Sarah Jessica Parker, widely recognized for her iconic role as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, continues to captivate audiences not only with her acting prowess but also with her radiant health and youthful appearance at 59. With Sex and the City finding a new audience on Netflix and Parker starring in The Plaza Suite on the West End alongside her husband, Matthew Broderick, the actress remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Her approach to diet and lifestyle is characterized by balance, mindful indulgence, and consistent physical activity.
A Balanced Approach to Eating
Parker's dietary habits are far from restrictive, emphasizing a balanced and enjoyable relationship with food. She has openly discussed her love for cooking and sharing meals with her family. She once said, "One-hundred percent, eating food I love feels like a luxury. In our house, we’re constantly paying attention to the level of enjoyment at the table." This philosophy underscores her commitment to savoring meals and fostering a positive atmosphere around food.
In 2011, Parker mentioned following the Hampton Diet, a combination of the Mediterranean, Atkins, and South Beach diets. This approach focuses on lean proteins, healthy fats, and limited refined carbohydrates. Like the Mediterranean diet, it includes plenty of fish, low-carb vegetables, and organic whole foods, incorporating macadamia nut oil, believed to boost metabolism and aid long-term weight loss.
Breakfast Habits
Parker's breakfast routine varies depending on her work schedule. "I don’t usually eat breakfast unless I’m shooting, and when I’m shooting, I have a full, massive, crazy breakfast,” she told Grub Street. On days when she isn't shooting, she prefers to start her day with just coffee. However, when she does indulge in breakfast, she might opt for a bagel with Kerrygold butter, mustard, and salami from a local shop. Alternatively, she enjoys a soft-boiled egg with salt and pepper, accompanied by mango, avocado, and cottage cheese.
Lunch Preferences
For lunch, Parker often chooses a spicy tuna sandwich made with tuna, jalapenos, hot sauce, and pesto on bread. She also enjoys power shakes consisting of banana, strawberries, vanilla milk, and ice. Leftovers, such as soup or stir-fry, are also a frequent lunch option.
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Dinner Rituals
Dinner is a significant part of the Parker-Broderick household. The family makes an effort to eat together every night. While both Sarah Jessica and Matthew enjoy cooking, Matthew is particularly passionate about it. "I don't look at recipes nearly as much as [Matthew] does, and he's not daunted by a lot of steps,” Sarah said. Matthew often prepares dishes like matzo ball soup or his famous Bolognese. The couple also makes their own chicken stock, using it in various recipes. Sarah Jessica loves to cook with fresh ingredients and finds joy in creating meals from scratch. In an Instagram post from November 2021, she shared a video of a tomato dish simmering on the stove, expressing her enthusiasm for cooking when she has the kitchen to herself.
Indulgences and Drinks
Sarah Jessica Parker has a penchant for certain indulgences. She enjoys her own wine line, Invivo X, SJP Sauvignon Blanc, and admits to loving a Cosmopolitan cocktail. "We drink wine, but I still love a cocktail,” SJP tells Grub Street. “To be honest, I really do love a Cosmopolitan." She also appreciates coffee, typically limiting herself to one cup a day, either from Nespresso pods or Nescafé instant coffee.
Promoting a Healthy Relationship with Food for Her Children
Growing up, Parker's access to sugary treats and white bread was restricted, which she believes had an adverse effect. As a result, she takes a different approach with her own children. "In our house, we have cookies, we have cake, we have everything, and I think as a result, you kind of have a healthier relationship,” she said. She allows her daughters to enjoy a variety of foods, fostering a balanced and non-antagonistic relationship with food.
Staying Active in the City
Beyond her dietary choices, physical activity plays a crucial role in Sarah Jessica Parker's lifestyle. She emphasizes the importance of daily movement, often choosing to walk instead of relying on transportation. "I walk, I live in the city. I walk a lot. Right now that’s all I have time for but I also live in a house with like four or five flights of stairs." In fact, one goal that ensures Sara Jessica Parker works out daily is she insists on hitting 10,000 steps a day. Consistent low-intensity activity keeps her metabolism high and habits strong.
Embracing Daily Movement
Parker integrates physical activity into her daily routine by walking and taking the stairs whenever possible. This approach aligns with her philosophy of maintaining an active lifestyle without adhering to strict workout regimens. She mixes it up to avoid boredom. While she doesn’t stick to rigid strength workouts, she does prioritize short, effective sessions (~20 minutes).
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A Realistic Perspective on Health and Beauty
Sarah Jessica Parker maintains a realistic perspective on health and beauty, acknowledging the advantages she has due to her profession. "No real woman should look to any woman in this industry as an example. It’s simply not applicable because of the enormous number of advantages we have," she stated. She encourages women to prioritize health over unrealistic body ideals, recognizing the role that resources like private trainers and yoga classes play in her own well-being.
Key Principles of SJP's Lifestyle
Sarah Jessica Parker's diet and lifestyle can be summarized by the following principles:
- Prioritizing Daily Movement: Engaging in consistent, low-intensity activities like walking.
- Balancing Diet: Consuming balanced meals made of natural foods and enjoying a variety of flavors.
- Mindful Indulgence: Allowing for occasional treats and favorite foods in moderation.
- Positive Relationship with Food: Fostering a healthy and non-restrictive attitude towards food for herself and her children.
- Consistency: Maintaining consistent habits and finding enjoyable activities.
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