Victoria’s Secret’s Bridget Malcolm on how to eat out

From liquids-only diets to protein-laden regimes, the eating habits of Victoria’s Secret models are stricter than most – with almost no room for eating out.

And yet, it is possible to eat in a restaurant and still be healthy. Just ask Australian model, Bridget Malcolm.

The 25-year-old recently revealed just how she navigates the tricky prospect of eating out on her blog, as she shared her top eight tips for smart orders. 

According to Bridget – who has walked for Victoria’s Secret (pictured) – she has ‘made it work for me at all kinds of restaurants… including steak houses and airports!’; this is especially impressive considering the fact that she is vegan

‘I always look up the restaurant and see what they have to offer to suit my dietary needs,’ Bridget said – of doing her research before going to a restaurant (pictured)

According to the 25-year-old – who has walked for Victoria’s Secret as well as featuring in big-name campaigns for Seafolly – she has ‘made it work for me at all kinds of restaurants… including steak houses and airports!’.

This is particularly impressive considering the fact that Bridget is vegan – and follows a plant-based diet. 

Top of her tips for making sure you order a healthy meal is Bridget’s idea that you have to do your research.

‘I always look up the restaurant and see what they have to offer to suit my dietary needs,’ Bridget wrote.

That way, she said she isn’t ‘blind-sided’ or ‘overwhelmed’ when she gets there – but instead has ‘eliminated any decision fatigue’.

Next, the VS model reckons taking things into your own hands when suggesting a restaurant is also a good plan – ‘don’t be embarrassed to speak up [about your preferences],’ she said

Surprisingly, Bridget also said you should ‘eat a little bit before you get there’ – ‘don’t stuff yourself, but try having some water, nuts or fruit so you aren’t ravenous,’ she said

Next, the VS model reckons that taking things into your own hands when suggesting a restaurant is also a good plan.

‘Don’t be embarrassed to speak up – people have always enjoyed the healthier/veganish places I suggest,’ she said.

Surprisingly, Bridget also said you should ‘eat a little bit before you get there’.

‘Don’t stuff yourself, but try having some water, nuts or fruit so you aren’t ravenous,’ the model added.

The 25-year-old said you need to focus on vegetables, and pick the most veggie-packed meal on the menu

When it comes to the menu, Bridget’s number one tip is somewhat less surprising. 

The 25-year-old said you need to focus on vegetables, and pick the most veggie-packed meal on the menu. 

‘Opt for grilled, steamed, broiled, boiled, roasted, baked or poached over fried or sautéed,’ she said – and also ditch anything breaded.

If you’re eating at a family-style or buffet restaurant, then fill your plate with vegetables before going to the less healthy stuff.

‘Opt for grilled, steamed, broiled, boiled, roasted, baked or poached over fried or sautéed,’ she said – and also ditch anything breaded 

Finally, Bridget said you should ‘engage with the conversation’, so you’re not totally focused on what you’re eating. 

Additionally, ‘if there is something you just have to have then adjust your other courses accordingly’.

‘If you really want a dessert, eat a lighter main,’ she said. 

Recently, Bridget shared her typical day on a plate – and it’s as model-esque as you might expect.

She starts most mornings with a chocolate vegan meal replacement shake – which includes 20 grams of protein – and consumes two litres of water before eating absolutely anything.

‘This habit took a bit of training – but it is the best! I aim for around one to one and a half [four to five litres] gallons of water a day, and if I hit two litres first thing, it puts me on track for the day,’ she said in a blog post on the subject.

Recently, Bridget shared her day on a plate – which involves chocolate vegan protein shakes, cherry tomatoes, veg-packed meals and up to five litres of water a day

For the rest of the day, Bridget said she will space out her meals by three to four hours – making sure that in ‘every meal, the hero is vegetables’.

‘I hate our society’s obsession with protein – if we were as obsessed with hitting our fibre needs, I believe the diseases of affluence would be greatly reduced,’ she said – adding that obesity and protein consumption are intricately linked.

Bridget did add, however, that with every meal she will make sure she has a serving of tofu or beans.

Lastly, when it comes to snacks – the 25-year-old swears by tomatoes.

‘I always carry cherry tomatoes with me. If I am hungry and food is far away, or flying, or in a non-vegan friendly environment, I make sure I have some tomatoes to eat,’ she wrote.

Bridget also swears by the ‘life extenders’ – nuts and beans.

‘If I crave it, I eat it!,’ she said. ‘If I want some vegan ice cream, or sweet potato fries I go for it. Life is short and food rules!’.

To read more from Bridget Malcolm’s blog, click here.