We get a lot of questions about our Founder, Leslie Kenny, and chief among them are questions about just what she’s eating, so we sat down with her to find out! Leslie’s diet is a thoughtfully curated blend of personal preferences, medical insights, and seasonal influences. Let’s dive into her dietary dos and don’ts, favorite meals, and the nutritional principles she lives by.
Leslie Kenny’s diet is one that she has honed particularly for her own needs and tastes. It is influenced by her medical history, particularly her autoimmune diseases and their triggers, allergies, and her likes and dislikes. This article is not intended as a specific diet to follow or a method to treat conditions like lupus for instance. It is important to recognize that the diet that works for Leslie is unique to her, so we recommend using this as inspiration or to take tips from, not as a definitive guide.
Foods Leslie Avoids
Firstly, Leslie’s ‘Don’ts’. She has chosen to cut these foods from her diet as she has found them to be triggers for her autoimmune disease:
- Trigger Foods: “Everyone [with autoimmune conditions] has different triggers, but tomatoes are tough for me. I remember having flare-ups each time I would eat them, so now I just avoid them” Leslie explains. Potatoes, zucchini, and green peppers are also on her “no touch” list for this reason.
- Gluten and Dairy: “I had an allergy test conducted by my medical doctor, and it showed sensitivities to both gluten and dairy” Leslie notes.
- Alcohol: “I decided to cut alcohol for similar reasons” she adds, pointing to its inflammatory potential and link as a strong contributor to various age-related diseases.
Inspiration from Popular Diets
While she has tried various diets namely; the Anti-inflammatory Zone Diet by Dr. Barry Sears and the Autoimmune Paleo diet, Leslie has now curated her own diet guidelines.
"I’ve borrowed a few concepts from these diets, like avoiding sugar and using high-quality oils, but ultimately I follow what works best for me."
This includes eating mostly plant-based, whole foods and, as much as possible, what’s locally and/or seasonally available.
Key Guidelines
- Focus on plant-based, whole foods.
- Opt for seasonal and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
- Avoid sugar and use anti-inflammatory oils like extra virgin olive oil.
A Day in Leslie Kenny’s Autumn Diet
Morning Ritual: Signature Coffee
On most days, Leslie starts her day with a single cup of her signature coffee (see recipe below). But, lacking hunger, she doesn’t eat anything until around midday.
"I tend not to have breakfast. I have my coffee and that carries me along until about 11[AM]. Then, I might have some olives. And, typically around 1, I’ll have lunch. Occasionally, this will mean that I fast for 18 hours [with her last meal before 8PM], but most often it’s around 15-hour fast (breaking fast at 11). In the summer, I like to do Circadian fasting so you only eat when there’s sunlight."
Leslie’s meticulously prepared coffee recipe combines high-quality ingredients with health benefits:
- Coffee Beans: Sourced from Oxford-based Colombia Coffee Roasters, known for their organic, single-estate beans.
- Additions:
- WillPowder Swiss Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides for skin and hair health.
- WillPowder MCT Keto Creamer.
- Naturya Raw Cacao.
- 1/8 teaspoon of the Chinese herb He Shou wu (Fo-ti), cycled three months on and one month off.
- Optional cinnamon for added richness.
"There’s a lot of ritual in my coffee preparation, and every step—from selecting the beans to the stir-ins—is carefully considered."
What’s for Lunch?
"I love soup!” laughs Leslie. “I know a lot of people hate it, but it’s my go-to at this time of year.
Leslie’s go-to gut-friendly soups:
- Chicken Soup: Her homemade chicken soup has a chicken bone broth base and contains garlic, onion, ginger, carrots, celery, broccoli, peas and fresh parsley. She recommends adding lots of spices as the variety is supportive of the gut biome (and, of course, adds extra deliciousness).
- Shiitake Mushroom Soup: Another typical soup for Leslie stars slices of shiitake mushrooms, stir-fried with sofrito, a mixture of celery, onion, and carrot. Also in the mix are garlic and ginger. When she’s in the mood for something more hearty, she will crack an egg into the hot soup or add prawns for extra protein.
Dinner Delights: Dairy-Free Risotto
Risotto! In all its fine vegetable forms, Leslie is a fan. In particular, she mentioned the pea, mushroom, and pumpkin varieties. Her version of risotto is dairy-free, but it's delectable nonetheless.
"Risotto is a favorite of mine, and I’ve found ways to make it dairy-free without sacrificing any of the deliciousness."
Quick Fire Questions: Snacks, Indulgences, and Supplements
Coffee or tea?
“Both! But never with milk or sweeteners.”
Fish or meat?
“Both! But I try for the highest quality.”
What’re you snacking on?
“Fruit!” [She held up a mandarin when I asked her this.] “I like apples, nuts, sunflower seeds, and sprouts (see photo!) I’ll also have tortilla chips or popcorn.”
Any indulgences?
“Yes! Gluten-free carrot or coffee cake. And, I occasionally have a dessert of blueberries, strawberries, almond milk, cacao nibs, and Primeadine–it tastes like ice cream.”
What is your supplement stack?
“Daily, I take a Women’s 50+ multivitamin and a B-complex vitamin. Because I take BHRT, I think it’s important to take N-acetylcystine, DIM, and Calcium-D-Glucarate. Additionally, I take liposomal glutathione, astaxanthin, and Primeadine Original. I take Primeadine GF before bed.”
What are your go-to foods for hair, skin and nails?
“Spermidine, collagen, and He Shou wu (Fo-ti).” (He Shou wu (Fo-ti) is a Chinese herb reputed for its anti-aging and health-promoting properties).
Conclusion
Leslie Kenny’s diet is a testament to the power of personalization and mindfulness. By prioritizing whole, anti-inflammatory foods and listening to her body, she’s found a way to support her gut health, manage her autoimmune conditions, and enjoy delicious meals. Her approach is not a one-size-fits-all guide, but it’s an inspiring example of how thoughtful dietary choices can lead to better health and balance.
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