Mike and Zara Tindall are one of the British royal family’s most beloved power couples: they’re fun, sporty and incredibly down-to-earth. However, being world-class athletes, one thing that they do a lot more than the average person is keep an eye on what they eat.
Though Mike has retired from rugby, Zara continues to ride, and the two have remained strict about what they eat, but there are also other factors that have come into play with regard to why they’ve changed their diet.
In an interview with the Daily Mail in April 2022, Mike shared that he now orders his own food delivery because his and Zara’s dietary preferences have changed for another reason.
“My wife Zara’s appetites have changed since having children,” he explained. “She’s not into eating red meat any more, so now I look after my own meals. I do it through a company that delivers most of my food, because then it’s easy to keep track of my calorie intake.”
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Zara Tindall’s dietary change explained
According to information from the British Heart Foundation, it is recommended to avoid red and processed meats where possible, especially if you suffer from hypertension.
They advise opting for “lean sources of protein,” as they are “lower in calories than fattier sources but are still filling”, which can help you manage your weight and lower your blood pressure.
© Getty ImagesThough Mike has retired, Zara still takes part in equestrian events
Sean Taylor, director of science and heart health at the World Heart Federation, previously spoke exclusively to HELLO! and explained that certain types of red meat can be high in saturated fat and worse for your cholesterol.
He said: “Foods high in saturated fat raise your risk of having high cholesterol. This can build up and cause fatty deposits in the walls of your arteries. Cutting back on foods such as fatty cuts of red meat (e.g. beef, pork, lamb), processed meats (e.g. sausages, bacon), dairy products (e.g. butter, cream, cheese), and baked goods (e.g. cookies, cakes) can help reduce your risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.”
Zara and Mike Tindall’s other dietary differences
The retired rugby player also explained that Zara is a more intuitive chef than he is, adding: “I’m not a massive fan of cooking. Zara can look in the fridge and plan what to eat – but that’s not my skill set. When it comes to food, I’m like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day.”
He also explained how, during his rugby days, most of his meals, barring dinner, were provided, which made organising much simpler.