Hollywood superstar Margot Robbie maintains her famously enviable physique not through extreme deprivation, but via a smart and adaptable approach to nutrition, masterminded by her long-time trainer and nutritionist David Higgins. Based in London, Higgins, who also counts Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson among his A-list clientele, has crafted a regimen for Robbie that prioritizes intermittent fasting, balanced whole foods, and intuitive eating over rigid, unsustainable rules.
The Core Principle: Flexible Intermittent Fasting
Central to Margot Robbie's eating strategy is the practice of intermittent fasting. Higgins, who has famously called breakfast "overrated," attributes the meal's essential status to a 1940s marketing campaign for eggs and bacon. Robbie often skips breakfast, adhering to a 16:8 fasting window where she consumes all her meals within an 8-hour period, typically from noon to 8 p.m. This method naturally reduces calorie intake and allows the digestive system to rest.
In a 2019 interview with Business Insider, Higgins highlighted two key benefits: a reduction in overall calories due to less rushed, more mindful eating, and metabolic recovery during the 16-hour fast. He emphasizes that this approach is highly effective for shedding body fat without imposing strict food bans. Robbie practices intuitive eating, adjusting her eating window if she feels hungry in the morning, though she generally prefers lunch as her first meal. Higgins cites studies showing this fasting pattern lowers insulin, boosts fat burning, and helps maintain hormone balance—crucial for managing hectic film schedules.
Personalized and Nutrient-Dense Meal Plans
For Robbie's intensive preparation for the Barbie movie, Higgins designed detailed meal plans for the entire cast. These plans were high in protein for muscle repair, packed with fiber-rich vegetables for prolonged satiety, and included healthy fats for sustained energy. When she does eat breakfast, it might be a nutrient-dense smoothie with fruits, greens, and protein powder.
Lunches often consist of options like grilled chicken salads, tuna steak with quinoa, or roasted vegetables. Dinners typically feature lean proteins such as salmon or other fish, accompanied by plenty of greens and devoid of processed sugars. Higgins' book, The Hollywood Body Plan, includes recipes like miso salmon with black bean noodles that blend flavor with nutrition.
Robbie's diet also incorporates fermented foods like yogurt or kefir for gut health, along with nuts, seeds, avocados, and milk thistle tea for liver support and radiant skin. Notably, there are no carbohydrate bans; whole grains are included to fuel her fitness routine, which includes Pilates and weight training.
Sustainability Over Deprivation: The Lasting Results
The cornerstone of Higgins' philosophy, and by extension Robbie's success, is sustainability. He stresses that no food groups are completely off-limits; it's all about timing. As noted by GQ, his plan teaches individuals to recognize genuine hunger cues, which helps prevent overeating. Margot Robbie herself told Vogue that while she sometimes struggles with moderation, she thrives on the structure Higgins provides—focusing on quality foods within specific windows without forcing meals.
During the 12 to 15 weeks of Barbie preparation, this flexible system kept her energized for 12-hour workdays without leading to burnout. Higgins summed up his approach to Falstaff magazine with a simple mantra: "Eat what you want in the timeframe, keep the fridge closed otherwise." This flexibility allows for a normal social life, including indulging in a beer or burgers post-shooting, while still achieving health and fitness goals.
David Higgins' plan for Margot Robbie proves that a glowing, healthy physique stems from intelligent, adaptable habits rather than fleeting fads. It's a testament to how sustainable nutrition builds lasting results, offering a practical blueprint that can be adapted for anyone seeking a balanced approach to health and wellness.
