Why Lily James changes her diet for each movie

Lily James at the ‘Baby Driver’ Australian Premiere in Sydney, 2017. PHOTO: Eva Rinaldi

Lily James, a British actress known for her range of roles, from the enchanting Cinderella to the dynamic character in Pam & Tommy, has captured the attention of audiences worldwide.

Her journey through different characters is about her acting chops, and also about how she adapts her lifestyle, especially her diet, to fit each role’s demands.

What Lily Eats

Changing her diet is a big part of getting ready for her roles. For example, when playing Pamela Anderson, Lily ate lots of protein like fish and chicken to help her get into top shape.

This wasn’t just about looking the part for the film, but feeling strong and energetic enough for all the physical training​.

Lily James arrives at the Baby Driver Australian Premiere in Sydney, 2013. PHOTO: Eva Rinaldi

A Look at Her Diet Changes

When preparing for Pam & Tommy, Lily really had to step up her diet game to match Pamela Anderson’s iconic look. She focused on eating clean, sticking to organic foods, and avoiding anything processed. Hydration was also key, so she made sure to drink lots of water throughout the day and kept her meals colorful with a variety of veggies​.

Outside of her acting roles, Lily likes to keep things simple and fun. She loves cooking at home, often using veggies she’s grown herself. And yes, she does treat herself to pizza every now and then! It’s all about enjoying life without going overboard​.

Lily’s way of handling her diet shows she’s all about making sure she feels good while meeting the demands of her roles. She switches easily between strict diet plans for work and a more chilled approach when she’s off the clock, showing you can have discipline and still enjoy your food.

Lily James at the Noel Coward Theatre, 2019. PHOTO: Flickr/Raph_PH

Lily James Daily Diet

Lily James is all about maintaining a balanced diet, especially when she’s gearing up for roles that demand a lot from her physically. You’ll find her switching between meticulously planned meals for intense training and a more laid-back approach that emphasizes moderation when she’s not prepping for a character.

This flexibility helps her stay in top shape while also enjoying her life when she’s off the set.

An egg white omelet. PHOTO: Stock image

Breakfast

When gearing up for physically demanding roles, Lily starts her day with a breakfast that usually consists of an egg white omelet packed with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. This meal is high in protein and low in calories, providing a solid foundation for an energetic day​.

Grilled chicken with vegetables. PHOTO: Stock image

Lunch

For lunch, Lily continues to focus on lean proteins and vegetables. A typical lunch might include a combination of chicken or another lean protein source, paired with vegetables and a source of carbs like rice, to keep her energy levels stable throughout the day​​.

Lunch is often Arugula Salad. PHOTO: Stock image

Dinner

Dinner mirrors her lunch choices, focusing on lean proteins and a variety of vegetables. A typical dinner might feature salmon with a side salad rich in greens like kale and spinach, ensuring she receives a spectrum of nutrients while maintaining a low-calorie intake​.

A protein keton shake. PHOTO: Stock image

Dessert

Lily doesn’t often indulge in traditional desserts, especially when preparing for roles. She opts for healthier alternatives or sometimes a protein shake if she needs something sweet​.

Carrots and hummus make a delightful snack. PHOTO: Stock image

Snacks

Throughout the day, Lily snacks on healthy, low-calorie options such as carrots, celery, and pretzels dipped in hummus. These snacks are chosen to complement her diet, providing energy without excessive calories​

Lily James speaking at the 2015 San Diego Comic Con. PHOTO: Gage Skidmore

5 Food Quotes From Lily James

“I have found that starting my day with exercise is the key. When I work out regularly, I immediately feel the benefits. It’s exciting to be empowered by that, and it turns into a domino effect. Naturally, I start eating better and stop drinking so much wine.”
Lily James shared how regular exercise influences her eating habits positively in an interview with Shape magazine. (Grazia Magazine)

“Diet Coke is the only way I get through filming because I get so tired.”
In this quote, Lily humorously mentions her reliance on Diet Coke during long filming days. (AllGreatQuotes)

“Toward the beginning of lockdown, I was cooking all the time. I learned new recipes using fresh vegetables from my garden, such as veggie sweet potato chili, stews, and ratatouille.”
During lockdown, Lily took the time to cook and experiment with new recipes using vegetables from her garden, as she discussed in an interview. (Shape Magazine)

“I don’t try to deprive myself of stuff. If I want to order fast food, I let myself eat what I want to eat.”
Lily James emphasizes the importance of not depriving herself when it comes to food, advocating for a balanced approach to eating. (Shape Magazine)

“My ultimate top tip is to drag yourself, even if you have to roll yourself out of your bed and into a sit-up – it’s really not that bad once you start.”
Lily James gives advice on motivating herself to exercise, which indirectly influences her dietary habits, during an interview. (AllGreatQuotes)

Lily James at the BAFTA’s 2013. PHOTO: Sean Reynolds

Lily James FAQ

Explore some frequently asked questions about Lily James’s eating habits, food dislikes, and diet. Discover what fuels this talented actress and how she manages her diet with a busy schedule.

What does Lily typically eat for breakfast?

Lily often starts her day with something light and protein-rich like an egg white omelet loaded with vegetables, which helps her keep energized for the day’s demands.

Does Lily have any food dislikes?

Lily is pretty open about her food choices and hasn’t specifically mentioned disliking any particular foods publicly. She tends to enjoy a variety of dishes both in her home cooking and while dining out.

What is Lily’s favorite snack?

Lily enjoys healthy snacks and often opts for fresh fruits or vegetables. During her training periods, she keeps snacks light to complement her diet and exercise regimen.

How does the star maintain her diet while filming?

Lily manages her diet during filming by preparing meals that are nutrient-rich and suited to her energy needs, often incorporating lots of vegetables and lean proteins to sustain her through long shooting days.

What is Lily’s approach to cooking at home?

At home, Lily loves to experiment with new recipes, especially using fresh vegetables from her own garden. She enjoys making hearty, wholesome meals like stews and veggie chili.

Does Lily follow any specific dietary regimen?

Lily doesn’t stick to one specific dietary regimen but focuses on balance and moderation. She adjusts her diet based on her roles, often eating cleaner and stricter when preparing for more physically demanding roles.

What kind of foods does Lily avoid?

While not strict, Lily tries to avoid overly processed foods and excessive sugars, preferring to eat clean and organic as much as possible to maintain her health and physique.

How does Lily manage her diet during busy schedules?

During busy periods, Lily prioritizes convenience without compromising on health. She opts for quick yet nutritious meals and ensures she stays hydrated and energized with small, frequent meals.

What is this star’s philosophy towards diet and health?

Lily believes in not depriving herself of the foods she loves but balances this with healthy choices most of the time. She emphasizes the importance of feeling good about what you eat and connects her diet closely with her overall wellbeing and energy levels.

PHOTO: Stock image

DIET VERDICT

Like many celebriies, Lily James’s meals are based on the principles of the Mediterranean Diet.

This diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and a healthy balance of fats—mirroring Lily’s preference for meals like salmon with kale and spinach salad, chicken with veggies, and her moderation in healthy fats and oils.

What The Experts Say About Lily James’ Diet Choices

Lean Protein Choices

Experts appreciate that Lily James includes plenty of lean proteins like chicken and salmon in her diet, which are great for keeping muscles strong and boosting metabolism. – Nutrition Today

Veggie Love

Nutritionists give a thumbs up to Lily’s love for veggies. Eating a variety of vegetables is key to lowering the risk of health issues like heart disease and diabetes. – American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Balanced Eating

Lily James’ approach to eating—allowing herself the foods she loves in moderation—is something dietitians often recommend for a realistic and sustainable healthy lifestyle. – Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Importance of Hydration

Staying hydrated is a big deal for overall health, and Lily’s focus on drinking plenty of water gets high marks from health experts for its benefits to physical performance and skin health. – Journal of American College of Nutrition

Smart Carbs

Lily’s choice to include moderate amounts of carbs from sources like rice and sweet potatoes is praised for providing energy without excessive sugar, which helps with energy balance and weight management. – Nutrition Reviews

Lily James speaking at the 2015 San Diego Comic Con. PHOTO: Gage Skidmore

3 Things You Didn’t Know About Lily James

Her Real Name Isn’t Lily James

Lily was actually born as Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson. She adopted the stage name “Lily James” in honor of her father, James Thomson, who passed away from cancer. This name change was a personal tribute to her beloved father.

She Comes From a Family of Performers

Acting runs in Lily’s blood. Her grandmother, Helen Horton, was also an actress with over 70 movie credits to her name, including roles in notable films like Alien (1979) and Superman III (1983). This familial connection to the arts greatly influenced Lily’s career path.

She Was Almost Cast as a Stepsister in Cinderella

Before landing the leading role in Disney’s Cinderella, Lily James originally auditioned for one of the evil stepsisters. However, her audition impressed the casting directors so much that they offered her the lead role instead, which really gave a boost to her career.