Dame Mary Berry, the beloved British baker, chef, and television personality, turned 90 on March 24, 2025, and is admired for her enduring vitality and grace. With a career spanning over five decades, including a notable stint as a judge on The Great British Bake Off from 2010 to 2016, Berry has become a household name. What are her secrets to maintaining health and vigor well into her 90s? Berry recently shared three simple food rules she swears by.
Rule #1: Avoid Processed Foods
One of Mary Berry’s core principles is to avoid processed foods “Absolutely, definitely,” she affirmed on the “Lessons From Our Mothers” podcast. This means steering clear of foods that have been significantly altered from their natural state during manufacturing.
What are Processed Foods?
The NHS defines a processed food as “any food or drink that has been changed in some way when it’s made or prepared”. This can include a vast range of items, from ready meals and snacks to products containing preservatives or artificial flavorings.
Why Avoid Processed Foods?
Many processed foods are high in sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, which can contribute to various health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. By avoiding these foods, Mary Berry prioritizes whole, natural ingredients.
Shopping Smart: Farm Shops and Butchers
Mary Berry emphasizes the importance of sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients. “I love to shop at a farm shop, and I don’t mind knobbly vegetables,” she says. She also frequents supermarkets and butchers, where she values the advice and quality of the meat. Shopping at local butchers and farm shops ensures you get fresh, often locally sourced, products.
Rule #2: Buy Meat from the Butcher
While Mary Berry does shop at supermarkets, she often prefers buying meat from the butcher.
Benefits of Buying from a Butcher
- Expert Advice: Butchers can offer valuable advice on different cuts of meat, cooking methods, and how to select the best quality for your needs.
- Quality Meat: Local butchers often source their meat from local farms, ensuring higher quality and freshness.
- Supporting Local Businesses: Purchasing from butchers supports local businesses and the local economy.
Rule #3: Moderation and Balance
While some reports mention one specific food that Mary avoids, other sources emphasize a broader principle of moderation and balance. Mary Berry doesn’t believe in completely restricting any particular food group but rather enjoying everything in moderation.
The Importance of Moderation
“I don’t believe in cutting out certain foods; a little of everything is good for you,” Mary told the Belfast Telegraph. This approach allows for occasional treats without derailing overall health.
Watch Calories and Avoid Snacking
Berry revealed that she tries to watch the calories in her diet and resist snacks as best as she can. “I don’t snack,” she told Good Housekeeping. Instead, she focuses on having balanced meals.
A Little of What You Fancy
Mary Berry allows herself “a little of what you fancy,” emphasizing portion control. “Cakes are healthy too, you just eat a thin slice. There’s a lot of cheer in a cake.”
Balanced Diets Over “Freak Diets”
Mary Berry favors “eating a balanced diet” over “fad diets.” She includes plenty of vegetables in her meals. “Have a smaller plate. I have mountains of vegetables – green vegetables, broccoli, beans. I have twice as much as my husband does.”
Additional Insights into Mary Berry’s Lifestyle
Beyond these three primary food rules, several other aspects of Mary Berry’s lifestyle contribute to her health and longevity.
Soup for Lunch
Mary Berry is a fan of soup for lunch, which she considers a light and healthy option. She avoids bread with her soup to keep the meal calorie-conscious.
Not a Fan of Kale
Despite kale’s popularity as a health food, Mary Berry admits, “I’m not a huge lover of kale. I use to give that to my pony.” Instead, she prefers cabbage and watercress.
Balanced Meals
She focuses on having a good meal in the evening with lots of vegetables and a smaller portion of meat or fish.
Embrace Variety
Mary Berry’s diet includes a wide variety of foods, ensuring she gets a range of nutrients. Her cooking style emphasizes fresh ingredients and family-friendly meals.
Mary Berry’s Early Life and Career
Born on March 24, 1935, in Bath, Somerset, Mary Berry’s passion for cooking was ignited in domestic science classes at school. She studied catering in college and later attended Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in France.
Overcoming Polio
At the age of 13, Mary Berry contracted polio, which resulted in a twisted spine and a weaker left hand and arm. She spent three months in the hospital, an experience she says “toughened [her] up” and taught her to make the most of every opportunity.
A Prolific Career
Mary Berry has written over 75 cookery books, including the best-selling “Baking Bible” in 2009. She has hosted numerous television series and remains a respected figure in the culinary world.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s approach to healthy living is straightforward and practical. By avoiding processed foods, buying fresh ingredients, practicing moderation, and balancing her diet, she exemplifies how simple habits can lead to a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. Her rules aren’t about strict restrictions but about making conscious choices that prioritize well-being and enjoyment of food. As she continues to inspire home cooks around the world, her simple food rules offer a timeless guide to healthy living at any age.
