Juggling a pair of toddlers with a new hit Netflix series and the management of a series of non-profit and for-profit organisations, Meghan Markle likely doesn’t have too much spare time on her hands. If anything, her workload has only increased since she and Prince Harry took a step back from their roles as working Royals in 2020.
But in spite of it all, Markle still makes time to take care of her health – and it shows. The 43-year-old boasts a wellness routine that combines intensive workouts with a clean diet and mindfulness.
Below, we break down some of the key aspects of Markle’s wellness routine that she’s revealed in interviews over the years.
1. Yoga is her thing
“Yoga is my thing.” That’s what Markle once told Best Health.
Her mum is a yoga instructor, so Markle began the practise as a child and has kept to it for decades since.
When asked about it, the pros list is long. “There are so many benefits that come with yoga… increased flexibility and muscle strength, greater happiness, increased mental focus, a greater ability to relax, decreased anxiety and better sleep.”Â
2. She eats clean
All in all, it’s largely about balance, with clean ingredients.Â
Markle once told Shape that “I definitely try to eat as clean as possible. I definitely just try to avoid the things that I know are going to make me feel lethargic or sluggish. I eat mostly fish and veggies, but I am also a foodie.”
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3. She's a runner
In a past life, Markle was an avid runner. In recent years, though, that’s slipped by the wayside more due to injury.
The former actress has openly spoken about how running has impacted her knees, though she still tries to make time for it where she can.
She doesn’t just run for the physical benefits, though, as she explained to Shape. “I need it as much for my head and to clear my head as I do for keeping in shape,” she said.
4. Skipping breakfast isn't optional
Clearly, Markle subscribes to the idea that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
“Her morning ritual started with a cup of hot water and a slice of lemon, followed by her favourite breakfast of steel-cut oats (usually made with almond or soy milk) with bananas and agave syrup for sweetness,” wrote Royal biographers Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand in Finding Freedom.
5. She prioritises full-body workouts
In an interview with Women’s Health US, Markle’s personal trainer Craig McNamee revealed that the former actress has a “full-body approach” to strength training.
“Our big focus with all of our sessions was to not be too repetitive and really create a dynamic workout with a lot of variety,” McNamee said.
6. Recently, she's cut back on meat
The Duchess revealed she’s cut back on meat when speaking to Best Health. It’s part of an effort to improve her overall health.
“I try to eat vegan during the week, and then have a little bit more flexibility with what I dig into on the weekends,” she said.
7. She exercises for the mental benefits too
Similar to her reasons for running, Markle subscribes to the mental health benefits exercise brings. She even uses these mental benefits as motivation for working out.
“My health, my state of mind, the feeling you have after a workout; all of these things drive me to step onto my mat or go to the gym,” she told Women’s Health UK.
“Sometimes the idea of working out sounds absolutely dreadful, but I always remind myself of how good it will feel afterward. Euphoric, almost.”
8. She allows the occasional indulgence
Balance is the key to any good diet, and Markle understands this well.
“I think if you deprive yourself of anything you’re just going to crave it more, so for me it’s just finding that balance,” she told Shape. “I could eat French fries all day. And I love pasta. I love carbs – who doesn’t love a carbohydrate?”
9. She prefers juice over coffee
In her interview with Shape, Markle also revealed that she’s not a big fan of coffee. Instead, she prefers a green juice.
“I think trying to go for coffee or things like that only end up hurting you in the end, so [I like] to get a really good natural source of energy like a great green juice. Something that just gets right into your system is a nice pick-me-up,” she said.
10. Downtime is important to her
Rest is key. “I give myself the luxury of downtime,” Markle told Women’s Health UK.
“We are all so incredibly busy and juggling so many things but I always take an hour to just decompress, watch mindless TV, snuggle with my dogs and enjoy a glass of wine. That’s all part of the investment. It’s a balance.”
