Pat Divilly’s Top Tips For Living Well

Pat Divilly is a speaker, author and entrepreneur. After struggling with his first personal training business in Dublin, Pat moved home to Galway in 2012 where he started a small fitness class with 5 people on his local beach.

Now five years after that first class over 18,000 people from all over the world have gone through his classes, seminars and online training courses. Pat has released three best selling books and has visited over 30 countries whilst growing his online business. Here are his top tips for living well.

What three small changes can everyone make to their diet that will make a difference to their wellness?
1. Green smoothie in the morning! This is something I’ve made a consistent habit. It’s just simple and a great way to start the day. You can potentially get more goodness in your breakfast than you previously got in the entire day!

2. Replace fizzy drinks with herbal teas! I just buy a few different types and fire them in to a container that I leave in my office as a reminder to stay hydrated!

3. Remove the guilt around food. If you eat something that you don’t feel you should of the worst thing you can do is carry guilt. This’ll do more harm the foods itself! Stop seeing foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and instead just become aware of how they make you feel.

We are constantly bombarded with superfoods – what’s your favourite and why?
I’ve always been a fan of Apple Cider Vinegar! It’s old school but I love it. Great for flushing out the system and I love the taste (which might make me a bit weird). I just add a tablespoon and some lemon to water.

Do you ever break from your healthy diet and if so, what’s your poison?
I don’t ever see it as ‘diet’. I just know my body. Certain foods make me feel good, others don’t and I just listen to how I feel and notice how I perform in training/how my energy is. I’ve been on a bit on a ice-cream kick recently though! Since starting doing more cycling/swimming I’ve been a lot hungrier and ice cream has been the treat meal!

What are the three pieces of equipment every starter cook needs in their kitchen?
1. A blender! For morning smoothies. It’s a daily habit so a good blender is a must.
2. Good chopping knives. I eat the same things again and again so chopping knives are important for prepping.
3. A slow cooker. These are handy to throw some meat in to slow cook and marinade over night.

What’s your first food memory and how has it informed the way you cook?
Probably seeing my dad cooking and putting lots of effort into Sunday dinners. Not sure how it influenced me though, I tend to go minimal effort and keep it as simple as possible!

What is your go-to recipe when you are feeling down and need cheering up?
Sweet potato and butternut squash soup! Carrot, celery, onion, garlic, bell papers, chicken stock, butternut squash and sweet potato!

Finally, what five items are always in your fridge?
I travel lots so the fridge is often empty! But when I’m home you’ll find lemons, Greek yogurt, hot sauces, half eaten avocados and apple cider vinegar!