The Tamesis
Victoria Beckham is known for many things: she started her career as the impeccably dressed Posh Spice in the Spice Girls, a successful eponymous fashion brand, and an equally successful beauty brand that produces one of the best eyeliners around. But there’s one other thing she’s known for – her carefully planned lunch orders.
When Beckham and I sat down for lunch at the members-only San Vicente West Village, she laid out the agenda (upcoming Victoria Beckham beauty products, all of which are strictly embargoed until summer and beyond, plus an ode to the fantastic Portifino ’97) and menu. Our three-course meal included a Gem Salad with butter lettuce, asparagus, avocado, and tahini; a main course of grilled salmon with broccoli, carrots, and fresh lemon vinaigrette; and a bowl of colorful berries and salted chocolate chip cookies for dessert.
It’s a classic Victorian meal, according to husband David Beckham, who discussed the meal on his 2022 podcast. “I’m married to a guy who’s been eating the same food for the last 25 years,” he said at the time. “Ever since I’ve known Victoria, she’s only had grilled fish and steamed vegetables. She rarely deviates.” Absolutely delicious.
It’s also a nutritious, complete meal, says nutritionist Keri Gans, RDN. “It provides protein and omega-3 fats from salmon, fiber and antioxidants from vegetables and berries, and healthy fats from avocado and tahini,” Gans reflects. But she adds that it’s also worth considering adding concentrated carbohydrates to meals for energy purposes.
Lately, starting every meal with a salad has become a healthy topic as fiber and blood sugar regulation have become common topics. “It’s an easy way to get more vegetables and fiber, which can help you feel fuller, eat more slowly, and support post-meal blood sugar stabilization,” Gans says. The National Institutes of Health reports that approximately 95% of U.S. adults do not meet their daily fiber intake. “You don’t need to start every meal with a salad; the larger goal is to get enough fiber and vegetables throughout the day.”
While San Vicente chocolate chip cookies (flat shavings spiked with dark chocolate and Maldon sea salt) aren’t for me (I’ve been gluten-free since being diagnosed with celiac disease in 2020), I found these berries to be surprisingly satisfying for my sweet tooth. “Berries are a great dessert choice because they are naturally sweet and provide fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants,” says Gans. But cookies can be great too. “Incorporating the foods you want to eat into a mindful component can be part of a realistic, healthy eating pattern.”
I will order salmon again in a heartbeat. Especially if it makes me look closer to David Beckham.
Is there a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! send Fashion’Senior Beauty & Wellness Editor Email [email protected].
