system, especially after travel.
The Role of Water and Exercise
Beyond her diet, Hepburn prioritized hydration and exercise. She was a great advocate for drinking plenty of water, understanding its importance for overall health and well-being. This commitment to hydration was a key component of her beauty and health regimen. Furthermore, she remained active throughout her life, enjoying long walks with her partner, Robert Wolders, who often noted her incredible stamina.
Comparison: Hepburn's Diet vs. Modern Celebrity Diets
| Feature | Audrey Hepburn's Diet | Typical Modern Celebrity Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Simplicity, fresh ingredients, mindful eating | Restrictive, calorie-controlled, trendy foods, supplements |
| Meal Plan | Consistent daily structure with staple foods like pasta, vegetables, and lean protein | Often revolves around specific macros (e.g., keto, high-protein), sometimes meal-prepped by professionals |
| Indulgences | Moderate and mindful treats like dark chocolate and scotch | Often involves 'cheat days' or focuses on specific low-calorie alternatives |
| Sustainability | Lifelong habit, based on enjoyment and wellness | Short-term, often extreme for specific roles or events |
| Driving Philosophy | A lasting appreciation for food after wartime starvation | Driven by aesthetic goals and public image |
| Role of Exercise | Integrated into daily life through activities like long walks | Often involves intense, highly structured training sessions |
Conclusion
In summary, what did Audrey Hepburn eat every day? A simple, balanced, and mindful diet. Her food choices were not dictated by trendy fads but by a deep appreciation for nourishment, rooted in her challenging childhood experiences. She enjoyed wholesome meals of pasta, fresh vegetables, and lean proteins, balanced with moderate treats like dark chocolate and Scotch. Paired with her commitment to hydration and regular walks, her approach to diet was a sustainable and healthy one, and a stark reminder that true elegance extends beyond fashion to encompass a thoughtful and balanced lifestyle. For those interested in emulating her culinary habits, her son's book, Audrey at Home: Memories of My Mother's Kitchen, provides deeper insight and many of her beloved recipes.
