Inside Kelly Ripa’s Diet: What She Eats in a Day
Combining clean nutrition with mindful indulgences keeps her energized and glowing.
Kelly Ripa, the acclaimed talk show host and actress, is celebrated not only for her vibrant personality but also for her remarkable vitality and ageless energy. A closer look at her daily diet and routine reveals a thoughtful balance of nutrition, fitness, and self-care—designed to promote health, longevity, and enjoyment. In this article, we’ll explore what Kelly Ripa eats in a day, her unique approach to the alkaline diet, her favorite snacks, exercise habits, and insights from her personal nutritionist and dermatologist.
Kelly Ripa’s Approach to Eating
Kelly Ripa’s attitude towards food combines discipline with flexibility. While she prioritizes a mostly plant-based, alkaline diet, she isn’t afraid to make room for her favorite treats or adapt her meals to suit her lifestyle. Her philosophy revolves around eating clean, staying hydrated, and listening to her body’s needs.
- 80/20 Principle: Ripa generally follows an 80/20 approach, where 80% of her meals are alkaline and plant-based, and the remaining 20% allows for flexibility, such as including fish or dairy on occasion.
- Whole and Simple Foods: She gravitates towards minimally processed, fresh ingredients—favoring foods in their natural state over packaged alternatives.
- Focus on Protein and Veggies: Meals are built around high-quality protein sources (mostly plant-based) and a rich variety of vegetables, delivering plenty of fiber and antioxidants.
- Clean Eating: While Ripa avoids the term “diet,” she maintains an emphasis on health-supportive foods, keeping sauces and additives to a minimum so the main ingredients shine.
What Kelly Eats From Morning to Night
Early Morning: Hydration and Coffee Ritual
Ripa starts her day early—well before dawn to prep for Live with Kelly and Ryan. Her first focus is on hydration, followed by a unique coffee concoction:
- Bulletproof Coffee: Kelly’s go-to is a homemade blend of the darkest roast coffee she can find, two shots of espresso, and a spoonful of organic ghee. This bulletproof-style coffee provides sustained energy, keeps her satiated through the show, and fits well with her low-acid diet.
- Occasional Cream: While the alkaline diet is mostly dairy-free, Kelly allows herself real cream in her coffee, flexing her 80/20 rule.
Breakfast: Greek Yogurt Parfait
After her show, Ripa enjoys a wholesome, filling breakfast. Her favorite?
- Greek Yogurt: Packed with protein and probiotics to support gut health.
- Toppings: She adds fresh berries (like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries) rich in antioxidants, a drizzle of honey, and chia seeds or granola for texture and nutrition.
This breakfast parfait is both satisfying and energy-boosting, setting a healthy tone for the rest of her day.
Lunch: Plant-Based Power and the Biggest Meal
Kelly’s lunch is typically her largest meal of the day, about which she remains mindful and creative:
- Salads with Variety: Large, colorful salads featuring a broad assortment of greens, vegetables, avocado, nuts, and seeds.
- Occasional Animal Protein: Mostly plant-based, but sometimes includes grilled chicken, fish, or eggs.
- Sautéed Greens: Spinach, kale, or broccoli, lightly sautéed with lemon and olive oil for flavor and nutrients.
Ripa believes in keeping these meals fresh, vibrant, and lightly seasoned, emphasizing the natural taste of each ingredient.
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Afternoon & Pre-Dinner: Healthy Snacking
Between meals, Kelly chooses snacks that are simple and nutritious—fueling her energy and supporting her strict workout regime.
- Protein Bars: ThinkThin or other high-protein bars for convenience and satiety.
- Greek Yogurt with Nuts: She often enjoys yogurt with a sprinkle of pistachios or almonds.
- Flaxseed Snacks: For a boost of fiber and healthy fats.
- Fruit and Nut Mixes: A handful of dried fruit and nuts, providing natural sweetness and essential nutrients.
- Pepperidge Farm Goldfish: Her self-confessed “can’t-give-up” guilty pleasure, reminding us that a healthy diet allows for little indulgences.
Dinner: Light and Balanced
Kelly keeps her dinners on the lighter side, aiming for foods that are easy to digest and align with her mostly plant-based, alkaline eating patterns.
- Vegetable Dishes: Roasted root vegetables, steamed greens, or salads with hearty additions like brown rice or quinoa.
- Occasional Fish: Small portions of grilled or baked fish, like salmon.
- No-Fuss Preparation: Minimal sauces—just a splash of lemon, olive oil, and herbs to let flavors stand out.
Evening Ritual: Carbohydrate Treats
While Kelly’s husband, Mark Consuelos, favors a high-protein, keto-style meal plan, Kelly openly admits her love for carbs—especially at night:
- PB&J on Ciabatta: Before bed, Kelly often enjoys half a sandwich with chunky or honey peanut butter and Bonne Maman strawberry or raspberry jam on soft ciabatta bread. This comforting snack satisfies her carb cravings while providing a sense of balance.
- Not Keto-Focused: Despite her husband’s dietary habits, Kelly says, “I could never do keto. Mark says I’m ‘carb-o’ because I always eat his bun if he gets a burger—and the fries.”
The Alkaline Diet: Kelly Ripa’s Nutritional Cornerstone
What Is the Alkaline Diet? The alkaline diet emphasizes eating foods that promote a lower acid load in the body. It is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and generally low in animal proteins, dairy, and processed grains.
| Alkaline Foods (Preferred) | Acidic Foods (Limited) |
|---|---|
| Fresh vegetables Leafy greens Fruits Nuts & seeds Legumes Whole grains (quinoa, millet) | Red meat Poultry Cheese & dairy Processed sugars Refined grains Sodas & alcohol |
Ripa began the diet in 2015 after a series of injuries, motivated by the belief—supported by her nutritionist—that lowering inflammation could protect long-term health. She sticks to this regimen because of the way it makes her feel: fewer digestive problems, better overall energy, and positive effects on her skin.
Fitness: A Key Component of Kelly Ripa’s Wellness Routine
Diet is only one part of Ripa’s vibrant lifestyle. She is equally dedicated to regular movement and structured exercise:
- Consistency: Kelly works out up to five days a week, alternating between strength, flexibility, and cardio.
- AKT Method: Her personal trainer, Anna Kaiser, is founder of the AKT dance-inspired fitness company. Their sessions blend dance, strength training, flexibility, and breathwork—making each workout dynamic and engaging.
- Other Activities: Ripa also enjoys SoulCycle classes and running. Her love of ballet shines through on social media, where she posts videos doing en pointe poses and dance routines.
- Daily Movement: Even when she isn’t up for a hard workout, she commits to doing something—highlighting the importance of routine in reaching fitness goals.
Beyond Diet: Skin Care, Self-Care & Lifestyle Habits
Kelly Ripa’s radiant complexion and youthful appearance are as much a result of her self-care rituals as her diet. Her best beauty and wellbeing tips include:
- No-Makeup Days: Kelly lets her skin breathe, frequently posting bare-faced selfies.
- Dermatologist-Guided Skincare: She credits her dermatologist, Dr. Fredric S. Brandt, for teaching her about science-backed skincare, including treatments and products tailored to her skin’s needs.
- Alcohol-Free Living: After participating in a “sober month” with friends, Ripa decided to give up alcohol long-term because she enjoyed feeling more energized and clear-headed.
- Sensible Indulgence: She stresses that enjoying life—and the occasional treat—is vital for staying happy and balanced. “At 48, I’m sort of saying, ‘Who cares? Life is short,’” she’s said.
What Happens When Kelly Eats Like Mark Consuelos?
On occasion, Kelly has tried switching up her routine to match Mark’s higher-protein, lower-carb preferences. She found the difference noticeable, especially in managing portion sizes and fiber intake. Adding enough fiber is crucial when increasing protein, and Mark emphasizes at least 25 grams per day for women (38 grams for men) to support gut health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Despite appreciating the results, Kelly ultimately prefers her plant-centric approach, which is easier on digestion and leaves her feeling fit and energetic without feeling deprived.
Tips From Kelly Ripa’s Nutritionist
- Prioritize Plant Foods: Center meals around fruits, vegetables, and legumes to maximize nutrients and minimize inflammation.
- Balance is Key: Allow for flexibility within an overall healthy framework, following an 80/20 or 90/10 rule as needed.
- Fiber and Protein: Maintain adequate fiber (via veggies, flax, nuts) and plant proteins to ensure gut and muscle health.
- Whole Foods Over Processed: Whenever possible, choose whole over packaged; simple, ingredient-driven snacks and meals keep nutrition high and processed additives low.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Kelly Ripa’s favorite breakfast?
A: Kelly Ripa typically starts her day with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, honey, and chia seeds, creating a protein-rich parfait that supports her plant-based, alkaline approach.
Q: Does Kelly Ripa follow a strict vegan diet?
A: No. Her diet is mostly plant-based and alkaline, but she occasionally includes fish, eggs, and dairy—especially in her coffee—applying a flexible 80/20 philosophy.
Q: How does Kelly handle cravings or indulging?
A: Kelly believes in balance. She allows for “cheat” foods like Goldfish crackers and PB&J sandwiches, but keeps her main meals focused on whole, nutritious food.
Q: What are Kelly Ripa’s go-to snacks?
A: She enjoys high-protein bars, Greek yogurt with nuts, flaxseed snacks, dried fruits, and the occasional Goldfish crackers for a salty fix.
Q: What type of exercise does Kelly Ripa do?
A: Kelly’s fitness regimen includes AKT dance-inspired workouts, running, SoulCycle classes, and ballet-inspired movement, training up to five days per week.
Key Takeaways for a Kelly Ripa-Inspired Diet and Wellness Routine
- Embrace mostly plant-based, minimally processed foods, with an emphasis on vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
- Begin your day intentionally—with hydration, quality coffee, and a nourishing breakfast.
- Listen to your body and allow room for favorite indulgences within a healthy balance.
- Stay physically active and make movement an enjoyable, daily habit.
- Prioritize self-care—including skin and mental health—for true radiance from the inside out.
Kelly Ripa’s daily routine showcases not just what she eats, but also her positive and flexible approach to wellness. Her secrets are simple: eat well, move often, treat yourself kindly, and don’t forget to enjoy life’s little pleasures along the way.
References
- https://www.prevention.com/health/a31044155/kelly-ripa-age/
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g30171945/kelly-ripa-diet-workout-tips/
- https://www.aol.com/kelly-ripa-says-she-ate-163314292.html
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a34148745/what-is-alkaline-diet/
- https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/kelly-ripa-talks-health-nutrition-living-longer-living/story?id=69124150
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