Louisa Drake: My Food & Fitness Regime

When it comes to fitness, there isn’t much Louisa Drake doesn’t know. Since founding her eponymous method back in 2015, the London-based trainer and former professional dancer hasn’t looked back. Having trained under Tracy Anderson, and with clients including Victoria Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow and Felicity Jones, it’s no wonder the Louisa Drake Method – a fusion of yoga, Pilates, ballet and strength training – is one of the hottest workouts around. Here, she tells us what an average day-in-the-life looks like, and how she keeps her mental health in check. 

My day starts at sunrise. I often start teaching at 7am so I’m up by 5am. I’m a coffee fiend and couldn’t live without my bean to cup coffee machine – there are no decent coffee shops open near me at this time so I couldn’t be without it. I keep breakfast light – either a protein shake made with Supernova Living powder (which contains vegan protein and adaptogens), or a banana with a handful of nuts. 

I try to incorporate a little self-care into my morning routine. I use my stone facial roller with an aromatherapy facial oil and if I have time, I’ll body brush too. A couple of minutes of deep breathing also helps calm my mind and puts me in a more positive mindset for the day. 

I’m a big snacker. I always carry small pots of fresh berries, slices of apples, nut butter sachets and oatcakes in my bag. If I’m out and about, I’m also a big fan of Ape’s coconut snacks, Brave’s roasted peas and Deliciously Ella’s energy balls.

I go through phases of meal prepping. If I’m in the mood and have the right ingredients in my fridge, I’ll make a quinoa-based salad and box this up for the week with avocado, a side of protein such as chicken, and a side dressing. I absolutely love avocados – open my fridge and you’ll always find some in there, along with Oatly Barista milk, bananas and blueberries. 

I buy organic where I can. Organic eggs, dairy, fish and meat are a must for me, but I’m a little more relaxed when it comes to fruit and vegetables. If something is grown underground or has a soft skin, I’ll buy organic. If not, it doesn’t matter so much. 

I’m lucky my boyfriend is an amazing cook. It’s usually pretty late by the time I get home from teaching in the evening, and he has always has something ready for me. During the week it’s always something light – our staples include roast sweet potatoes with lots of fresh salads and some fish, or homemade soups and stews in the winter months. 

I love a Sunday roast. Sundays are the only day I have off during the week so it’s an opportunity to treat myself. I’m a dab hand at knocking up a hearty Sunday lunch – my Parmesan parsnips and roast potatoes are always popular – but I also enjoy making pasta dishes. I love courgette and mushroom linguine or fresh pasta with chilli, dill and prawns. I’m also a sucker for an almond croissant on the weekends (Miel in Fitzrovia do the best ones) or a cinnamon bun from Fabrique, also in Fitzrovia. I try not to think of these as treats so much, but have a little of what I fancy with no regrets.