The broadcaster and journalist will often have a ‘second breakfast’ after presenting the news on Good Morning Britain – and it’s packed with cholesterol-lowering foods
Andrew Nuttall U35 Lifestyle Writer
05:00, 21 Apr 2025
Susanna Reid shared her post-GMB ‘second breakfast’ choice(Image: (Image: ITV))
Susanna Reid, a familiar face on morning television, has spent years presenting the news on ITV’s GMB with the likes of Piers Morgan, Ben Shephard, Kate Garraway, Richard Madeley and Ed Balls. With a job that requires her to be up at the crack of dawn, Susanna needs to maintain a meticulous morning routine to ensure she’s ready for the day ahead.
Revealing details about her morning schedule to Asda Good Living, the mum-of-three explained her approach to breakfast. The broadcaster begins her day at a startlingly early hour.
She said: “My alarm goes off at 4am and I’m at work for 4.20am. At 5am I have a black coffee and chopped-up apples with peanut butter, which keeps me going until I get home at 9.30am. My second breakfast is always rye toast, poached eggs and avocado. Once I’m off air, I’m ravenous!”
Not only does Susanna tackle her hunger with this hearty meal, but she also enjoys the health benefits of a cholesterol-conscious choice. This is down to her decision to top her toast with some avocado, reports the Express.
The fruit is packed with monounsaturated fats, recognised as the ‘healthy’ kind, which are beneficial for balancing cholesterol levels. The presenter takes full advantage of the avocados’ offer in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol while simultaneously boosting HDL (good) cholesterol.
Poached egg and avocado on toast is a very nutritious choice(Image: samael334 via Getty Images)
Research indicates that adding avocados to your diet, particularly as a substitute for saturated fats like butter, can result in lower LDL cholesterol and higher HDL cholesterol levels. While the taste and texture of avocados might take some getting used to for some people, they are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a variety of dishes.
You could add them to a lunchtime salad or simply enjoy them straight from the skin. For those on a weight loss journey, including avocados in their diet can also prove beneficial.
Their high content of healthy fats and fibre can help you feel fuller for longer, aiding in reducing overall calorie intake. Studies suggest that adding avocados to your meals may assist in maintaining or even reducing body weight.
GMB: Susanna Reid confirms break from show
Avocados are a fantastic source of vitamin E, which can help minimise the visible signs of ageing. They also provide vitamin A, essential for proper cell repair. A 2011 study revealed that avocados contain compounds that could potentially protect the skin from sun damage and inflammation. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to wrinkles and other ageing signs, as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.
Avocados are a favoured ingredient in the Mediterranean diet. This diet focuses on plant-based foods and healthy fats, encouraging a generous intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Avocados, a favourite of many celebrities including Penélope Cruz and Victoria Beckham, are a key part of this heart-healthy diet. Cruz has previously spoken about her love for the fruit, which reminds her of the food she enjoys in Spain, while Beckham reportedly consumes three to four avocados daily.
Susanna first appeared on GMB back in 2014(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Rye bread is another component of the dish that helps lower cholesterol levels. Made from flour, yeast, and water, it’s a cholesterol-free food with a high fibre content, which aids in reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol.
According to the Mayo Clinic, any form of soluble fibre can help decrease LDL cholesterol levels by limiting its absorption into the bloodstream. Soluble fibre, found in foods like oats, beans, and fruits, binds with cholesterol and assists in its removal from the body.
The NHS explains that high cholesterol occurs when there’s an excess of this fatty substance in your blood, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes due to blocked blood vessels.
High cholesterol typically doesn’t present symptoms and can only be detected through a blood test. The NHS Health Check invites most people over 40 for a cholesterol check, but if you’re worried, you can request a check with your GP regardless of your age.
Eggs can still be on the menu even if you’re keeping an eye on your cholesterol, according to Heart UK. While it’s true that eggs have cholesterol in their yolks, it’s not believed to notably impact blood cholesterol levels unless consumed excessively.
The charity’s advice claims: “It’s much more important to limit the amount of saturated fat you eat [as] too much saturated fat can raise the cholesterol in your blood. So, most people can eat eggs as long as they are eaten as part of an overall healthy, balanced diet that is low in saturated fat.”
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