The secrets behind Meghan Markle's strict diet plan

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has carved out a tranquil existence in Montecito, Southern California, where she and Prince Harry nurture their growing family alongside rescue chickens on their sprawling $14.5 million estate. 

Before her days as royalty, Meghan's lifestyle blog, Tig, championed health and wellbeing until its closure in 2017. 

According to Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, her mornings now begin with a simple ritual: hot water infused with lemon, followed by a favorite breakfast of steel-cut oats with almond or soy milk, bananas, and a touch of agave syrup.

She maintains a predominantly clean diet, steering clear of foods that might leave her feeling sluggish. "I eat mostly fish and veggies - but I am also a foodie," she revealed to Shape magazine. 

This dedication extends to her weekday diet, where she opts for vegan meals, reserving weekends for a bit more dietary flexibility.

Meghan also embraces green juices as a healthier alternative to afternoon coffee. 

"It's easy to fall into the trap of rushing for a coffee when you hit that 4pm slump," she shared with Today. 

"But if I blend apple, kale, spinach, lemon, and ginger in my Vitamix in the morning and bring it to work, I always find that sipping on that is a much better boost than a cup of espresso."

In 2012, Meghan shared with Today, "At the end of a long day there is nothing I enjoy more than a glass of wine. 

I used to be of the 'it doesn't matter, so long as it's red' persuasion, but then I grew up, and so did my palate."

Despite her dedication to fitness, Meghan emphasizes the importance of balance in her diet. "Because I work out the way I do, I don't ever want to feel deprived," she explained. 

"I feel that the second you do that is when you start to binge on things. It's not a diet; it's lifestyle eating."

While Meghan's go-to healthy snack is peanut butter and apples, as revealed in Finding Freedom, she also admits to having cravings for less virtuous fare. 

French fries are among her favorites, as she shared with Best Health Canada in 2016.