For some of the country’s top health professionals, breakfast is more than just a meal—it’s a strategic start to their day. From a general practitioner’s quick smoothie to a neurologist’s nutrient-packed macro bowl, these experts share how they fuel their mornings to meet the demands of their professions.
As the saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This holds especially true for health practitioners who lead by example. Here, we delve into the breakfast routines of leading doctors, dietitians, and fitness trainers, revealing the choices they make to kickstart their busy days.
Caitlin Reid: The Dietitian’s Balanced Start
Caitlin Reid, a dietitian and exercise physiologist with over two decades of experience, begins her day at 4:30 am with a cortado and dried mango before heading out for a run. Reid, who works with Australia’s rugby sevens teams, relies on a breakfast that combines convenience and nutrition.
“My go-to breakfast is bircher muesli,” she explains. “I prepare it at the start of the week with rolled oats, high-protein Greek yoghurt, low-fat milk, sultanas, slivered almonds, grated apple, cinnamon, and maple syrup. This mix provides low-GI carbs, protein, and fiber, essential for energy and recovery.”
“Bircher muesli is perfect for maintaining my energy levels throughout the morning. The fiber keeps my gut healthy,” Reid notes.
On less organized mornings, Reid opts for muesli with yoghurt and fruit, while weekends are reserved for more elaborate meals like poached eggs with smoked salmon and avocado on sourdough.
Sarah Campbell: Quick and Nutritious for Busy Mums
Sarah Campbell, a personal trainer specializing in pre- and postnatal fitness, understands the need for quick yet nutritious breakfasts. “I usually wait a couple of hours before eating a handful of berries and yoghurt with low-sugar, high-protein granola,” she says.
Campbell emphasizes the importance of a good breakfast, especially for her clients who are often time-poor mums. Her routine includes a large oat latte, and on weekends, she enjoys smoothies packed with berries, almonds, and spinach or indulges in cafe brunches featuring chili scrambled eggs.
Jono Castano: Fueling Celebrity Transformations
Celebrity trainer Jono Castano starts his day as early as 3 am. He relies on My Muscle Chef Protein Oats to keep his energy stable for a day filled with training sessions and media commitments.
“Eating before I train means my energy is stable, I’m sharper, and I recover better,” Castano asserts. “A good breakfast sets the tone for your day.”
He advises clients to include a mix of healthy fats, protein, and carbs in their breakfast to stay full and energized.
Dr. Belinda Tosi: A GP’s Quick Fix
For Dr. Belinda Tosi, breakfast is a race against time. Her go-to is a protein smoothie with skim milk and berries, providing the necessary fuel for her morning routine.
“My advice to patients is to eat a protein-rich breakfast to stay full and regulate blood sugar,” Tosi advises, highlighting the common issue of insufficient morning protein intake among women.
Dr. Gareth Owen: High-Performance Fuel for a Surgeon
Dr. Gareth Owen, a colorectal surgeon, needs quick and easy meals to sustain his demanding schedule. His mornings start with a protein shake, a strategy to avoid unhealthy snacks later in the day.
“Limit fast food and alcohol to reduce the risk of bowel cancer,” Owen advises, drawing from his expertise in digestive health.
Dr. Elisheva Vissel: Nutrition for Brain Health
Consultant neurologist Dr. Elisheva Vissel views food as fuel for both energy and brain health. Her late-morning meals often consist of macro bowls with vegetables, quinoa, and a tahini dressing.
“I encourage patients to eat real, unprocessed foods and pay attention to hunger cues,” Vissel shares, emphasizing the importance of a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains.
“Enjoy your food. Like life itself, it is a tremendous gift,” Vissel concludes, advocating for mindful eating.
These insights from health professionals highlight the diverse approaches to breakfast, each tailored to meet the unique demands of their professions and lifestyles. Their routines underscore the importance of starting the day with a meal that balances nutrition, convenience, and personal preference.
