Jungle Diet Decoded: Nutrition Expert’s Guide for ‘I’m A Celebrity’ Contestants
One of the biggest struggles for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! contestants is maintaining proper nutrition and energy levels while struggling with the limited food resources available to them.
casinos.win asked nutritionist Jenaed Brodell of Nutrition and Co to advise how they can make the transition to jungle rations as painless as possible.
Jenaed suggests that, ideally, they should have prepared their bodies for the change in diet before they enter the jungle, acclimatising to the local food after they arrive in the area.
“To prepare nutritionally for the jungle, celebrities should include a variety of local plants like wild yam and edible ferns in their diet. These foods are rich in essential nutrients and can help build their nutritional stores,” she explained to casinos.win.
With the participants for 2023 just confirmed, the lineup contains people who all have very different dietary needs. Nigel Farage isn’t renowned for his healthy lifestyle. This Morning’s Josie Gibson has undergone dramatic weight loss in recent years meaning that she is aware of what she eats. First Dates maître d Fred Sirieix knows his way around food and will be aware of nutrition. Meanwhile, Hollyoaks icon Nick Pickard has said that he has prepared for jungle deprivation by giving up alcohol for the past month.
Other celebrities entering the jungle are YouTube star Nella Rose, Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson, Britney Spears little sister and former Zoey 101 star Jamie-Lynn Spears, food critic Grace Dent, TV presenter and former JLS star Marvin Humes and former EastEnders star Danielle Harold.
However, the one thing that is crucial for them all is hydration, particularly in such a warm setting and while the celebrities do have access to water, Jenaed offered casinos.win some other options to ensure that dehydration doesn’t become a problem.
“The celebrities can tap into available water sources, utilise water vine, and consider using the liquid from green bamboo for a source of clean water,” she explained. “Coconut water from local palm trees is another excellent option for replenishing electrolytes,” she said.
One of the biggest struggles for contestants is generally the meagre basic rations of rice and beans which are only supplemented with additional food upon the successful completion of tasks.
“In the rationed meals context, celebrities can maximise their portions by focusing on nutrient-dense foods like roasted bunya nuts, if available, which are high in both protein and healthy fats,” she said.
Jenaed also suggests that they can forage for local fruits like Davidson’s plum and finger limes.
While celebrities often baulk when asked to eat insects as part of the often stomach-churning tasks on the show, Jenaed says that they can actually be a good source of protein. She suggests celebrities actively seek them out to supplement the rations in order to maintain protein levels.
“Contestants can find natural sources of protein in the area, including insects such as cicadas, locusts, and grasshoppers.
“Additionally, small game like eels, frogs, and freshwater fish from nearby rivers offer valuable protein sources,” she explained.
Although the celebrities won’t have access to their exclusive gyms while they are in the jungle Jenaed suggests that they can still benefit from exercise.
“Incorporating bodyweight exercises and resistance bands, if available, can help preserve muscle during times of caloric restriction,” she told casinos.win.
Jenaed also revealed the signs that celebrities need to look out for if they think they are suffering from a nutrition deficiency.
“Signs of inadequate nutrition to watch for include extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, hair loss, and changes in skin texture,” she warned. “Rapid weight loss should be a signal to adjust their diet and prioritise nutrient-dense foods,” she advised.
“To prevent gastrointestinal issues in the Murwillumbah jungle, celebrities can practise portion control, consume smaller, more frequent meals, and make use of natural digestive aids such as lemon myrtle,” she continued.
After surviving the jungle the temptation upon leaving might be to dive straight into their favourite foods but Jenaed advises against this.
“After leaving the jungle, celebrities should reintroduce foods gradually, starting with easily digestible options like boiled cassava and roasted bunya nuts, and slowly incorporating a wider range of local foods,” she advised.
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here returns to ITV on Sunday, November 19th.