Dining with Anna Wintour: A peek behind the shades

Anna Wintour at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival. PHOTO: David Shankbone

Who’s Behind the Sunglasses?
Anna Wintour, the iconic editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, not only sets trends in fashion but also keeps a keen eye on her diet. As someone who’s often in the limelight, her eating habits mirror the precision and elegance she brings to the fashion world.

A Peek at Her Plate
Anna starts her day on a fresh note, often opting for yogurt sprinkled with flax seeds and oat bran, topped with a burst of blueberries and blackberries. This isn’t just tasty—it’s a power-packed start that fuels her through morning meetings. When lunch rolls around, she keeps things light and nutritious.

She might choose a vibrant spinach salad dotted with tuna, tomatoes, and kalamata olives, all brought together with a splash of homemade dressing. It’s the kind of meal that keeps one energized without feeling weighed down​.

Anna Wintour arriving at a fashion show, 2006. PHOTO: Captain Catan

A Balanced Approach to Indulgence
Moderation is key in Anna’s book, especially with drinks. While she enjoys a glass of wine occasionally, water with a twist of lemon is her go-to for staying hydrated.

Despite her busy schedule, Anna tries to cut back on coffee, aiming to replace it with more water—something many of us can relate to when trying to dial down our caffeine intake.

And when it comes to treating herself, Anna knows it’s all about balance. She allows herself the occasional treat, reinforcing that it’s perfectly fine to enjoy the sweeter things in life now and then​.

In essence, Anna Wintour’s approach to eating is much like her approach to fashion: thoughtful, refined, and always in style.

Anna Wintour front row at the Anne Klein fashion show, 2009. PHOTO: Raul654

Anna Wintour’s Daily Diet

Anna Wintour, the iconic editor-in-chief of Vogue, manages her diet with as much precision as her magazine edits.

Known for her disciplined lifestyle, Anna’s daily meals are carefully curated to blend nutrition with her demanding schedule. Let’s take a look at what a typical day looks like for her when it comes to food.

Cappucino coffee and blueberry muffin. PHOTO: Stock image

Breakfast

Anna Wintour starts her day on a simple yet nutritious note. For breakfast, she often opts for a café latte paired with a blueberry muffin. This choice combines a kick of caffeine with a sweet touch, providing a balanced start to her morning​. She will also have scrambled eggs or smoked salmon on a bagel.

Steak and salad for lunch. PHOTO: Stock image

Lunch

Lunch for Anna is typically a protein-rich meal, favoring dishes like steak or a no-bun burger, accompanied by a Caprese salad minus the tomatoes. Despite her busy schedule, these meals reflect her preference for substantial and hearty foods to fuel her through the day​.

A pasta for dinner is Anna’s choice. PHOTO: Stock image

Dinner

Dinner remains a sophisticated affair, often consisting of grilled fish or pasta, with spaghetti carbonara being a particular favorite. While Anna doesn’t cook herself, these meals are usually prepared by her private chef, ensuring they are both delicious and nutritious​.

A small portion of ice cream is a treat. PHOTO: Stock image

Dessert

You might be surprised to learn that Anna isn’t keen on sweets. She usually passes on dessert too, keeping things light. But now and then, she’ll treat herself to a little ice cream or something similar—always in moderation, of course.

An iced coffee. PHOTO: Stock image

Snacks

Anna likes to keep her snacks simple and packed with protein. Whether it’s an iced coffee or some lean meat and fish, she chooses these to keep hunger at bay between meals. This is all part of her balanced and health-conscious approach to eating.

Anna Wintour at Paris Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2019. PHOTO: Myles Kalus Anak Jihem

5 Food Quotes From Anna Wintour

“I’d rather eat a cupcake than be a size 0.”
Anna Wintour expresses her preference for indulging in a sweet treat over maintaining a very slim figure. (Interview at a fashion event, reported by various media)

“I think lunch kills half the people who make careers out of it.”
Wintour comments on the often over-indulgent business lunches in the fashion industry. (From a public interview)

“It’s all about moderation. If you take care of yourself most of the time, you can indulge.”
Here, Anna Wintour speaks about the balance in diet and allowing herself a treat within a generally healthy lifestyle. (Shared during a Vogue editorial meeting)

“If I have a big steak dinner, I don’t feel well after. I try to avoid things that make me too full.”
Wintour discusses her personal dietary preferences and the impact heavy meals have on her. (From a dietary interview in a health magazine)

“The notion of a good salad is somewhat of an oxymoron to me.”
Anna Wintour humorously reveals her less enthusiastic views on salads. (In a conversation at a culinary event)

Anna Wintour at Milan Fashion Week 2013. PHOTO: Giorgio Montersino

Anna Wintour FAQ

Here are the dining preferences and dietary habits of Anna Wintour, the influential editor-in-chief of Vogue. This FAQ provides insights into her personal tastes and dislikes.

What does Anna enjoy for breakfast?

Anna prefers a simple and quick breakfast; typically, she might choose a café latte paired with a blueberry muffin.

Is Anna known to have any favorite snacks?

Yes, Anna occasionally enjoys a snack between meals. She prefers light options like an apple or a few almonds to keep her going.

What kind of cooking does Anna prefer when at home?

While Anna is not known to cook often herself, she appreciates simple, well-prepared meals made by her personal chef.

Anna Wintour has a full-time personal chef. PHOTO: Stock image

Does she have any dietary restrictions?

Anna does not follow any strict dietary restrictions but prefers to avoid overly processed foods and maintains a balanced diet.

How does Anna manage her diet during fashion week?

During fashion week, Anna keeps her meals light and simple, often opting for salads and lean proteins to maintain her energy without feeling weighed down.

What is Anna’s view on fast food?

Anna generally avoids fast food, preferring instead to eat meals that are freshly prepared and nutritionally balanced.

Does Anna prefer in any beverages?

Anna is known to enjoy coffee throughout the day and may opt for a glass of champagne or white wine at social events.

What does Anna dislike in her diet?

Anna dislikes overly complicated dishes and has a particular aversion to fast food, which she avoids completely.

How does Anna maintain her diet while traveling?

When traveling, Anna ensures to have meals that align with her usual dietary habits, focusing on fresh and local ingredients whenever possible.

PHOTO: Stock image

DIET VERDICT

Anna Wintour’s meals most closely align with the Mediterranean Diet. Her preference for simple, fresh foods like fish, steak, salads without heavy dressings, and occasional treats like ice cream fits well with this diet’s emphasis on balanced, whole foods and healthy fats.

Anna Wintour at New York’s Fall Fashion Week, 2005. PHOTO: Karin Bar

What The Experts Say About Anna Wintour’s Diet Choices

Her Focus on Lean Proteins and Vegetables

Anna Wintour’s preference for lean proteins and fresh vegetables contributes significantly to maintaining muscle and overall health. Nutrition Today

Limited Fast Food Intake

The avoidance of fast food in Anna’s diet supports cardiovascular health and helps her manage weight effectively. Dietitian’s Review

Moderate Coffee Consumption

While Anna Wintour enjoys several cups of coffee daily, moderate coffee consumption is linked to lower risks of several diseases, including Parkinson’s and type 2 diabetes. Healthline Nutrition

Occasional Indulgences

Anna Wintour’s approach to occasional indulgences, such as ice cream, promotes a realistic and sustainable eating pattern. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Her Balanced Approach to Meals

Anna’s balanced approach, incorporating both meats and pastas, aligns well with Mediterranean diet principles, known for enhancing longevity and reducing disease risks. Mediterranean Diet Council

From left: Scarlett Johansson, Radhika Khanna, Anna Wintour. PHOTO: Wikiedits00000

4 Things You Didn’t Know About Anna Wintour

Anna’s Early Morning Routine

Anna Wintour is an early riser, starting her day at 5:00 am. This disciplined start is essential for her, keeping her productive and prepared for her demanding role.

Her Signature Look From Youth

Anna has maintained her signature bob haircut since her teenage years. This consistent personal style has become iconic, reflecting her steady and determined approach to both fashion and life.

A No-Alcohol Preference

Despite the commonality of alcohol at fashion events, Anna Wintour does not drink. Her choice to abstain reflects her commitment to maintaining a clear, focused lifestyle in a fast-paced industry.

Is Anna Wintour titled?

Anna Wintour was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in May 2017 for her contributions to fashion and journalism.