Why Princess Diana swore by this surprising food before the gym

Princess Diana was admired for her dedication to health and fitness, but one of the foods she relied on before working out was far from what most people would expect.

According to her former royal chef, Darren McGrady, the late Princess of Wales often ate an entire tin of baked beans for breakfast before heading to the gym. 

While the choice may sound unconventional, McGrady explained there was a practical nutritional reason behind it. During a cooking tutorial on his YouTube channel, the chef shared the surprising detail about Diana’s morning routine.

“I used to cook beans for breakfast at Buckingham Palace and Princess Diana loved them. She’d actually eat a whole tin of beans for breakfast.”

He continued by explaining why the meal made perfect sense for someone with Diana’s active lifestyle.

© Ken R. Goff

“Sounds crazy, but when you think about it, there’s only seven grams of sugar in the English-style baked beans, they’re rich in protein, high in fibre, very low in fat. So they’re perfect for her to eat that really big carb boost ready for going to the gym and doing a workout.”

McGrady first worked as personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II before later serving Princess Diana and her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, at Kensington Palace, giving him a unique insight into the Princess’s daily habits.

The nutritional reason behind Princess Diana’s unusual breakfast:

Although baked beans aren’t typically associated with a pre-gym meal, they offered exactly what Diana needed before an intense workout.

© Ken R. Goff

The beans provided complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while also being high in fiber and a good source of protein. 

Traditional English-style baked beans are also very low in fat and relatively low in sugar, making them a balanced option to fuel exercise without feeling too heavy.

© Anwar Hussein

For Diana, the meal wasn’t about following a trend, it was about choosing foods that supported her disciplined routine.

Princess Diana’s balanced approach to health:

After overcoming bulimia, Diana became committed to maintaining a healthy relationship with food while prioritizing nutritious, balanced meals.

© Ken R. Goff

Her philosophy was famously simple. As McGrady has previously recalled, she would tell him, “You take care of the fats, I’ll care for the carbs at the gym.”

She worked out three days a week, focusing on cardiovascular exercise and conditioning, and whenever time allowed, she also started her mornings with a swim before carrying out her royal duties.

© JOHNNY EGGITT

The Princess also became known for repeatedly wearing the same oversized Virgin Active sweatshirt to the gym, a practical decision that helped keep paparazzi attention focused on her outfit rather than her appearance.

What Princess Diana liked to eat:

Beyond her now-famous baked bean breakfasts, Diana’s diet centered on wholesome, nourishing meals.

McGrady has revealed that her favorite dish was stuffed bell peppers filled with mushrooms, rice and zucchini, served with a light tomato and pepper sauce. She also regularly enjoyed rainbow trout, fresh vegetable juices and other lean, plant-forward meals.

© Ken R. Goff

Even with her disciplined lifestyle, Diana believed in moderation. She occasionally treated herself to a simple jacket potato topped with baked beans and cheese and was also known to enjoy a Cadbury Twirl chocolate bar.

Her healthy approach to eating and exercise continues to inspire decades later, proving that sometimes the most effective fitness habits aren’t the trendiest, they’re simply the ones that work.