‘An enormous bottle of electrolyte drink’: An opera singer’s day on a plate

Elena Xanthoudakis is an opera soprano. The 44-year-old shares her day on a plate.

An evening treat: decaf tea with coconut milk and a gluten-free Scotch biscuit.Credit: Illustration by Eliza Iredale

8.30am I start the day with protein: two poached eggs on gluten-free toast with mustard. As my afternoons are filled with rehearsals, I find hydration is critical beforehand, so I devour a plate of watermelon and drink a glass of water with Arbonne EnergyFizz for B vitamins and have an Arbonne GreenSynergy Elixir, for a combined shot of pre and probiotics, greens powder and collagen booster. I also have a camomile tea.

1pm Small serving of homemade chicken and leek risotto.

2.30pm I hydrate the vocal cords and body through rehearsals by sipping an enormous bottle of electrolyte drink.

6.30pm A huge bowl of homemade chicken and corn soup, and a side of leftover Chinese fried rice.

8.30pm Berries, a spot of coconut yoghurt and magnesium glycinate to help my muscles and sleep.

9pm An evening treat: decaf tea with coconut milk and a gluten-free Scotch biscuit.

Dr Joanna McMillan says:

Top marks for … Recognising the importance of hydration in your work, not just for your vocals but for brain performance. However, take care to read the ingredients list of the various supplements you are adding as there are crossovers of nutrients, meaning you may be overdosing, while they may also contain added sugar.

If you keep eating like this you’ll … Miss out on the nutrients, antioxidants and fibres found in whole foods and not in supplements. You eat very few vegies, only one serve of fruit, and no nuts or seeds, which are some of the best natural sources of magnesium.

Why don’t you try … Swapping the greens powder for dark, leafy greens such as rocket with your eggs, adding a cup of spinach to your soup or whipping up a smoothie with whole foods such as greens, fruit, nuts, yoghurt and your choice of milk.

Elena Xanthoudakis performs in Melbourne Opera’s Lucia di Lammermoor on May 8, 14 and 18.

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