Clodagh McKenna: Eating Right, Ageing Well & Joyful Cooking
Irish chef Clodagh McKenna shares her journey to feeling happier and healthier at 50 than in her 30s, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, self-care, and a diet rooted in wholesome, unprocessed foods. Her approach to food, detailed in her cookbook *Clodagh’s Happy Cooking*, highlights the connection between nourishment and mental well-being. Clodagh’s daily practices include morning meditation, nutrient-packed juices, and cooking with fresh ingredients, often sourced from her sustainable farm in Hampshire. She encourages small, manageable changes to transform eating habits, such as baking bread at home, juicing, and trying new recipes weekly. Her philosophy aligns with Malta’s Mediterranean lifestyle, which celebrates fresh produce, olive oil, and farm-to-table dining. By prioritizing self-care through food, Clodagh inspires others to embrace joyful, health-conscious living.
“At 50, I feel happier and healthier than I did in my 30s”: Clodagh McKenna on Eating Right, Ageing Well, and Finding Joy in the Kitchen
When Clodagh McKenna appears on ITV’s This Morning, her radiant energy and positivity are impossible to ignore. But behind the vibrant Irish chef’s on-screen presence lies a lifestyle rooted in mindfulness, healthy eating, and a deep connection to food. Whether she’s meditating backstage or dancing through the studio halls, Clodagh’s zest for life is palpable.
At 50, Clodagh feels stronger and more balanced than she did in her 30s. Her secret? A combination of intentional living, wholesome food, and a commitment to self-care. “I meditate every morning, and then again for half an hour before I go live on TV,” she shares. “I also do a quick five-minute dance with my headset on. It helps me be myself on live TV and stay calm inside.”
But at the heart of her energy is her diet. “It’s a running joke how often people ask me, ‘How do you look so positive and happy?’” she laughs. “The answer is simple: my diet. It helps me stay energised, supports my mental health, and keeps me smiling.”
Clodagh is passionate about the link between food and mood – a topic she explores in her latest cookbook, Clodagh’s Happy Cooking. “It’s such a personal book,” she says. “I share my relationship with food and how it affects not just how I feel physically, but mentally too. When you nourish yourself properly, you feel lighter, more energetic, and ultimately, happier.”
The Power of Eating Right
For Clodagh, the key to feeling her best is avoiding processed food. “I never eat processed foods. When I do – say, at a friend’s house – I feel it the next day. My energy dips, and I just don’t feel right.” She emphasises the importance of listening to your body. “As I turned 50, I realised how essential it is to give more thought to what I’m eating. Changing how you feed yourself is the best gift you can give yourself.”
Her typical diet reflects her philosophy of simple, nourishing food. She starts her day with a homemade juice packed with celery, turmeric, ginger, parsley, lemon, and spinach. “That juice is my morning dose of goodness,” she says. “It sets the tone for my day, keeps my stress levels in check, and gives me clarity and focus.”
Clodagh also eats three to four servings of fibre-rich pulses like lentils and beans every week, and incorporates homemade bread and fresh ingredients into her meals. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s tending to Broadspear, her sustainable farm in Hampshire, which she runs with her husband, Harry Herbert. “Running a farm is hard work, but it’s so rewarding. It’s a reminder of how connected we are to the food we eat.”
Loving Yourself Through Food
For Clodagh, healthy eating is about more than just physical health – it’s an act of self-love. “It’s about prioritising yourself, making sure your body is well-fuelled, and understanding that when you’re feeling good, everything else in your life improves too.”
Her advice? Start small. “Don’t overhaul your diet overnight. It’s overwhelming and unsustainable. Instead, focus on making one change at a time.” Here are her top three tips for transforming your relationship with food:
1. Start Your Day with a Nutrient-Packed Juice
Juicing is an easy way to get a concentrated dose of nutrients first thing in the morning. “Invest in a simple blender or juicer and experiment with recipes,” Clodagh advises. Her go-to juices include a bright beetroot blend and a refreshing pineapple-ginger-mint mix. “You might need to wake up 15 minutes earlier, but that just means going to bed earlier too. It’s about resetting your routine to prioritise your health.”
2. Bake Your Own Bread
Store-bought bread often contains preservatives, but baking your own is simpler than you might think. “My soda bread recipe is a great place to start,” Clodagh suggests. “It’s a stir, shape, and bake kind of bread – no proofing or complex techniques required. My mum taught me, and there’s something so nurturing about making bread from scratch.”
Baking bread can also be therapeutic. “The act of baking connects us to generations before us. Plus, the smell of freshly baked bread transforms a house into a home. It’s perfect for anyone feeling stressed or down.”
3. Cook One New Recipe Each Week
Cooking doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Clodagh recommends starting with one new recipe a week. “Choose a day when you’re not rushed – maybe Monday or Thursday – and try something simple, like a hearty soup or my red lentil curry. Over time, you’ll build confidence and stock your pantry with essentials.”
She also encourages a bit of indulgence on the weekends. “I love making a galette, tarte tatin, or even a decadent chocolate beef chilli with rice. Whatever it is, it’s homemade and feels like a treat.”
A Taste of Clodagh’s Kitchen
Here are two of Clodagh’s favourite recipes that embody her philosophy of happy, healthy cooking.
Braised White Beans with Winter Greens
This warming dish is simple, comforting, and packed with protein. “I eat beans at least twice a week – they help me sleep better and keep me feeling nourished,” says Clodagh. Serve with toasted sourdough for the perfect winter meal.
Seeded Cheddar Sunflower Bread
Clodagh’s take on Irish soda bread turns a classic bake into a joyful experience. “It’s so easy to make, and the Cheddar and seeds give it a delicious twist. Plus, it freezes well, so you always have fresh bread on hand.”
Food, Mood, and Malta
Clodagh’s approach to food and lifestyle resonates deeply in Malta, where a Mediterranean diet rich in fresh produce, olive oil, and whole grains forms the foundation of good health. With an abundance of local markets, restaurants, and eateries offering farm-to-table options, Malta is the perfect place to embrace Clodagh’s philosophy.
Whether you’re enjoying a fresh beetroot salad at a seaside café or picking up artisanal bread at the Marsaxlokk fish market, the opportunity to eat well and feel good is everywhere. Why not take inspiration from Clodagh’s journey and bring a little more joy to your plate?
As Clodagh says, “When you take care of yourself, everything else benefits. It’s about finding what makes you happy – and for me, that’s food.”