Gabby Reece's Overall Approach to Nutrition
Gabby Reece’s dietary choices are less about a rigid, restrictive diet and more about a holistic, mindful approach to fueling her body for optimal performance and health. Instead of focusing on calorie counts or strict macros, she emphasizes listening to her body and eating foods as close to their natural source as possible. This philosophy, cultivated through years as an elite athlete, prioritizes nutrient density and metabolic flexibility, which allows her to efficiently burn stored fat for energy. She has also adopted several techniques with her husband, Laird Hamilton, such as time-restricted eating and focusing on recovery as a key component of overall wellness.
Morning Routine and Breakfast
Gabby Reece’s morning routine is a cornerstone of her daily plan, but it notably does not include a traditional breakfast. Her day starts with a large glass of water with lemon and minerals to rehydrate after sleep. Following this, she enjoys a special coffee blended with healthy fats, often using her company's Laird Superfood creamer, which contains ingredients like coconut oil. This high-fat, no-sugar start provides sustained energy for her workouts and carries her through until midday, avoiding the digestive energy drain that comes with a heavy breakfast. In her latest YouTube video, she also mentioned incorporating a mix of reds and greens, which provides fiber and adaptogens.
Midday and Afternoon Meals
By midday, Gabby Reece is ready for her first substantial meal. Her lunch typically includes a source of high-quality animal protein and a generous amount of vegetables. For example, a recent meal consisted of egg salad served on a bed of lettuce, accompanied by guacamole and macadamia nuts. This combination ensures she receives ample protein, healthy fats, and fiber to feel satisfied and maintain energy levels throughout the afternoon without relying on processed carbs. She consciously avoids mindless snacking between meals, opting for water with lemon and a touch of stevia if needed.
Dinner and Evening Eating
As the day winds down, Gabby Reece prepares a nutritious and satisfying dinner, often a colorful meal shared with her family. This meal is a prime opportunity for her to incorporate a variety of whole foods. A typical dinner could be turkey meatballs with a coconut cream curry sauce, served alongside sweet potatoes and a large, colorful salad. Her cooking style is simple and emphasizes fresh, real ingredients. The evening meal is where she ensures her family gets a wide spectrum of nutrients, with plenty of vegetables, quality protein, and healthy starches like sweet potatoes.
Comparison of Gabby Reece's Diet Over Time
Gabby Reece's approach to food has evolved significantly throughout her career. As she matured, her philosophy shifted from a more restrictive, "I don't eat bread or pasta" mindset to one of balance and mindful indulgence. The table below highlights some of the key differences in her eating habits over the years.
| Feature | Past Approach (Early Career) | Current Approach (Last Decade) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Philosophy | More rigid, focusing on exclusion (e.g., "no bread"). | Mindful, balanced, and sustainable; understanding the 'why' behind eating. |
| Meal Timing | Standard three meals and potentially two snacks a day. | Time-restricted eating, often skipping breakfast to increase metabolic flexibility. |
| Carbohydrates | Avoidance of white products and gluten. | Mindful consumption; using options like sweet potatoes and quinoa when appropriate. |
| Fats | Importance recognized but less of a primary focus. | A major component of her diet, using coconut oil, macadamia nuts, and avocado to provide sustained energy. |
| Hydration | Generally understood as important. | Emphasized as critical; starts and ends the day with water and minerals. |
| Snacking | More structured, with planned snacks like fruit or nuts. | Avoids snacking, preferring to stay hydrated between meals. |
Strategies Gabby Reece Uses for Nutrition and Wellness
- Prioritizes Hydration: She starts her day with a large glass of water with lemon and minerals to ensure her body is properly hydrated.
- Consumes Healthy Fats: Uses healthy fats from sources like coconut oil, avocado, and macadamia nuts to fuel her body and brain.
- Chooses Quality Protein: Incorporates high-quality animal protein into her main meals to support muscle health and satiety.
- Increases Vegetable Intake: Ensures a wide variety of colorful vegetables are included in her lunch and dinner to provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Minimizes Processed Foods and Sugar: Actively reduces her sugar intake and avoids highly processed foods, which she sees as a source of inflammation.
- Practices Time-Restricted Eating: Often fasts until midday, allowing her body to become more efficient at burning stored fat for energy.
- Integrates Mindful Eating: Regularly asks herself why she is eating to distinguish between true hunger, boredom, or stress-related impulses.
- Emphasizes Recovery: Views nutrition and sleep as crucial for recovery, alongside her physical workouts.
The Role of Laird Superfood Products
Gabby Reece's diet is closely intertwined with her and her husband Laird Hamilton's brand, Laird Superfood. The company's products are a direct reflection of their nutritional habits. Reece frequently incorporates their superfood creamers into her morning coffee, which provides her with healthy fats and other beneficial ingredients. The brand's focus on functional, simple, and clean-ingredient products directly mirrors the "close to the source" philosophy that guides her personal food choices. This synergy shows a strong belief in the products she co-created and aligns with her overall mission of promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Conclusion: Gabby Reece's Nutrition Philosophy
Understanding what Gabby Reece eats in a day reveals a deliberate, yet flexible, approach to nutrition centered on whole foods, healthy fats, and metabolic health. Her day is structured around a high-fat, no-breakfast start, followed by nutrient-dense lunch and dinner meals packed with protein and vegetables. By practicing mindful eating and limiting processed foods and sugar, she avoids inflammation and supports her body's natural processes. Her journey from a restrictive diet to a balanced, sustainable one provides a powerful example for anyone looking to improve their wellness through food. By focusing on high-quality ingredients, listening to her body, and using food for fuel rather than comfort, Gabby Reece maintains an energetic and vibrant lifestyle.
An Interview with Gabrielle Reece: Ask Yourself "Why?" - Dirt-to-Dinner
