A taste for LIFE

The footballer, ‘DWTS’ champion and fitness guru couldn’t live without his pasta, chicken and broccoli — and hold the sauce, please

‘DWTS’ champion Aidan O’Mahony’s life in food

“It’s a treat when I find a Cheesecake Factory. I love their desserts”

What was your favourite childhood meal?

I grew up in a healthy household, so I can remember highly nutritional meals after school. One of my favourite meals from my youth was shepherd’s pie or traditional Irish stew.

What is the meal you will always remember?

The first time I tried sushi in a Japanese restaurant in the Middle East. I have been addicted ever since, and I always try to find good sushi restaurants when I travel. It is also my wife Denise’s favourite food.

What was your defining food experience?

The Cheesecake Factory in New York for their steak. It is a real treat when I find a Cheesecake Factory, and I also love their desserts. However, when I eat in the Cheesecake Factory, I feel that I have to earn the treat, so a tough workout beforehand does the trick.

What’s the first dish you ever cooked?

Pasta, chicken and broccoli for training. It was a regular in my college years, and I still cook this on a weekly basis. It’s easy, and relatively healthy. I like basic and plain foods during the week.

What is your comfort food?

I really like spicy foods, and love a red Thai prawn curry. I am not a fan of fried food or fast food.

What is your hangover cure?

Lots of Evian water and fresh air. I usually cook a healthy meal to balance out the beverages from the night before!

What do you drink?

Water every day, and Coors Light on social occasions. I enjoy the odd glass of red wine when I’m relaxing at home or with a nice meal.

If you could only eat three things for the rest of your life what would they be?

Pasta, chicken and broccoli. I never tire of these foods, and they always give me energy for training. I don’t like sauces on food, so just plain pasta, chicken and broccoli suit me best.

What is the most appetising smell in the world?

My wife’s Thai dishes. She loves experimenting with different recipes at the weekend, and they always smell and taste divine. We try to cook different dishes and learn from each other.

How important is food to you?

Fitness and food are a priority for me. I never leave the house without a good breakfast. I believe food is fuel, and should also be enjoyed.

You can go anywhere and have anything to eat with any one person. Where, what and who?

Nobu at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai; I’d have sushi and noodles with my wife.

What’s always in your kitchen?

There are always blueberries, raspberries and grapes in the fridge, healthy cereals in the press, and fresh vegetables, chicken and pasta ready to cook!

Worst meal ever?

Russian Salad as a main course in Spain. I still ate it, as I was after walking 40k of the Camino and it was the only main on the menu. AOMFitness1.com is a hub for everyone, focusing on a training and nutrition blog, formulated from Aidan’s own personal experiences and aided by the involvement of various sporting personalities sharing their insight