BBC Wimbledon presenter Annabel Croft has opened up about her dietary habits, revealing a particular obsession with red meat. The 59-year-old former tennis professional, who is also known for her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, follows a sugar-free, low-carbohydrate ketogenic lifestyle that centers on minimally processed foods.
Croft's 'Obsession' with Meat
In an interview with Meat Management, Croft described herself as a 'massive advocate' for meat. 'We've always been meat eaters; we eat meat pretty much every day. I am really quite obsessed with it, actually,' she said. She credits her high-protein diet with supporting her training and athleticism, particularly during her time on Strictly Come Dancing.
The 'Caveman Style' Diet
Croft adheres to what she calls a 'caveman style' diet, built around basic, unprocessed or minimally processed foods. Each morning, she eats 'clean cut' bacon and eggs, followed by a protein-rich salad at lunch. Dinner often features a steak, with ribeye being her preferred cut. She avoids all added sugars in her meat and emphasizes organic, unprocessed food. 'I am particular about what I put into my body, and I go out of my way to eat food that isn't overly processed, that is organic,' she explained.
Health Benefits and Origins
Croft initially adopted this rigorous diet alongside her late husband, Mel Coleman, after his colon cancer diagnosis. Working with medical specialists, they implemented a sugar-free, ketogenic system to limit carbohydrate intake and reduce insulin requirements. She continues to follow these principles as part of her daily routine. 'Over the last year I have learned a lot about nutrition and red meat's healing powers for the body, and that's why it is an important part of my diet,' she said.
Typical Daily Menu
Croft's typical eating plan includes: breakfast of sugar-free streaky bacon and eggs; lunch of protein-heavy salads or fish with vegetables; dinner of substantial meat cuts like bone-in ribeye or Sunday roast beef; and snacks such as seeds, nuts, roasted chickpeas, and supplements like lion's mane for energy and focus.
No Added Sugars Rule
While Croft acknowledges she isn't particularly rigid about her diet, she strictly adheres to one rule: absolutely no added sugars in her meat. This aligns with her low-carbohydrate, ketogenic approach, which eliminates refined sugars, fast food, and heavily processed carbohydrates.
