Dawn O’Porter, the London-based author and television personality, has spoken openly about significant lifestyle changes she’s made in recent years, including a complete cessation of alcohol consumption. The 47-year-old, who is releasing her memoir, Hungry Eyes, in June , described quitting drinking as “the biggest act of self-care” she has ever undertaken.
O’Porter, married to actor Chris O’Dowd and mother to two sons, Art, 11, and Valentine, eight, stated she made the decision to stop drinking “almost overnight,” after decades of socialising. She acknowledged the potential for judgement, stating, “I’ve partied for 30 years. If someone wants to call me boring, they can go ahead,” but emphasized her commitment to prioritizing her own well-being.
The shift, she explained, wasn’t about preaching abstinence to others. Rather, it stemmed from a personal exhaustion with the effects of hangovers and a desire for a different quality of life. “I woke up one day and was sick of being hungover,” she said. She anticipates a possible return to occasional drinking in the future, playfully suggesting she still envisions herself as “an old lady with a sherry,” but for now, she is focused on the benefits she’s experiencing.
O’Porter’s focus on self-care extends beyond eliminating alcohol. She has also embraced strength training, despite not having a natural inclination towards exercise. “I’m not a natural exerciser… I was never sporty at school,” she admitted. However, she discovered that weight training, begun approximately six months prior to the interview, provided a sense of control and physical strength that was profoundly positive.
Nutrition also plays a key role in O’Porter’s new approach to wellness. She adheres to the 80/20 rule, dedicating 80 percent of her diet to healthy foods while allowing herself to indulge in her cravings for the remaining 20 percent. “I’m really indulgent by nature, and me fighting my indulgent nature is a daily effort… I love food so much, It’s the love of my life,” she said. This approach allows her to enjoy dining out and savoring delicious meals without guilt or restriction, focusing on health rather than calorie counting.
Beyond physical health, O’Porter prioritizes mental and emotional well-being. She advocates for surrounding oneself with positive influences, including books that “serve your soul” and social media accounts that “make you feel good.” She also finds solace in music, often listening to Classic FM while working and writing, describing it as a source of peace.
Her ideal self-care day, as described, balances personal time with family commitments. It would begin with breakfast with her children, followed by school drop-off, work at her office, a strength training class, and dedicated writing time, culminating in an evening spent with her family. She emphasizes that this focus on self-care has, paradoxically, enhanced her ability to care for others.
“I was always someone who took care of other people, and now this new version of me, where I really take care of myself first, has meant that I am so much better at taking care of other people,” she explained. “I think that is the biggest lesson that I’ve learned, the older that I’ve got.”
O’Porter is currently hosting a series on Classic FM, titled Classical Love Themes, which explores the multifaceted nature of love. She views self-love as integral to this broader concept, alongside romantic love, familial love, and the importance of female friendships. She highlighted the vital role her friendships play in her life, describing her female friend WhatsApp groups as the first and last thing she engages with each day.
Classical Love Themes with Dawn O’Porter airs on Fridays at 9pm on Classic FM and is also available on Global Player.
Her memoir, Hungry Eyes: A Memoir of Appetite, Ambition and the Odd Bag of Wotsits for Dinner, is scheduled for release in June .
