The Michelin-starred chef, who received an MBE this week, says he has taken on these ‘little capsules of magic’ since he ‘hit a wall’ at 40
Marcus Wareing works hard. It’s probably how he’s managed to become a multi Michelin-starred chef across two different restaurants, a longterm judge on Masterchef: The Professionals and pick up an MBE from Princess Anne this week.
When we caught up with Marcus at a wellness event for Seven Seas Omega-3 event, he spoke about the toll that decades of 16-hour days had on him, leaving him physically and mentally exhausted. But it wasn’t until he ‘hit a wall’ at the age of 40 that he began to take his health more seriously, and now he wants the rest of us to learn from his experience.
“I’d been working flat-out for years. Since the age of 11 when I started working part-time in the kitchen after school, and when I moved to London, working in the best kitchens where the hours are punishing. I loved it. At 40, I hit a wall – physically, mentally, I was exhausted,” he told us. “I was tired, angry and aggressive, especially at work.”
A beauty editor’s guide to building a K-beauty-style ‘glass skin’ regime with products under £20
Marcus said that his doctors advised lifestyle changes – including cutting down on the pressure and the long hours, but he admitted he wasn’t ready to slow down. Instead, he turned his focus towards supporting his health in other ways, from going to the gym to support his heart health, to taking omega-3 supplements to ensure he gets the nutrients he needs.
“I love what I do, but I can only do it by making sure my system is topped up. I take Seven Seas Omega-3 capsules so I can keep doing the things that I love. It gives me what I need.”
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA are linked to supporting heart, brain and eye health, and the most common food source for them is oily fish, such as mackerel and salmon. But Marcus’ comments come at a time when new research from Seven Seas suggests there is a widespread ‘omega-3 gap’ in the UK. The study showed over 45million Brits are unaware of the connection between omega-3 and healthy ageing, and more than half of are not getting enough oily fish.
But hang on, surely a chef would be able to get enough good sources from his diet?
It’s just not that simple, says Marcus.
“To get the amount you need through fish, you’d have to eat a lot. And it’s expensive as well,” he said. “That’s why I see supplements as a top-up. It’s a little capsule of magic that gives you what you need without having to think about it.”
These days, his approach is less about extremes and more about consistency.
“Life is about moderation — not strict diets,” he added. “It’s about small things you do every day that help you keep going.”
You can shop the full Seven Seas Omega-3 range here.
