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Kate Jenkinson is an actor. The 44-year-old shares her day on a plate.
6.30am I chug a cup of store-bought green juice straight from the bottle, followed by a glass of water and a coffee with full-fat cow’s milk.
7am I have an early rehearsal, so I’ve made Vegemite on grainy sourdough toast for my son and me to eat on our way to kindy drop-off. I pick up a takeaway coffee on the way to work: a two-shot flat white with full-fat cow’s milk. I’m in between rehearsals and costume fittings all morning so I just drink water until I get a break.
12.30pm I head home for lunch and reheat a gigantic bowl of leftover spaghetti bol. I sauté some broccoli, zucchini and spinach in oil, lemon and garlic to have on the side. I’m feeling particularly dehydrated so I’m smashing water and I have an electrolyte drink, too.
6pm After taking the dogs out for a stroll, I have two mini chocolate eggs before my go-to lazy “Mum Dinner”: steamed rice, fried egg and homemade pickled vegies, drowned in chilli oil, soy sauce and everything bagel seasoning. I always drink too much sparkling water just before bed, which keeps me hydrated but also up all night peeing.
Dr Joanna McMillan says
Top marks for … Your substantial lunch that makes use of leftovers but also adds a lovely serve of greens – a terrific nutrient boost of vegies to your day. Your lazy dinner was much better than resorting to typical takeaway options.
If you keep eating like this you’ll … Probably feel the highs and lows of under-fuelling earlier in the day. Coffee, juice and toast aren’t enough to sustain energy, concentration or mood through long rehearsals, and while the sparkling water habit may be hydrating, it can erode tooth enamel over time.
Why don’t you try … Pairing your toast with an easy smoothie you can take in the car – think frozen berries, oats, Greek yoghurt, milk plus some nuts and seeds for extra protein and healthy fats. It would help keep you fuller through rehearsals while supporting muscle, bone and energy needs in your 40s. Only have sparkling water with meals and switch to still or herbal tea in the evening.
Kate Jenkinson is the author of the cookbook, Half Baked.
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