To become what she is today — one of the most sought-after models in the industry — took some family pedigree (her mom, Yolanda Hadid, is a former model who also starred in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Lifetime’s Making a Model With Yolanda Hadid) as well as a lot of hard work. British Vogue called Gigi part of “the new age of models” because of her “strong work ethic, good manners, and the ability to speak out.” “My mum always told me if you’re not the nicest, most hardworking girl in the room, there’s always going to be someone prettier than you who’s nicer and more hardworking. I intentionally go to work every day and try to be someone people like to work with,” Hadid told British Vogue. RELATED: 14 Celebrities Who Ditched Meat to Go Vegan or Vegetarian In addition to all the effort she pours into her career, she’s had to put in a lot work managing Hashimoto’s disease, which she announced she had been diagnosed with in 2016. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system starts attacking your thyroid, according to the National Institutes of Health. That, in turn, means your thyroid can’t make the proper amount of hormones, which may lead to symptoms like tiredness, joint and muscle pain, and weight gain. (Hashimoto’s is a cause of hypothyroidism.) In February, Hadid tweeted what it finally took to get disease under control: “I’ve been properly medicated to help symptoms including those, as well as extreme fatigue, metabolism issues, body’s ability to retain heat, etc … I was also part of a holistic medical trial that helped my thyroid levels balance out.” Now, Hadid is feeling better than ever (though she has had to shut down some people on Twitter who say she is looking too slim these days). Find out Hadid’s diet and the workout that help her stay fit and healthy, plus what the pros think about her plan.
1. Hadid Loves a Good Egg Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? And Hadid nails it with her a.m. pick. “At home I love scrambled eggs and toast; it’s just an easy go-to,” Hadid told Harper’s Bazaar. In the past, eggs were vilified because they contain cholesterol, says Alix Turoff, RDN, a New York City–based dietitian in private practice and a National Academy of Sports Medicine–certified personal trainer. Many health professionals thought that eggs would raise a person’s cholesterol levels, but that’s not the case for the majority of people, says Turoff. Instead, they’re a great source of protein (which likely gives Hadid energy for long photo shoots), plus they contain essential vitamins and nutrients, like B vitamins, folate, and choline. Also, whole-grain toast is a great complement for added fiber. “If you serve your eggs with fiber-filled whole-grain or whole-wheat toast, that’s almost a perfect breakfast,” says Christine Palumbo, RDN, a Chicago-based dietitian in private practice. One of Palumbo’s suggestions for Hadid is adding some veggies to the scramble — like onions, green peppers, spinach, or kale — for an extra vitamin and fiber hit. When Hadid goes out for breakfast, she ups the ante. “I live near The Smile, and I love their scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast,” she also told Harper’s Bazaar. Turoff says that the model is likely getting uncured, grass-fed pork at the upscale spot, so the bacon is probably not as bad an option as it might initially seem (there’s a potential concern about processed meat like bacon causing cancer, per the World Health Organization). Still, Palumbo advises that you consider bacon a “once in a while” order rather than an everyday item. RELATED: What to Know About the All-Meat Carnivore Diet
2. And She’s a Fan of OJ and Coffee With Her A.M. Meal
To wash down her eggs and toast, Hadid told Harper’s Bazaar, “I drink orange juice and coffee always.” Dietitians like Palumbo stand by coffee as a wise beverage in moderation — not only does it taste great but it’s a good way to get antioxidants, she adds. Her advice: “Just go easy with cream and sugar.” On the other hand, nutritionists like Turoff aren’t thrilled with the orange juice choice. “Orange juice is going to be high in sugar, so I wouldn’t recommend it for the average person — instead, I suggest having a whole orange,” says Turoff. By doing so, she says, you get the fiber from the whole fruit, which helps keep your blood sugar from spiking, like it does with juice. Still, Palumbo realizes that not everyone is going to make the time to peel an orange in the morning. “So if you do grab a glass of juice, it’s a good way to get in vitamins like C, but the key is portion size,” says Palumbo. (A half-cup, 4 ounces, of OJ is a serving size, according to the American Heart Association.)
3. Speaking of Juice, Hadid Also Likes Her Juice Press
It’s a whole lot easier to be healthy when you have nutritious spots within walking distance. And Hadid is in luck where she lives. “New York is great for being healthy — I have a Juice Press right around the corner,” she told Into the Gloss, referring to the popular juice bar. She was also spotted holding trays of Juice Press green juices for a photo shoot; it’s pretty clear she’s a regular. Whether downing lots of green juice is a good idea, however, is up for debate. On the one hand, you are getting your vegetables in, says Leah Kaufman, RDN, a New York City–based dietitian in private practice. At the same time, Turoff tells her clients to proceed with caution when you have a green juice because it is not as satisfying as eating your vegetables due to the lack of fiber. “A big salad will be a lot more filling,” she says. If you do have a green juice, check the ingredient list to make sure it’s not loaded with fruit, which can send the drink’s sugar count soaring, she notes. RELATED: What to Know Before You Try a Detox Cleanse
4. Her Motto Is ‘Eat Clean to Stay Fit, Have a Burger to Stay Sane’
It’s clear that Hadid focuses on getting in her veggies and makes smart protein choices with her eggs, but she’s also not afraid to enjoy the food she loves. In fact, the model told Harper’s Bazaar that her motto is “Eat clean to stay fit, have a burger to stay sane.” And it’s easy to see why that’s her favorite saying: She told Into the Gloss, “Burgers and fries are my weakness,” and Hadid even won an episode of MasterChef by making a jalapeno-infused burger. “The first year I lived in New York I tried a different burger every week to find my favorite burger in New York,” she told the judges Gordon Ramsey and Christina Tosi on the show. As for the mantra? Turoff thinks they are good words to live by, saying, “I kind of like it — it’s a pretty good description of balance, and people should include fun foods in their diet.” Also, Turoff adds, it’s a much better line than what model Kate Moss once said: “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” (Though Elle has since reported that the veteran model now regrets saying that.) Palumbo is a fan of the motto, too. “She’s essentially saying to eat really well 90 percent of the time and allow yourself 10 percent indulgences, which is smart,” she says.
5. She Likes to Box — Rather Than Using Machines at the Gym
Hadid’s workout of choice? It’s boxing, per Vogue. “When I walk in [to Gotham Gym], it’s like my big brothers. They don’t care about me as a model or what my body looks like. They care that I give a good punch, and that’s how I want to be judged in my athletic space, because that’s what I find pride in,” Hadid said on a Reebok panel. Her boxing trainer, Rob Piela, said that Hadid likes to stick to a regular workout schedule. “We get together as often as possible,” he told Self. Hadid also told Harper’s Bazaar that because she has played volleyball and ridden horses all her life, just going to the gym doesn’t cut it for her. “I need to have a sport that wakes me up and that I can get better at, and boxing does that for me,” Hadid said. “Boxing is great for the core and arms, and is a full-body workout,” says Turoff. “And a full-body workout is important for her as a model.” That said, it doesn’t mean you have to run out and buy a pair of gloves — it’s about finding a workout that makes sense for you, says Turoff. “As long as you enjoy the exercise and can do it regularly, you’ll get benefits,” adds Turoff. “Any form of movement is good, from walking to Zumba.” RELATED: 10 Amazing Benefits of Exercise
6. She Has a Go-To Salad She Could Eat Every Day
At one of Hadid’s haunts, The Smile, her favorite meal is “a little arugula salad that I could eat every day,” the model told Harper’s. So is a once-a-day salad a good habit? “In general, it’s a smart idea, but it depends on what’s in your salad,” says Turoff. “For a well-balanced meal, salads should have a protein source, like chicken or tofu, nonstarchy veggies,” and a dressing for fat, she says. People run into trouble, she adds, when their salads have nuts, dressing, cheese, and avocado, for a total of four servings of fat or more. Also, Kaufman says that variation is key when it comes to getting in your veggies (you don’t want to get bored). “If you get sick of having veggies in salad form, mix it up and try grilled vegetables,” she adds.
7. She Likes Ordering Sushi With Friends
Every group of friends has their favorite dinner spot, and it’s no different for Hadid. “If I’m going out, I like to go for dinner and drinks with friends. I love Bond Street for sushi,” she told Harper’s Bazaar. From a health standpoint, sushi can be variable, says Turoff. Rather than tempura (fried veggies or seafood), “start with a green salad with ginger dressing and edamame,” advises Turoff. For your main, it’s a good idea to get one roll with rice or sashimi, and then if you want another, get it “naruto style,” which means it’s wrapped in a thin slice of cucumber rather than rice, says Turoff. “Some places will even make your rolls with less rice if you ask,” Turoff adds. For an extra dose of fiber, you could ask for brown rice. Another pro tip? “I also recommend people stay away from spicy and crunchy sauces, as those tend to be higher in fat,” says Kaufman. Still, she adds, “Treating yourself with sushi is a great way to spend time with friends.” RELATED: A Detailed Guide to Eating Tilapia and Reaping Its Health Benefits
8. Hadid Gets Her Favorite Dessert Delivered
Hadid is a fan of grasshopper pie ice cream, she told Harper’s, and almost cried when her favorite ice cream spot near her gym shut down. But thankfully for Hadid, there’s another shop in New York City, and she has found a hack. “Now I’ll just Postmate pints of it to my apartment.” Doing so may be a wise strategy for Hadid, says Palumbo. “If dessert doesn’t cry out to you every day, then it’s safe to keep in your freezer, but if knowing it’s there makes you tempted to overeat, it might be a better idea to go out for it than have it delivered,” she adds. Plus, Turoff gives Hadid a thumbs-up for opting for a treat she’s really into. “If you have a craving, don’t just have a handful of dry cookies — go out and get the best cookie you can find,” says Turoff. “I want people to have a healthy relationship with dessert and feel good about eating something they find delicious rather than feeling obligated to buy diet desserts.”
9. Hashimoto’s Disease May Shape Hadid’s Diet in Part
Based on Hadid’s motto, she strives to eat clean, which means avoiding processed foods and eating more veggies and lean protein, and that’s a good thing, says Kaufman. “A dietitian or doctor will likely tell a person with an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s to eat clean,” says Kaufman. “It helps with overall inflammation.” Your doctor may advise you to avoid or limit soy, too, says Kaufman. “Sometimes excess soy does have an effect on the thyroid,” she adds. According to the Mayo Clinic, soy may interfere with the way the body absorbs thyroid medication. In addition, people are more likely to have Hashimoto’s disease if they have another autoimmune disorder, like lupus and celiac disease. If that’s the case, you’ll likely want to discuss with your doctor whether you should go gluten-free, adds Kaufman. Dairy may also be inflammatory for some, according to the Arthritis Foundation. “The consensus is usually that people with Hashimoto’s who eliminate gluten, soy, and dairy feel significantly better,” says Palumbo. That said, Palumbo says that those three ingredients are a huge part of the American diet, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before making a dramatic change. RELATED: Who Should Really Be on a Gluten-Free Diet?
10. Hadid Has Fired Back at Body Shamers Online
In February, after internet commenters were attacking Hadid for her slimmer-than-usual figure, she fired back on Twitter, explaining that being diagnosed — and then treated — for Hashimoto’s has played a role in her weight fluctuations: “For those of you so determined to come up w why my body has changed over the years, you may not know that when I started @ 17 I was not yet diagnosed w/Hashimoto’s disease; those of u who called me ‘too big for the industry’ were seeing inflammation & water retention due to that.” Since getting on the right medications, she’s seen a positive change in her hormone levels and her weight. The model went on to say, “Although stress & excessive travel can also affect the body, I have always eaten the same, my body just handles it differently now that my health is better. I may be ‘too skinny’ for u, honestly this skinny isn’t what I want to be, but I feel healthier internally and am still learning and growing with my body everyday, as everyone is.” Later in her Twitter rebuke, Hadid said, “Learn to have more empathy for others and know that you never really know the whole story” — which are words that everyone can subscribe to.
title: “Gigi Hadid S Diet And Exercise 10 Interesting Facts” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-20” author: “Shani Melnick”
To become what she is today — one of the most sought-after models in the industry — took some family pedigree (her mom, Yolanda Hadid, is a former model who also starred in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Lifetime’s Making a Model With Yolanda Hadid) as well as a lot of hard work. British Vogue called Gigi part of “the new age of models” because of her “strong work ethic, good manners, and the ability to speak out.” “My mum always told me if you’re not the nicest, most hardworking girl in the room, there’s always going to be someone prettier than you who’s nicer and more hardworking. I intentionally go to work every day and try to be someone people like to work with,” Hadid told British Vogue. RELATED: 14 Celebrities Who Ditched Meat to Go Vegan or Vegetarian In addition to all the effort she pours into her career, she’s had to put in a lot work managing Hashimoto’s disease, which she announced she had been diagnosed with in 2016. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system starts attacking your thyroid, according to the National Institutes of Health. That, in turn, means your thyroid can’t make the proper amount of hormones, which may lead to symptoms like tiredness, joint and muscle pain, and weight gain. (Hashimoto’s is a cause of hypothyroidism.) In February, Hadid tweeted what it finally took to get disease under control: “I’ve been properly medicated to help symptoms including those, as well as extreme fatigue, metabolism issues, body’s ability to retain heat, etc … I was also part of a holistic medical trial that helped my thyroid levels balance out.” Now, Hadid is feeling better than ever (though she has had to shut down some people on Twitter who say she is looking too slim these days). Find out Hadid’s diet and the workout that help her stay fit and healthy, plus what the pros think about her plan.
1. Hadid Loves a Good Egg Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? And Hadid nails it with her a.m. pick. “At home I love scrambled eggs and toast; it’s just an easy go-to,” Hadid told Harper’s Bazaar. In the past, eggs were vilified because they contain cholesterol, says Alix Turoff, RDN, a New York City–based dietitian in private practice and a National Academy of Sports Medicine–certified personal trainer. Many health professionals thought that eggs would raise a person’s cholesterol levels, but that’s not the case for the majority of people, says Turoff. Instead, they’re a great source of protein (which likely gives Hadid energy for long photo shoots), plus they contain essential vitamins and nutrients, like B vitamins, folate, and choline. Also, whole-grain toast is a great complement for added fiber. “If you serve your eggs with fiber-filled whole-grain or whole-wheat toast, that’s almost a perfect breakfast,” says Christine Palumbo, RDN, a Chicago-based dietitian in private practice. One of Palumbo’s suggestions for Hadid is adding some veggies to the scramble — like onions, green peppers, spinach, or kale — for an extra vitamin and fiber hit. When Hadid goes out for breakfast, she ups the ante. “I live near The Smile, and I love their scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast,” she also told Harper’s Bazaar. Turoff says that the model is likely getting uncured, grass-fed pork at the upscale spot, so the bacon is probably not as bad an option as it might initially seem (there’s a potential concern about processed meat like bacon causing cancer, per the World Health Organization). Still, Palumbo advises that you consider bacon a “once in a while” order rather than an everyday item. RELATED: What to Know About the All-Meat Carnivore Diet
2. And She’s a Fan of OJ and Coffee With Her A.M. Meal
To wash down her eggs and toast, Hadid told Harper’s Bazaar, “I drink orange juice and coffee always.” Dietitians like Palumbo stand by coffee as a wise beverage in moderation — not only does it taste great but it’s a good way to get antioxidants, she adds. Her advice: “Just go easy with cream and sugar.” On the other hand, nutritionists like Turoff aren’t thrilled with the orange juice choice. “Orange juice is going to be high in sugar, so I wouldn’t recommend it for the average person — instead, I suggest having a whole orange,” says Turoff. By doing so, she says, you get the fiber from the whole fruit, which helps keep your blood sugar from spiking, like it does with juice. Still, Palumbo realizes that not everyone is going to make the time to peel an orange in the morning. “So if you do grab a glass of juice, it’s a good way to get in vitamins like C, but the key is portion size,” says Palumbo. (A half-cup, 4 ounces, of OJ is a serving size, according to the American Heart Association.)
3. Speaking of Juice, Hadid Also Likes Her Juice Press
It’s a whole lot easier to be healthy when you have nutritious spots within walking distance. And Hadid is in luck where she lives. “New York is great for being healthy — I have a Juice Press right around the corner,” she told Into the Gloss, referring to the popular juice bar. She was also spotted holding trays of Juice Press green juices for a photo shoot; it’s pretty clear she’s a regular. Whether downing lots of green juice is a good idea, however, is up for debate. On the one hand, you are getting your vegetables in, says Leah Kaufman, RDN, a New York City–based dietitian in private practice. At the same time, Turoff tells her clients to proceed with caution when you have a green juice because it is not as satisfying as eating your vegetables due to the lack of fiber. “A big salad will be a lot more filling,” she says. If you do have a green juice, check the ingredient list to make sure it’s not loaded with fruit, which can send the drink’s sugar count soaring, she notes. RELATED: What to Know Before You Try a Detox Cleanse
4. Her Motto Is ‘Eat Clean to Stay Fit, Have a Burger to Stay Sane’
It’s clear that Hadid focuses on getting in her veggies and makes smart protein choices with her eggs, but she’s also not afraid to enjoy the food she loves. In fact, the model told Harper’s Bazaar that her motto is “Eat clean to stay fit, have a burger to stay sane.” And it’s easy to see why that’s her favorite saying: She told Into the Gloss, “Burgers and fries are my weakness,” and Hadid even won an episode of MasterChef by making a jalapeno-infused burger. “The first year I lived in New York I tried a different burger every week to find my favorite burger in New York,” she told the judges Gordon Ramsey and Christina Tosi on the show. As for the mantra? Turoff thinks they are good words to live by, saying, “I kind of like it — it’s a pretty good description of balance, and people should include fun foods in their diet.” Also, Turoff adds, it’s a much better line than what model Kate Moss once said: “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” (Though Elle has since reported that the veteran model now regrets saying that.) Palumbo is a fan of the motto, too. “She’s essentially saying to eat really well 90 percent of the time and allow yourself 10 percent indulgences, which is smart,” she says.
5. She Likes to Box — Rather Than Using Machines at the Gym
Hadid’s workout of choice? It’s boxing, per Vogue. “When I walk in [to Gotham Gym], it’s like my big brothers. They don’t care about me as a model or what my body looks like. They care that I give a good punch, and that’s how I want to be judged in my athletic space, because that’s what I find pride in,” Hadid said on a Reebok panel. Her boxing trainer, Rob Piela, said that Hadid likes to stick to a regular workout schedule. “We get together as often as possible,” he told Self. Hadid also told Harper’s Bazaar that because she has played volleyball and ridden horses all her life, just going to the gym doesn’t cut it for her. “I need to have a sport that wakes me up and that I can get better at, and boxing does that for me,” Hadid said. “Boxing is great for the core and arms, and is a full-body workout,” says Turoff. “And a full-body workout is important for her as a model.” That said, it doesn’t mean you have to run out and buy a pair of gloves — it’s about finding a workout that makes sense for you, says Turoff. “As long as you enjoy the exercise and can do it regularly, you’ll get benefits,” adds Turoff. “Any form of movement is good, from walking to Zumba.” RELATED: 10 Amazing Benefits of Exercise
6. She Has a Go-To Salad She Could Eat Every Day
At one of Hadid’s haunts, The Smile, her favorite meal is “a little arugula salad that I could eat every day,” the model told Harper’s. So is a once-a-day salad a good habit? “In general, it’s a smart idea, but it depends on what’s in your salad,” says Turoff. “For a well-balanced meal, salads should have a protein source, like chicken or tofu, nonstarchy veggies,” and a dressing for fat, she says. People run into trouble, she adds, when their salads have nuts, dressing, cheese, and avocado, for a total of four servings of fat or more. Also, Kaufman says that variation is key when it comes to getting in your veggies (you don’t want to get bored). “If you get sick of having veggies in salad form, mix it up and try grilled vegetables,” she adds.
7. She Likes Ordering Sushi With Friends
Every group of friends has their favorite dinner spot, and it’s no different for Hadid. “If I’m going out, I like to go for dinner and drinks with friends. I love Bond Street for sushi,” she told Harper’s Bazaar. From a health standpoint, sushi can be variable, says Turoff. Rather than tempura (fried veggies or seafood), “start with a green salad with ginger dressing and edamame,” advises Turoff. For your main, it’s a good idea to get one roll with rice or sashimi, and then if you want another, get it “naruto style,” which means it’s wrapped in a thin slice of cucumber rather than rice, says Turoff. “Some places will even make your rolls with less rice if you ask,” Turoff adds. For an extra dose of fiber, you could ask for brown rice. Another pro tip? “I also recommend people stay away from spicy and crunchy sauces, as those tend to be higher in fat,” says Kaufman. Still, she adds, “Treating yourself with sushi is a great way to spend time with friends.” RELATED: A Detailed Guide to Eating Tilapia and Reaping Its Health Benefits
8. Hadid Gets Her Favorite Dessert Delivered
Hadid is a fan of grasshopper pie ice cream, she told Harper’s, and almost cried when her favorite ice cream spot near her gym shut down. But thankfully for Hadid, there’s another shop in New York City, and she has found a hack. “Now I’ll just Postmate pints of it to my apartment.” Doing so may be a wise strategy for Hadid, says Palumbo. “If dessert doesn’t cry out to you every day, then it’s safe to keep in your freezer, but if knowing it’s there makes you tempted to overeat, it might be a better idea to go out for it than have it delivered,” she adds. Plus, Turoff gives Hadid a thumbs-up for opting for a treat she’s really into. “If you have a craving, don’t just have a handful of dry cookies — go out and get the best cookie you can find,” says Turoff. “I want people to have a healthy relationship with dessert and feel good about eating something they find delicious rather than feeling obligated to buy diet desserts.”
9. Hashimoto’s Disease May Shape Hadid’s Diet in Part
Based on Hadid’s motto, she strives to eat clean, which means avoiding processed foods and eating more veggies and lean protein, and that’s a good thing, says Kaufman. “A dietitian or doctor will likely tell a person with an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s to eat clean,” says Kaufman. “It helps with overall inflammation.” Your doctor may advise you to avoid or limit soy, too, says Kaufman. “Sometimes excess soy does have an effect on the thyroid,” she adds. According to the Mayo Clinic, soy may interfere with the way the body absorbs thyroid medication. In addition, people are more likely to have Hashimoto’s disease if they have another autoimmune disorder, like lupus and celiac disease. If that’s the case, you’ll likely want to discuss with your doctor whether you should go gluten-free, adds Kaufman. Dairy may also be inflammatory for some, according to the Arthritis Foundation. “The consensus is usually that people with Hashimoto’s who eliminate gluten, soy, and dairy feel significantly better,” says Palumbo. That said, Palumbo says that those three ingredients are a huge part of the American diet, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before making a dramatic change. RELATED: Who Should Really Be on a Gluten-Free Diet?
10. Hadid Has Fired Back at Body Shamers Online
In February, after internet commenters were attacking Hadid for her slimmer-than-usual figure, she fired back on Twitter, explaining that being diagnosed — and then treated — for Hashimoto’s has played a role in her weight fluctuations: “For those of you so determined to come up w why my body has changed over the years, you may not know that when I started @ 17 I was not yet diagnosed w/Hashimoto’s disease; those of u who called me ‘too big for the industry’ were seeing inflammation & water retention due to that.” Since getting on the right medications, she’s seen a positive change in her hormone levels and her weight. The model went on to say, “Although stress & excessive travel can also affect the body, I have always eaten the same, my body just handles it differently now that my health is better. I may be ‘too skinny’ for u, honestly this skinny isn’t what I want to be, but I feel healthier internally and am still learning and growing with my body everyday, as everyone is.” Later in her Twitter rebuke, Hadid said, “Learn to have more empathy for others and know that you never really know the whole story” — which are words that everyone can subscribe to.
