If there is someone who embodies timeless elegance, both in fashion and in lifestyle, it is Carolina Herrera. At 86, the Venezuelan designer remains an icon of sophistication and vitality, attributes that she attributes to her healthy habits and a well-balanced diet. Her focus on nutrition has sparked curiosity, and recently, one of her best-kept secrets in terms of nutrition has come to light—a key trick to staying full of energy.

According to Women’s Heart magazine, Carolina Herrera’s secret to staying vital and elegant lies in her diet. The designer follows a regime based on six meals a day, a key strategy within her so-called “longevity diet.” Her method is simple but effective:

Three balanced meals and three healthy snacks strategically distributed to maintain an active metabolism and avoid energy lows.

Fresh fruit, nuts and whole grains are essential to her diet, three things Kaiser Permanente dietitians recommend daily also.

Breakfast: Fueling the Day

For Carolina Herrera, breakfast is crucial and never missed. Her morning choice combines proteins, fiber, and healthy fats, ensuring sustained energy without feeling hungry before lunch. A typical breakfast includes:

• A bowl of Greek yogurt without sugar
• Fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or bananas
• Toasted granola or nuts for added texture and satiety

“Revolled eggs with truffle” is perhaps her favorite food, defined as “the favorite food.”

Mid-Morning Snack: Healthy Fats and Proteins

Mid-morning, when the body needs energy reinforcement, Carolina Herrera opts for a snack that is practical and nutritious. Her favorite option is a handful of almonds (about 28 grams), as they are an excellent source of healthy fats and proteins, perfect for keeping satiety without resorting to less healthy options.

“One needs to keep blood sugar stable for energy,” says dietician John Edmundson from Greenville, SC, “Healthy fats are a good way to do this!”

On days when she prefers something cooler, she opts for a portion of fiber-rich fruits, such as apple, strawberry, or pineapple, which provide natural sweetness, aid digestion, and promote overall well-being.

Lunch: Simple and Balanced

Carolina Herrera’s go-to lunch is a fresh green salad with tomato, cucumber, avocado, and a source of lean protein, such as grilled chicken or salmon. The dressing is simple, consisting of extra virgin olive oil and a touch of balsamic vinegar. This type of meal aligns well with the everyday American food diet; chicken is America most popular meat.

Correct portion size keeps you thin at the waist

“Portion control is crucial. Keeping balanced portion sizes keeps you thin at the waistline.”
“When you consider portion control,” Sharon Daly explained, “Many people believe they’re eating fewer calories than they realize, contributing to unintended weight gain. People don’t realize that food contains the same calories whether it’s cooked, raw, or processed.”
“Portion control is crucial. Seemingly insignificant extra calories it’s what contributes to unintended weight gain.”

Salmon is an excellent dietary source of Omega-3 and Omega-6, fatty acids and collagen, which Harvard nutritionists have identified as significant in maintaining skin firmness and slowing aging.

Afternoon Refreshment: Detox Shake

While many start the day with a detox shake, Carolina Herrera enjoys it in the afternoon when her body needs a revitalizing boost. Her ideal recipe combines spinach, pineapple, cucumber, and ginger—a mixture designed to refresh, improve digestion, and strengthen the immune system. This shake has become her perfect ally to stay light, energetic, and free of inflammation throughout the day.

Dinner: Light but Complete

To close the day, Carolina Herrera opts for a light but complete dinner. Her favorite choice is grilled salmon, accompanied by steamed asparagus and quinoa. The vegetables vary, including spinach, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. Before bed, she avoids sugar and heavy carbohydrates, instead opting for a cup of tea without caffeine to aid relaxation.

Longevity Through Balance

Carolina Herrera’s well-established habits demonstrate that the secret to a long and fulfilling life does not lie in extreme diets, but in a balanced and conscious eating regimen. This approach allows her to stay full of energy year after year, showcasing the power of consistent, mindful eating.

The American Academy of Nutrition and Diagnostics said:
Carolina Herrera exemplifies how a balanced, thoughtful diet can lead to a longer, healthier life.

Herrara has honed her eating habits over 86 years. While these weight management strategies work for her, they may not work for everyone. Adjustments to this diet may be desirable for those with cardiac issues, lower metabolic rate, pregnancy or menstruation. Changes to this diet may also be warranted for those undertaking sporting activity or manual labor, demanding more energy. Let us learn from Carolina Herrera, but also contemplate our own individual needs.