Zanna Van Dijk: Unpacking Success, Fitness, and Food on the Desert Island Podcast

Welcome to another captivating episode of the Desert Island podcast, where your host, Margie, invites remarkable individuals to share their life stories, career insights, and, of course, their dream final meal. This week, we are thrilled to feature a true trailblazer in the health and wellness sphere: Zanna Van Dijk.

Zanna isn’t just a name; she’s a phenomenon. At just 24 years old, she had already carved out an impressive multi-faceted career that most aspire to achieve over a lifetime. Known widely as a leading fitness blogger, a certified personal trainer, and a sought-after fitness model, Zanna commands a loyal community of over 170,000 followers on Instagram, a testament to her authentic voice and impactful presence. Her influence extends far beyond social media, touching various facets of the fitness and fashion industries.

The Multi-Faceted World of Zanna Van Dijk

Zanna’s journey is a vibrant tapestry woven with entrepreneurial spirit, dedication, and a genuine passion for inspiring others. Her list of accomplishments is nothing short of extraordinary:

• London Fashion Week: She has graced the runways of London Fashion Week, bridging the gap between high fashion and functional activewear.
• Activewear Line: Zanna successfully launched her own activewear range, meticulously designed to combine style, comfort, and performance, empowering individuals to feel confident during their workouts and beyond.
• Fitness Events Company: Her entrepreneurial drive led her to establish a fitness events company, creating engaging and educational experiences for her community, fostering connections and promoting holistic wellness.
• Author: Last year, Zanna added author to her extensive resume, releasing her first book. This publication dives deeper into her philosophy on fitness, nutrition, and self-love, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to her readers.
• Magazine Covers: Her striking presence and influential message have landed her on the cover of numerous prestigious magazines, further cementing her status as a wellness icon.
• Adidas UK Ambassador: In a landmark achievement, Zanna was appointed the first-ever UK ambassador for Adidas. This role is a significant endorsement of her values, her commitment to fitness, and her ability to inspire a wide audience, aligning perfectly with Adidas’s global mission.

These accomplishments aren’t just bullet points; they represent years of unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and a relentless pursuit of her passion. Zanna truly embodies what it means to build a personal brand with integrity and purpose.

Podcast Insights: Success, Influence, and the Myth of “Overnight Success”

During our conversation, I had the privilege of delving into the intricacies of Zanna’s remarkable journey. We explored the often-asked question: What are the secrets to her success? While there’s no single magic formula, Zanna shared insights into the consistent hard work, authenticity, and resilience required to thrive in a competitive landscape. Her approach emphasizes building genuine connections and staying true to one’s core values, rather than chasing fleeting trends.

A significant portion of our discussion focused on the profound responsibilities that come with having such a huge following. As a prominent figure, Zanna navigates the complexities of influencing public opinion, body image perceptions, and consumer choices. We discussed the importance of transparency, promoting balanced lifestyles, and addressing the mental health aspects of fitness, acknowledging the pressure and scrutiny that come with a public platform. It’s a role she embraces with thoughtfulness and integrity.

We also tackled the pervasive idea of an “overnight success.” Zanna eloquently dismantled this myth, revealing the countless hours, sacrifices, and incremental efforts that precede any public recognition. Her story is a powerful reminder that true success is built on a foundation of consistent effort, perseverance through challenges, and a deep-seated passion that fuels continuous growth. What appears sudden to onlookers is often the culmination of years of dedicated work behind the scenes.

Zanna’s Food Philosophy: A Love Affair with Flavor

As someone deeply immersed in the fitness industry, I was particularly eager to discuss Zanna’s unique perspective on food. Often, fitness professionals are perceived as adhering to strict, restrictive diets. Zanna, however, radiates a refreshing love for food that is both joyful and balanced. We explored what she genuinely loves to eat, moving beyond the stereotypes to reveal a diverse palate that values both nutrition and indulgence.

Our conversation naturally flowed into how she came to choose the recipes for her book. Zanna shared her process of creating dishes that are not only delicious and satisfying but also fuel the body effectively. Her recipes aim to demystify healthy eating, making it accessible and enjoyable, proving that nutritious food can be incredibly flavorful and far from boring. It’s about finding harmony between nourishing your body and savoring every bite.

The Unforgettable Desert Island Dish: A Moment of Pure Laughter

Now, let’s talk about the moment that truly caught me off guard – Zanna’s choice for her final meal before being cast away to a desert island. This segment completely took me by surprise, leading to an uncontrollable, yet oddly silent, fit of laughter on my part. If you’ve ever found something so hysterically funny that you want to cry, only for it to manifest as silent shaking shoulders, then you’ll understand my reaction. Yes, it’s a bit peculiar, but it’s precisely what happened!

Zanna’s last meal choice is absolutely not what you would expect from a renowned fitness influencer. It defies all conventional assumptions and reveals a wonderfully unexpected side of her personality. I won’t spoil the surprise here, as it truly is a moment best experienced firsthand by listening to the episode. Trust me, it’s worth the anticipation and the eventual reveal!

Culinary Explorations: From London’s Elite to Australian Brunch

Our discussion wasn’t just about her ultimate desert island feast; it also traversed the globe, highlighting some truly exceptional dining experiences. Zanna expressed her profound admiration for the acclaimed London restaurant, Zuma. I’ve only had the pleasure of dining there once, and I distinctly remember feeling as though I had “died and gone to heaven.” The culinary mastery at Zuma is simply unparalleled.

My mission to return is now firmly established, especially with the vivid memories of their incredible dishes. That particular Blackened Cod, with its exquisite flaky texture and rich, savory glaze, and the delicate, perfectly crispy soft shell crab are dishes that linger long in the memory. They won’t eat themselves, after all, and I’m eagerly anticipating my next visit.

Beyond London, Zanna and I ventured into the vibrant food scene of Australia, a country renowned for its truly “next level” culinary offerings. The Australians, without a doubt, have completely mastered the art of brunch. My two-week trip there felt like a gastronomic odyssey; I jokingly confess to probably consuming a year’s supply of avocados and gaining two dress sizes in the process – a trade-off I consider entirely worth it! Zanna eloquently described the iconic Australian Acai berry bowls, bursting with fresh fruit and superfoods, and the perfectly poached eggs that grace countless café menus. Her descriptions alone ignited an immediate desire within me to jump on the next plane to Sydney.

Zanna also offered a fascinating recommendation: Safya in Byron Bay, celebrated for its unique Egyptian health foods. The concept of healthy Egyptian cuisine sounds both delicious and intriguing, a combination I find particularly appealing. To be honest, she had me completely captivated the moment she mentioned “cumin eggs.” The fusion of traditional Egyptian flavors with a health-conscious approach promises a truly memorable dining experience, making Byron Bay an even more enticing destination for food lovers.

Zanna’s Ultimate Desert Island Feast Revealed: A Perfect Blend of Indulgence

After much suspense and a moment of personal hilarity, Zanna’s carefully curated desert island meal stands as a testament to her diverse palate and appreciation for both gourmet delights and comforting classics. Her final, magnificent menu includes:

• Starter: Soft shell crab from Zuma – A luxurious and exquisitely prepared dish, showcasing her appreciation for fine dining and bold flavors.
• Main Course: Pasta with a can of chicken in white sauce with loads of grated Red Leicester cheese on top – This choice is a wonderful pivot to pure comfort food. The simplicity of canned chicken elevated by a creamy white sauce and an abundance of tangy Red Leicester cheese speaks to a preference for homely, satisfying flavors, reminding us that even wellness gurus enjoy a hearty, unpretentious meal.
• Dessert: Sticky toffee pudding and vanilla ice cream – A quintessential British dessert, rich, warm, and utterly indulgent. Paired with cool, creamy vanilla ice cream, it’s the perfect sweet conclusion, offering a nostalgic taste of home.
• Drink: A Dr Pepper – The ultimate personal touch! This unexpected beverage choice perfectly caps off her eclectic meal, adding a hint of playful individuality and a nod to pure, unadulterated enjoyment.

This meal isn’t just a list of dishes; it’s a culinary narrative that perfectly encapsulates Zanna’s personality: a blend of high-end indulgence, heartwarming comfort, and quirky personal preferences. It’s a reminder that a balanced lifestyle leaves ample room for pure, unadulterated joy in food.

Listen Now: Don’t Miss This Inspiring Episode!

All in all, this was a truly lovely and incredibly insightful episode, overflowing with not only inspiring foodie insights but also invaluable wisdom on building a successful career with integrity. Zanna’s candidness about her journey, her food philosophy, and her unexpected meal choices make this a must-listen for anyone interested in fitness, entrepreneurship, or simply good conversation. I wholeheartedly recommend taking the time to enjoy our chat.

There are so many wonderful nuggets of wisdom and delightful surprises packed into this episode, and I genuinely hope you enjoy every moment of it!

If you’ve enjoyed this episode and found value in our conversation, please don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast. Your support is incredibly important as it helps other listeners discover my podcast easily and allows me to continue bringing you inspiring guests like Zanna. Thank you for your continued support!

You can find me, Margie, on Instagram @madebymargie, and be sure to follow Zanna and her incredible journey @zannavandijk.

Image of Zanna: Picture Perfect Fitness Photography