Talking fitness and food with England’s James Haskell

Diet and fitness go hand in hand. Whatever you put into your body has a direct impact on your daily output. Having low energy, feeling lethargic and even fitness injuries can often be traced back to not putting the right fuel in.

There are no shortcuts in reaching your fitness goals, but having an unsuitable food intake will hold you back.

The reality is sometimes there’s just not enough time in the day to eat 3-4 healthy meals. Food that generally isn’t good for you is often the most is convenient and it’s all too easy to compromise on diet when you’re having a busy day.

So being someone who leads a busy lifestyle, it was no surprise that I jumped at the chance to trial a new kitchen to desk food service.

Fresh Fitness Food is designed to eliminate the hassle of thinking, prepping and cooking your way to a healthy lifestyle. Each day the team creates a food plan for you, delivered directly to your door (currently only delivering inside the M25) with a full quota of calories and protein based on complimenting your fitness goals.

What’s more, Fresh Fitness Food has teamed up with England rugby international James Haskell to create the Lean Gains package.

I caught up with James to discuss diet and fitness – whatever you do don’t offer to buy this guy breakfast!

Not everyone can commit to keeping to a strict diet and training regime, what are your key diet tips?

You don’t have to be an athlete to stick to a diet and training plan, anyone can do it, it just takes commitment until the habit is in place. A good thing to do is figure out the most convenient time of day YOU can train.

So for example, my girlfriend trains 6am-7am, has breakfast and then gets on with her work day. My mates who work in the city usually train on their lunch breaks.

When I’m on holiday, I like to train quite late in the evening.

In terms of diet, don’t buy any junk food at all. Don’t have any in the house or any at your desk, instead stock your kitchen and work place with healthy foods that are on your plan.

Being a successful and well-travelled sportsman what has been your best food experience?

Living in Japan was a culinary eye opener so to speak – the experience totally changed my perception of food.

I would jump on my scooter every night and splutter down to the local ramen bar, where I’d watch the chef make the simplest but most incredible food I’ve ever eaten.

I think that really opened my eyes in terms of appreciating simple foods and trying new things.

David Beckham, Usain Bolt and Jason Statham are coming for dinner – what’s on the menu?

My girlfriend always says the way to a man’s heart is steak, so I suppose I’d have to take her advice and get a good cut of meat in!

Coffee is an after dinner essential for me, and I’m a bit of a coffee snob, so that’d definitely be the next priority.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day talk me through yours?

I couldn’t agree more!

I like to go out for breakfast on my days off, and my order is usually quite substantial. I tend to start with an Oreo milkshake and a coffee, then I move onto Eggs Benedict with a side of sausages and or halloumi. After that I’ll have pancakes or a slice of cake. I usually finish up with a second coffee and about a litre of water.
On a day when I am training I love the protein based breakfast ideas from the Lean Gains package. One of my personal favourites is the delicious protein omelette with sweet potato wedges and broccoli to give me energy for the day ahead.

As an athlete what other sport outside of rugby could you easily turn your talents to?

I’ve always been into professional fighting; boxing and MMA. I like to think I’d try my hand at that and be alright.

And finally, how do you like your steak?

Medium rare – it’s the only way.

To check out the service and to get some food inspiration check out freshfitnessfood.com