Rory O’Neill aka Panti Bliss stars in High Heels in Low Places on Sunday 12th of March 2017 in Draíocht Blanchardstown as part of Panti Tour 2016/ 2017.
See www.draiocht.ie for tickets.
Where do you shop?
I do almost all my food shopping between Dunnes and Tesco, both of which are near my place.
Can you list the contents of your weekly shop?
I’m much too disorganised to have something like a weekly shop.
Describe your typical breakfast
I’ve had the same breakfast every morning for years ‒ natural yoghurt with blueberries and raspberries and an espresso. That sounds terribly healthy, but my guilty secret is that I have it in order to ease my conscience when I eat badly the rest of the day.
Describe your typical lunch
A sandwich and a brownie unless I’m in Pantibar on Capel Street and I can pop over to Brother Hubbard for their Bean and Pulled Pork Special.
Typical dinner
Pasta with garlic and chillies.
Snacks
Liquorice, chocolate and bananas. Depends where I am, what I’m doing and whether I need comfort or energy.
Is there anything you won’t eat?
Artichokes. And I’m not a great fan of shellfish.
What would you cook to impress someone?
I wouldn’t ‒ I’m a bad cook. If I was backed into a corner I’d bake my mother’s spicy “Shah” biscuits. I’m not entirely sure why they’re called Shah biscuits but they have mixed spice and ginger in them so I’ve always assumed the name is meant to evoke the Middle East.
What is your guilty food pleasure?
Bacon fries.
What is your ultimate comfort food?
Cottage pie.
What is your favourite takeaway?
Thai food. I order from Kanoodle on Marlborough Street ‒ it’s near me and the food is fresh and good.
Have you tried any diet fads?
No. I’m a traditionalist ‒ calories in, calories out.
What would be your Last Supper?
Roast chicken, mashed potato and gravy washed down with red wine.
Rosanna’s Verdict:
Although Rory doesn’t have a strict shopping list, he enjoys the same healthy breakfast each day. Natural yoghurt is packed with protein and minerals including calcium, though certain brands may contain added sugar. Unsweetened Greek yoghurt is generally an even better option than regular natural yoghurt as it tends to be higher in protein and therefore, more filling. It’s a really good idea to eat protein foods regularly throughout the day, as it helps to keep your levels of essential amino acids topped up and aids in maintaining steady blood sugar levels.
Blueberries and raspberries are rich in antioxidants, and therefore one of the best foods to eat everyday for cellular protection against free radicals. A couple of tablespoons of chopped nuts and seeds would be a super addition to his breakfast, and especially raw walnuts, chia, flax and hemp seeds as they’re naturally higher in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fat. Adding healthy sources of fat to your daily diet, including avocado, coconut oil and oily fish, can help to prevent dry skin, boost concentration levels and memory, and protect joints too. There’s no need to be scared of dietary fat once portion sizes are sensible. However, if you’re trying to gain weight, then try increasing daily portions of healthy fat.
For lunch, Rory opts for a generally balanced meal. If he’s having a sandwich, I would suggest that he aims to eat a salad on the side to boost his intake of veggies, and also chooses wholegrain bread to increase his fibre intake. Brownies are usually high in refined sugar, which can cause afternoon energy fluctuations, so for a chocolate fix, I would suggest a few squares of high cocoa content chocolate as a healthier alternative. Beans are high in fibre and protein, and make an excellent, filling food at lunch time alongside the pulled pork. Again, I would suggest he eats some steamed veg on the side. Getting into the habit of ordering vegetables with each meal really helps you to reach the recommended minimum of five daily serving for an adult.
Rory’s dinner is an energy-boosting pasta with garlic and chillies. Both are thought to have health benefits, with garlic considered anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, while chillies are thought to boost immune system health, with their content of capsaicin regarded as anti-inflammatory. Choosing wholegrain or brown pasta will improve the health benefits of the meal, as the fibre it contains is important for normal digestive health, and adding some lentils, beans, cheese, meat or fish would increase the meal’s levels of protein.
Rory’s favourite snack include chocolate and bananas. Again, dark chocolate is a great option, and bananas may even help to boost your mood. They contain vitamin B6, needed to produce your ‘good mood’ neurotransmitter, serotonin.
As his diet is relatively low in processed foods and refined sugar, plus he rejects faddy diets and his takeaway and comfort meals are based on healthy whole foods, Rory’s diet overall is well balanced. Adding some more omega-3 fat at breakfast, vegetables throughout the day and protein at dinnertime would help to improve it even more.