Celebrity Health - Anna Richardson

TV presenter Anna Richardson speaks to Liz Parry about how she overcame her weight battles through hypnotherapy and is now helping others to do the same

Q: You’re well known for presenting shows on Channel Four like Supersize vs Superskinny and Secret Eaters, but you’ve recently trained as a hypnotherapist. Why is that?

Anna: " It’s something that I find absolutely fascinating. Around four or five years ago, when I was filming Supersize vs Superskinny, I underwent hypnosis as part of my job road-testing extreme diets. Initially I thought it would be a load of old hokum but I had the most extraordinary experience. I went on to lose two stone in weight and completely changed my eating habits. It prompted me to write my latest book, Mind Over Fatter, which delves very deeply into the reasons why people overeat."

Q: Tell us a bit more about the book

Anna: "It’s not just about a diet plan – it goes a lot deeper than that. The reasons why we overeat are often due to negative feelings, low self-esteem or issues around loneliness or boredom. Once you’ve changed that it can have a profound effect on your eating habits. I collaborated with the hypnotherapist Marisa Peer, who helped me to lose the weight in the first place. I also worked with Dr Christy Ferguson from Secret Eaters, who is a psychologist and nutritionist. I wanted to get us all together to join forces and prove that changing your mind can change your menu."

Q: Tell us about your own experience with hypnotherapy

Anna: "It was just extraordinary. Marisa began by explaining that she was going to regress me back to a time when I was a child which would connect me with my negative emotions around food. I went into quite a deep trance and I remember going back to a time when I was four years old. I was sitting in front of a massive plate of chips and beans with a glass of pop and feeling very upset. It turned out that my mum had been rushed off in the middle of the night because she was pregnant with my little brother and had to be hospitalised. She was kept in for about eight weeks. All I knew was that my Mummy suddenly wasn’t there any more. The only way my dad knew to cope was to feed me. So in my mind I formed an association that food equals love and that it will soothe me if I feel abandoned or lost. Once Marisa had identified that she brought me back to being an adult. While I was still in a trance she told me that I am good enough, I am better than that and I don’t need to use food to self-medicate."

Q: What happened after that?

Anna: " I didn’t know what to think afterwards as it was so bizarre, but the amazing thing was that within three to four months I lost two stone. I suddenly found that I was driven to make the correct food choices. I didn’t want to eat rubbish any more. I wanted to treat myself with respect. My weight now fluctuates by about seven pounds or so if I go through periods of stress, but I now know how to get myself back on track."

Q: In your book you quote a worrying statistic that women spend up to 17 years of their life on a diet. How do you feel about this?

Anna: "On a daily basis we are bombarded with images of skinny models through the media so it’s no surprise that as women we have become very hard on ourselves. Also we’re in a culture that is selfie obsessed, so we are constantly self-critical and it becomes increasingly difficult to accept yourself as you are. The other problem is that the food industry isn’t exactly helping. When you have food that’s laden with sugar and fat, both of which are highly addictive ingredients, it’s really hard to wean yourself off that convenience diet. It’s not about willpower, it’s about finding the reasons why you are overeating and then finding practical ways to choose the right foods."

Q: What sort of foods do you eat in a typical day?

Anna: " I tend to start with homemade bircher muesli sprinkled with mixed seeds, blueberries and agave syrup. For lunch I am a big fan of Vietnamese spring rolls because they are so easy to make. I’ll have them with avocado and prawns. Or I might have homemade soup with rye bread. In the evening I’ll go for either a salmon stir fry or maybe a homemade vegetable curry."

Q: Would you say that following a healthy lifestyle is important to you?

Anna: "It’s becoming increasingly important. When I was younger I was obsessed with getting thin and going on fad diets, but I’m 44 now and I’m really focusing on looking after my body. Last year my dad had three strokes and a heart attack, which really brought into sharp focus the idea that we only have one body and we need to take care of it. I’m also taking more care of my mental health. Living in London and having a really stressful media job can take its toll sometimes so I do some mindfulness meditation to ease the stress."

Q: Do you take any supplements?

Anna: "I never used to but now I’ve become a bit fanatical about them. I’ve got so many in my kitchen. I take my omegas, all the B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, vitamin and probiotics. I’m literally starting to rattle!"

Q: Do you shop in health food stores?

Anna: "Yes, there’s a fantastic organic deli near where I live called Pomona and I do a lot of my shopping there. I do try to support the local community as much as possible. I go to the local farmer’s market on a Saturday as well and I try to source organic produce whenever I can."

Q: Do you like to exercise?

Anna: " If anyone has got a mental block about exercise and needs to take a leaf out of her own book, it’s me. I just don’t enjoy it. I know I’ve got to do it though. What I do really love is being outside and walking. I recently spent a few days in the Lake District with my other half [comedienne Sue Perkins] and every day we made a massive effort to do plenty of walks around the lakes. I’ve enjoyed yoga, Pilates and kickboxing in the past but I think I need the right trainer to kick me into shape!"

Q: Would you say that you’ve reached a place where you are happy with how you are now?

Anna: "Yes. I’m in a place now where I absolutely understand myself, but that doesn’t mean that there’s not more to learn. In a sense I’m on a quest to always try and improve any negative behaviours in my life. There is a phrase we use in hypnotherapy and that’s that we are all fellow strugglers. I’ve always struggled with my weight but I know and accept that I’ll never be a skinny person. I just want to be healthy."

Celebrity Health - Sunetra Sarker

Casualty star Sunetra Sarker talks to Liz Parry about her love of organic food and juicing and reveals what it was like to appear on Strictly Come Dancing

Q: Is a healthy lifestyle important to you?

Sunetra: "It wasn't always important to me but I'd say over the last three or four years I've become a lot more health conscious. As a mum and a working actress I've found it increasingly important to find quick fixes to keep me healthy. As a result I've discovered that juicing really works for me. I came across a juicing website by a guy called Drew Canole and I found it really interesting, so I started trying his recipes. The first one I tried was carrot, apple, celery and ginger and I loved it. I started trying loads more of his recipes and then I eventually started making my own. At the time I was directing Casualty and I really needed some extra energy. I found that green juices really helped. My favourite one is a combination of spinach, grapes, apple and coconut water."

Q: What is the rest of your diet like?

Sunetra: "I'm very much into my fish. I'm more of a seafood girl than a meat-eater. I love experimenting with salads and adding things like pomegranate or walnuts to them to make them a bit more interesting. I also love cooking with garlic and spices. As an Indian girl I was brought up on Indian food but I never really liked it much until I was about 21. Because it was served every day at home I got really bored of it. I couldn't wait till I could move out of home and cook things like roast dinners and Italian food! I do enjoy cooking my own Indian food now though and I make a good dal with parathas – that's my comfort food. I use my slow cooker a lot because of my work. When I leave the house in the morning I put a load of ingredients in it, then when I come home at night the house smells gorgeous and you've got a ready-made meal. My nine-year-old son Noah and my partner Scott love it."

Q: Do you like to use organic produce?

Sunetra: "Yes. I always used to buy lots of organic food but I'd often find that by the end of the week a lot of it had gone off and I felt terrible about throwing it away. I've started using a gadget called a BerryBreeze which oxygenates and cleans all the food in my fridge and keeps everything nice and fresh for much longer. It preserves all the nutritional value of the fruit and veg which encourages me to cook healthy meals. I think it's great!"

Q: Is food wastage an important concern to you?

Sunetra: "Yes very much so. I think it's something we all need to be more mindful of. I really think that people need to become aware of how big a problem it is. I'm a big supporter of the Love Food Hate Waste campaign and I love the tips you can find on their website. It's full of good ideas for how you can make your food last longer by freezing it or blending it. For example you can chop up bananas and put them in the freezer to use as ice cubes in a milkshake."

Q: Do you take any supplements?

Sunetra: "I take Power Greens, which I put in my juices, and I also have green tea extract capsules. I use a vitamin D spray which I think is really good. I know they're not supplements, but I also take manuka honey and I love adding chia seeds and linseeds to my food."

Q: You recently appeared as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. How much training did you have to do?

Sunetra: "The training was really vigorous; really hard work. I couldn't believe it but I lost a whole stone by the end of it! I was training for three hours on Wednesday nights and about six or seven hours on Thursdays as those were the only times I could do, so it was quite intense. It felt a bit like the 5:2 diet in a way. It was hard work but I really enjoyed it."

Q: Did you feel your fitness improve?

Sunetra: "I think it's inevitable that your fitness will improve when you're doing such intensive training, but it's all been such a whirlwind that I haven't had time to stop and really think about it. I got a few injuries and I had a bout of the flu but I was really surprised by the stamina I had."

Q: What prompted you to take part?

Sunetra: "I'd been asked to do it a few times but I always said no. My boss at Casualty loves the show and kept persuading me to reconsider. Then I had a chat with Noah and told him that I'd been offered a place on the show but turned it down. I was surprised because he was quite upset and persuaded me that it would be fun to try something new. He said I shouldn't worry what other people think and to just do my best. He's a wise little boy! So I went very quickly from a no to a yes and now I have no regrets that I did it."

Q: Do you think you'll carry on with the dancing?

Sunetra: "I just don't know. I'd like to carry on as I'm not into the gym or aerobics – it's not as fulfilling as learning a dance routine. I was so lucky to be taught by a professional. I love the ballroom dancing and would love to do it again."

Q: Do you enjoy other types of exercise?

Sunetra: "No, not really. I haven't done much exercise since I was pregnant. I do enjoy yoga and meditation though. I like to do a few yoga stretches on my mat at home and I meditate with the Headspace app, which I think is brilliant. I'd love to get into tennis too. Now I'm friends with Judy Murray I will have to get her to teach me!"

Celebrity Health - Michaela Strachan

Michaela Strachan talks to Liz Parry about how she is overcoming her breast cancer diagnosis and looking ahead to the future

TV presenter Michaela Strachan has had a tough year. In February 2014, shortly after competing in the gruelling diving show Splash, the 48-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. She is now hoping to raise awareness of the importance of early mammograms through her role as an ambassador for the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Michaela lives in Cape Town with her partner Nick and their son Ollie, nine, as well as Nick’s children Jade, 26, and twins Tom, and Sam, 24.

Q: You’ve had quite a lot to cope with in recent months. How are you feeling at the moment?

Michaela: "It’s been a challenging year but I feel as though I’m through it now and I’m feeling really good. When I was first diagnosed it was such a huge shock but I decided to turn it into a positive thing. I had a meeting with Breakthrough Breast Cancer and we discussed the idea of me becoming an ambassador for them. What I’m hoping to do is to remind women and educate them about having mammograms regularly after the age of 50. If you can find the cancer early then your chances of survival are so much higher. It’s not been an easy year for me but I’ve dealt with it and I’m moving on."

Q: Has it changed your attitude to life in any way?

Michaela: "I think when you get a scare like that it inevitably changes your life and I think you try not to sweat the small stuff too much. It’s a wake-up call. Although having said that I’m not the sort of person who needs a wake-up call. I appreciate life fully and I’ve always been a very positive person. Nevertheless it reminds you what’s important in life. And it reminds you that you have to have a work/life balance and that friends and family are important. I’ve tried not to stress and to be a little bit more relaxed about things."

Q: Have you always tried to follow a healthy lifestyle?

Michaela: "Yes I have and that’s why I’m slightly cross that I got cancer! I’ve always tried to be healthy. I grow my own vegetables and I buy organic when I can. I’ve been vegetarian since I was 18 years old and I’ve always been fit. I don’t drink very much and I don’t smoke. In the last 10 years, since I had my son Ollie, I’ve thought a lot more about my health."

Q: Do you enjoy cooking healthy meals?

Michaela: "Yes. For example, last night we had a risotto with broad beans from the garden and tonight we’re having lentils with sweet potatoes. We grow masses of spinach in our garden so spinach and coconut soup is a regular meal for us. We occasionally have pasta and soya mince but not too often. I have a company who look after my garden while I’m away and they often plant things in the garden that I’ve never tried before, like kale. So that helps me to broaden my diet a bit. It’s a nice way of forcing yourself to go outside your cooking comfort zone."

Q: Do you take any vitamins or supplements?

Michaela: "I didn’t before the cancer but now I do. I take a green powder which is full of antioxidants and vitamins. I also take vitamin B and calcium. This is to counteract the negative effects of being on a drug called Tamoxifen which blocks the oestrogen in the breast cells. If you are oestrogen receptive positive for breast cancer then it’s the usual medication that they put you on. I prefer a natural approach to health but when it’s something as serious as cancer I think you have to consider the conventional route. I have a nine-year-old-son and I want to live. If that means taking a drug and having side effects then so be it."

Q: You regularly commute between Cape Town and London. How do you look after your health when you are constantly travelling?

Michaela: "I think because I’ve been doing it for so long, it’s now part of my normal life. I think when you do something that’s not part of your normal life then that becomes stressful. I’ve always travelled even before I moved to South Africa – it was a big part of my life when I was doing The Really Wild Show. For me, getting on a plane is just like getting on a bus. What is tough – and any travelling, working mother knows this – is the constant juggling you have to do."

Q: With your busy schedule do you find time to exercise regularly?

Michaela: "Yes. I tend to do quite a varied exercise regime which means that I’m not really very good at anything! But I’m generally quite fit. I did a yoga class this morning, and another day I might go for a run. I also have a private Pilates class and I do a dance class which I really enjoy. I’ve started walking with friends a lot too. It’s taken me a while to get back into the exercise because two lots of surgery does knock you back a bit."

Q: You appeared on the diving show Splash. Do you keep up the diving?

Michaela: "Two weeks after the show I was diagnosed with the cancer so I couldn’t. After a mastectomy you can’t lift your arms and you have to do a lot of physio to get the movement back. So, no, I’m not strong enough to do the diving again, which is a shame as I think I might have carried on with it."

Q: You’re obviously a very outdoorsy person. Have you always had an affinity with nature and wildlife?

Michaela: "Not really. My parents weren’t particularly outdoorsy people and my passion when I was young was dancing and performance. I’ve done quite a curved swing into wildlife and developing a love for it. I’ve always loved animals and always been very interested in conservation but dancing was always more my passion than being outdoors. Both my stepsons have become passionate about conservation and sustainability, yet they were never interested in those sorts of things when they were younger. I think it’s quite a good lesson for people that if you’re not passionate about something when you’re younger it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be passionate about it when you‘re older. Passions can change and I think it’s important for people to realise that."

Q: How do you feel about the future?

Michaela: "I’m feeling really positive about everything and I’m putting what’s happened behind me now. I think when you are faced with health problems it’s important to deal with them head on and understand that you can’t change the situation. You need to be practical and pragmatic but you also need to nurture yourself."

Celebrity Health - Lorraine Kelly

Lorraine Kelly speaks to Liz Parry about how she keeps fit and healthy through a love of walking, Zumba and healthy eating

Q: Lorraine, you always look so fantastically fresh-faced first thing in the morning on our TV screens. You must follow a very healthy lifestyle?

Lorraine: "Well I do try to live healthily, but all things within reason. I’m certainly not fanatical about it. I try to eat really well, particularly during the week when I’m on my own in London. I don’t believe in diets because I don’t think they work. I think a little bit of what you fancy does you good. So I try to eat well, have plenty of fruit and veg, and drink as much water as possible. Then at the weekend I might go out for a curry or have a bit of chocolate when I’m watching the telly on a Saturday night. But, yes, I eat healthily and do plenty of exercise."

Q: Do you like to cook?

Lorraine: "No. My husband Steve is a smashing cook but I’m better at tidying up! I love nothing better than watching him cook on a Saturday night, sitting there with a glass of wine, having a chat. And then afterwards I tidy up. He’s good at it and enjoys it and I’m not good at it and I don’t enjoy it. I can do a few things though. I make a good paella."

Q: Do you take any vitamins or supplements?

Lorraine: "Yes, I take a multivitamin every day. It’s part of my daily routine now. You brush your teeth and take your daily vitamins. And sometimes I take some vitamin C during the winter as I don’t want to get a cold because I don’t want to be off my work."

Q: What is your favourite type of exercise?

Lorraine: "I’ve always really enjoyed walking. I walk all over London. Three years ago I did a 100 mile trek in the desert for Comic Relief and that’s when I really started walking a lot because I had to break in my boots. I’ve got a place in the centre of London, in Westminster, and I would walk all the way down to Tower Bridge and beyond and down to Chelsea. Even now if I’m going out from my flat to somewhere like Covent Garden, I wouldn’t even think of getting a taxi, I’d just walk. I really enjoy it. I live in Dundee so when I’m home I always take the dog for a walk. It helps to clear the head and it’s a great way to keep fit without realising that you’re keeping fit."

Q: You’re a big supporter of the Walk the Walk charity. Tell us a bit about that.

Lorraine: "I’ve been involved with Walk the Walk since the very start. I think I did the first ever MoonWalk London and I’ve done the MoonWalk Scotland several times, including with my mum Anne and my daughter Rosie two years ago. I’m a big supporter of the charity because it really helps to raise a lot of money and awareness about breast cancer. My gran died of breast cancer and although she was in her eighties it was too soon as far as I was concerned. It made me want to help with breast cancer charities and I thought this one was particularly good. There’s a lot of camaraderie. Everyone is wearing their bra and as the years have gone on the way people decorate them has become more and more fabulous. I remember one year we were walking up the Royal Mile in Edinburgh just after midnight and all the men were coming out of the pubs looking very bemused by all these women marching along in their bras!"

Q: Do you run as well?

Lorraine: "No, not any more. I’ve done marathons in the past. I did three in London, one in New York and the last one I did was three years ago in London when I was 50. It was probably a mad way to celebrate my 50th but there you go! My exercise of choice now is that I do Pilates once a week and Zumba twice a week. I find it so much fun and I’ve got an amazing instructor. It lasts for an hour and is such a great stress buster. My friend Maxine and I did a 24-hour Zumbathon for the STV appeal. I think what’s really, really important is that you have to do a type of exercise that you enjoy."

Q: You’ve always worked in breakfast TV so early starts must be second nature to you?

Lorraine: "Kind of. I don’t think you ever get used to it though. I don’t have to get up quite so early now. I get up at 5am and I think that’s almost verging on normal! I don’t get enough sleep though. I’ve always got too much going on. I love my telly – I’m terrible for it – and I often find myself staying up too late because there’s something I just have to watch."

Q: How do you relax, apart from watching TV?

Lorraine: "I find that going out for a walk is a great way to relax and the Zumba really helps too. I love to run a nice bubble bath and light some candles. I’m going through a very busy time at the moment but I enjoy being busy."

Q: What things have you got coming up in the future?

Lorraine: "I'm hoping to write another book on Scotland with my husband Steve - he's a brilliant photographer. I’ve also been designing a clothing line with JD Williams which has been very exciting. Other than that I’m just doing what I do really, my TV shows and writing my columns and just enjoying it. I feel very lucky because I’ve got the best job in the world and I’m very privileged to still be doing it after 30 years. I never forget how lucky I am and I just enjoy every minute!"

Celebrity Health - Michelle Heaton

Former Liberty X star Michelle Heaton talks to Liz Parry about her recent health challenges and how she ensures that she follows a healthy lifestyle

Popstar turned TV presenter Michelle Heaton has had to face some serious health challenges over the past few years. In 2012 the former Liberty X singer discovered that she was carrying the BRCA2 gene. This meant that without surgery she had an 80 to 85 per cent risk of developing breast cancer and a 30 to 40 per cent risk of developing ovarian cancer. Faced with such daunting odds, Michelle opted to have a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Now, the 35-year-old mum-of-two is preparing to undergo a full hysterectomy.

Q: How do you find the strength to cope with these health challenges?

Michelle: "My beautiful family, my husband, my friends and ultimately my children who I’m doing this for. They are all the strength I need!"

Q: Was it a difficult decision to make, opting to have a hysterectomy at such a young age?

Michelle: "Yes, of course. I guess it’s kind of taken out of my hands in a way. However I’m lucky enough to have had two children first. Many women in my position aren’t so lucky. I know this because many of them write to me or tweet me. Other people might make a different decision, and that’s their personal choice, but for me it’s a no-brainer. I’m not a gambling woman! The decision I’ve made is for my children."

Q: You obviously keep yourself very fit. Have you always been keen on exercise or has this come about more in recent years?

Michelle: "I’d like to have thought that I was always fit and into exercise but when I met my husband Hugh Hanley, who is head of personal training for Virgin Active, he showed me that I had the wrong idea about everything. Meeting him spurred me on to become healthier and to look at my lifestyle and understand what was right and what was wrong."

Q: How often do you exercise and what type of exercise do you do?

Michelle: "I try my very best to go to the gym four or five times a week. I force myself to work hard there because I know I haven’t got long and I have to get back to the kids (Faith, aged two, and eight-month-old AJ). I tend to get up really early and get there for about 6am before the kids wake up. I like to keep fit because I’m 35 now and I’m noticing that my metabolism is slowing down and I can’t eat all the things I want to eat any more. I like to try and look my best because it makes me happy."

Q: Do you have a specific routine you follow?

Michelle: "I do cardio one day and weights the next. I keep switching it up rather than following the same routine all the time. I think if you do the same things every day the body just gets used to it."

Q: Did you exercise regularly when you were pregnant?

Michelle: "I didn’t with my first pregnancy because I didn’t understand what was right or wrong during pregnancy. So I went back to college and I studied pre and post-natal exercise so that I could understand it for myself. I then realised that I wanted to teach it to other people, which led to my DVD, Active Pregnancy. I think maybe there was a bit of a taboo many years ago and a lot of doctors would have recommended a sedentary lifestyle during pregnancy, as opposed to an active one, but now it’s been completely reversed. And there is a lot of information to show that exercise during pregnancy is a positive thing as long as it’s a healthy, normal pregnancy."

Q: Do you like to eat a healthy diet?

Michelle: "Yes, everything we have at home is fresh and healthy and I like to cook everything from scratch. We stay away from processed or starchy foods. A typical day at home would begin with a smoothie made with blueberries and protein powder, then lunch would be an egg white omelet with a side salad and our evening meal would be some sort of protein with plenty of vegetables. I might have Greek yoghurt or a protein bar for a snack. We try to eat organic sometimes but as it can be expensive, it depends on our budget for the week."

Q: Do you take any supplements?

Michelle: "Yes, I take vitamin C and fish oils every day."

Q: Would you say your attitude to life has changed since you had to face your health problems? Do you live for the moment a bit more now?

Michelle: "I suppose but, to be honest, I’ve kind of always been like that anyway. There are many people around the world in all kinds of difficult situations – you’ve only got to look around. I just take what life throws at me and get on with it!"

Michelle Heaton Active Pregnancy is available on DVD now from Amazon and www.michelleheatonfitness.com

Celebrity Health - Denise Van Outen

Denise Van Outen speaks to Liz Parry about her love of growing vegetables, charity challenges and reaching the big 40

"I want my daughter to be able to go outside and pick her own vegetables for dinner and to know where her food comes from"

Q: Is a healthy lifestyle important to you?

Denise: "It’s become more important as I’ve got older. I think I probably became more aware of my body and what I was eating when I hit my thirties. You begin to notice that it’s not so easy to shift weight if you’ve gained a few pounds. You have to work harder at it. Also I was trying to get myself healthy because I was hoping to become a mum. When you become a parent being healthy becomes even more important because you want to be around for your kids as long as possible."

Q: Do you try to eat a healthy diet?

Denise: "I do. But I’ve got to be honest,I’m not an angel. There are times when I fall down a little bit. I don’t have a sweet tooth, which is where I’m lucky. I’m much more of a savoury person. I’m not a big fan of cake or chocolate but I do like pick-and-mix sweets."

Q: What’s a typical day in your diet?

Denise: "Everyone says breakfast is the most important meal of the day and I understand that, but I never wake up hungry. Normally I can’t manage to eat much more than some fruit or a Greek yogurt for a high protein fix. I might have a banana or some mango. Occasionally I’ll have porridge and I’ll make some for me and my four-year-old daughter Betsy. Lunch might be salad or sushi and for dinner I might have a baked potato with vegetables or some chicken. I do like to treat myself to a Sunday roast sometimes."

Q: Do you ever buy organic food?

Denise: "I grow my own vegetables in my house in Kent. I do all the basics like potatoes, onions, sweet peas, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. I want my daughter to be able to go outside and pick her own vegetables for dinner and to know where her food comes from. It’s important to me that she eats good, healthy food. It’s something that we do together when she finishes school. We’ll go out to the vegetable patch and pick the veg that we’re going to eat that night."

Q: As a mum do you think it’s important to encourage parents to get their children to eat a healthier diet?

Denise: "Yes I think it’s important for parents to educate their children about their diet, definitely. I’m very fortunate that I have the space to be able to grow vegetables in my garden. I realise it might not be so easy for other people to do that. I think schools need to educate children a bit more about their diet too."

Q: Do you take any vitamins or supplements?

Denise: "I take a multivitamin and in the winter I top up my vitamin C. I like to think that my diet's pretty healthy and balanced and that I’m not lacking in anything."

Q: What kind of exercise do you do to stay in shape?

Denise: "I do a big charity challenge once a year. This November I’m doing a big cycle ride from Vietnam to Cambodia so I’ll soon be training for that. I need to make sure I’m in the best physical shape possible. When I was younger a lot of my friends went travelling when they left school but I never really did that because I was always working. So as I’ve got older I’ve felt that I’ve wanted to see a bit of the world and this is a good way of doing it. I can't be away for long periods of time obviously, because of my daughter, but the challenges don’t take longer than about eight days. You can get to see these amazing places without being away from home for too long."

Q: Do you ever feel pressure to stay slim and in shape because you’re always in the public eye?

Denise: "I think when you’re in the public eye, yes, you do become a lot more aware of how you look. But in a way that’s a good thing because I would rather be fit and healthy. I work in an industry where it’s important to keep in shape because a lot of the time you’re photographed and filmed and people can be very critical of how you look."

Q: How did you feel about turning 40 this year?

Denise: "I felt really open to the next decade. Things are good at the moment. It wasn’t something I was dreading at all. I don't feel that 40 is particularly old anyway. All of my friends who are 40 are just the same as they were when they were 30 to be honest. As you get older you start to like yourself a bit more and feel more confident in yourself."

Celebrity Health - Rebecca Adlington

Olympic swimming champion Rebecca Adlington speaks to Liz Parry about her passion for healthy living, keeping active and, of course, swimming!

Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington has won a whole host of awards during her glittering sporting career. Having competed in four Olympic finals, the 25-year-old swimming star won two gold and two bronze medals in the Beijing and London Games. She remains the current world record holder for the 800m freestyle, so it’s safe to say she is one of Britain’s most successful female athletes. Rebecca announced her retirement from international competition in February 2013 and is now devoting her energies to her Swim Stars programme, which encourages children to learn to swim in a fun environment. We caught up with Rebecca during a Legacy Games Day to find out about how she keeps fit and healthy.

Q: Tell us a bit about your involvement with the Legacy Games initiative and why it’s such an important cause to you.

Rebecca: " I was asked by Everyone Active and Fit For Sport to support the initiative and straight away I said yes. It’s all about encouraging kids to get active and involved in sport, which is something I am passionate about. The event I was attending today involved about 1,000 kids all taking part in different sports and activities – everything from bean bag races to relays and running races. There was something for everyone. And it wasn’t just for the sportiest kids either – everyone got a chance to take part. Events like this help to motivate children to join a club or get involved in a sport and I think that’s just fantastic. As an athlete I take this very seriously. We athletes have a responsibility to pass on the legacy of the Olympic Games and to encourage more and more people to get involved in sport."

Q: Do you think more needs to be done to encourage youngsters to lead a more active and healthier lifestyle?

Rebecca: "Yes. I think things have got a lot better and schools have been given more funding which is great. The Legacy Games events have also been about educating teachers and giving them new ideas for how to get kids more involved in sports. But I think there is still a lot more that can be done. Parents need to be more involved too in supporting and encouraging their kids to be more active and perhaps join a swimming or running club."

Q: When you were a child were you always sporty and active?

Rebecca: " I wouldn’t say that I’m massively sporty. I tried out lots of different things when I was a kid but I found I wasn’t very good with a bat and ball – I had no co-ordination. Swimming was the one thing that stuck. I just loved it. I literally can’t do any other sport though! All my birthday parties revolved around swimming and as a family we would go swimming together at the weekend. It was always a big part of my lifestyle. I just loved being in water."

Q: Did you ever feel like you missed out on a normal childhood due to the amount of training you had to do?

Rebecca: "Definitely not! I feel like I gained a lot rather than missed out on anything. I absolutely loved swimming and wanted to do it. I made so many friends and it was a family thing that we did together."

Q: Do you still swim regularly now?

Rebecca: "I try to but I wouldn’t say I’m consistent because it can be a bit hit and miss with work. Sometimes I’m so busy that I just can’t find the time, but I try to get in the pool whenever I can. Apart from swimming I go to the gym regularly."

Q: Do you like to follow a healthy diet?

Rebecca: "Yes, it’s very important to me. I never diet because I don’t believe you should be hungry. But I think it’s essential to follow a balanced diet and make sure that you are getting all the nutrients you need from your food. I tend to have oatmeal and soya milk for my breakfast then perhaps a soup or a salad for my lunch and in the evening I’ll have something like chicken and roasted vegetables. If I fancy a snack I’ll have some nuts or fruit. I don’t think people should get hung up on how many calories they’re consuming or whether something is low fat. I tend to think more about the nutrients in food and what my body needs to stay healthy."

Q: Do you buy organic food?

Rebecca: "Yes, most of the food we buy is organic. We have a brilliant fruit and veg shop near us and all the produce is locally sourced, so we tend to go there rather than the supermarket. Our local butcher’s is really good too because the meat is all locally sourced and really good quality."

Q: Do you take any vitamins or supplements?

Rebecca: "No, because I try to make sure I get all my vitamins and minerals through my diet and I try to lead a healthy, balanced life. I’m really careful to make sure I get my quota of fruit and veg and I don’t seem to get ill, touch wood! I don’t really drink alcohol and I don’t smoke. I like to get plenty of sleep, so I try to do the whole package."

Q: What plans do you have for the future?

Rebecca: "My Swim Stars programme is my main focus at the moment. It’s all about teaching kids to swim in a fun environment. My aim is that no child will leave primary school without being able to swim for 25 metres. Apart from that I’m focusing on getting married this summer so planning the wedding is keeping me really busy!"

Celebrity Health - James Cracknell

Olympic athlete and adventurer James Cracknell gives Liz Parry some tips on how to keep active, motivated and healthy...

He’s raced to the South Pole, rowed across the Atlantic and run the gruelling Marathon de Sables. But perhaps the toughest challenge James Cracknell had to face was recovering from a near-fatal cycling accident in 2010 which left him with a brain injury. The 42-year-old former British rowing champion and double Olympic gold medalist is made of strong stuff though. Earlier this year he teamed up with friend and fellow adventurer Ben Fogle for another challenge, crossing the Empty Quarter – one of the world’s largest deserts.

Q: You are well known for your epic adventures and gruelling physical challenges. How much preparation goes into these physical feats?

James: "It really depends on the challenge itself. If you have to learn an entirely new sport you would spend the majority of your time learning and practising it. But if it’s something you know well, like rowing, then you would focus on honing your technique and trying to make small improvements. It’s particularly good for motivation if you’re learning something new. How long you take to prepare really depends on your current level of fitness. If you’re doing a race, especially something that’s weight-bearing like running, you have to make sure you’re as light as you can be. But if it’s an endurance challenge you tend to bulk up a bit more."

Q: You’ve always led a very active lifestyle. How do you make sure that your body has enough fuel to keep you going?

James: "Having a good breakfast is absolutely vital to keep you full and to maintain your energy levels. I always make sure that I start the day with porridge and some Oatein. It’s a good low glycaemic index meal. I’d then have my biggest meal at lunchtime and a smaller meal in the evening. I always make sure I have a lot of protein and good carbs but less fat. When I was rowing I would have 5,000 to 6,000 calories a day so I would tend to have more meals throughout the day. I would always try to eat the same foods as my family but with an extra chicken breast or more pasta."

Q: How do you avoid the dreaded energy slump, when you just want to reach for a sugary snack?

James: "It’s all about balancing your blood sugar levels. I find that sticking to low glycaemic foods really helps with that and stops you wanting to reach for the biscuits or chocolate. The worst thing you can do is skip breakfast and then have one big main meal in the evening. It should be the other way round. I’ve always stuck to the old adage of ‘breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dinner like a pauper.’ If your energy levels are stable then you’re more likely to stick to your fitness goals instead of feeling too tired to go to the gym because you haven’t eaten properly. It’s very hard to keep motivated if your body hasn’t got the right fuel."

Q: Have you made any changes to your diet, or do you take any particular supplements since your brain injury?

James: "I take extra omega-3 now as well as acai berry and a beetroot supplement. I also take glutamine and potassium but I used to take those before the accident. I discovered acai berries when I was in Brazil and I think they're great. In terms of sports nutrition I like the ActiVeman range, which is why I’m one of their ambassadors. Their products are great for fuelling your body, maintaining concentration and keeping your energy levels stable. You must have a very close and supportive family to have got you through a difficult few years."

Q: Is it important to you to make time to spend with your family when you aren’t working or doing a challenge?

James: "Of course. Like any parent I struggle to get the right balance. You have to work but you also need to make time for your family and there’s only so many hours in the day. When I had my accident I came pretty close to never seeing them again so I would be stupid not to make the most of my time with them."

Q: What types of exercise do you do now on a regular basis?

James: "I go running and cycling and I go to the gym regularly. I’m used to being very active though as when I was rowing I used to be in training for six or seven hours a day. I don’t have a problem with motivation as being active is a habit for me."

Q: Do you have any tips for our readers on how to stay motivated in their health and fitness regimes?

James: "I would recommend choosing a goal, whether that be an event that you want to take part in or a weight you would like to achieve. Then set a few targets on the way and reward yourself when you get there. Also it really helps to do things with a friend because then you’ve got more chance of sticking to the routine and reaching your goal. You can motivate each other along the way. I found this when I was rowing. When you’re in a team some days people struggle and you have to encourage one another. Your dream is in their hands and their dream is in your hands."

Celebrity Health - Mel C

"My new fitness challenge"

Shaun Curran speaks to former Spice Girl Mel C about fitness, fatty foods, and the perils of turning 40...

Q: You regularly keep fit – what sort of activities or routines do you subscribe to?

Mel: "Well I am Sporty Spice, you might have heard! I’ve always been active – even as a kid I was athletic. At school I was into gymnastics, I was on the athletics team and I always danced, so being active has always been a big thing for me. But sticking to routines can still be difficult. I find being connected to a gym is the best way to ensure you have a proper structure to fitness. I probably started going in the early 1990s – a bit of running, a bit of yoga, a bit of martial arts... those types of things. Competing is a good thing for me too – against myself, against other opponents – it gives me a goal."

Q: Do you train extra hard when you’re competing?

Mel: "I do when I’m working towards a competition. I met a company called RG Active and they train people for specific events – so that could be triathlons, marathons or something completely different. The guy who runs it, John Brame, is absolutely brilliant. He is a triathlete himself and sends me programmes to follow. So Monday might be swimming drills, Tuesday a long, slow run, and so on; it’s all very specific. And I try to follow it as much as I can. When I do, it really pays off. I did my first half marathon last year and I followed my training plan to a tee, enjoyed the race and clocked a really good time. I put that all down to training well and eating well."

Q: What’s your diet like when you’re training?

Mel: "The great thing about training really hard is that you can eat lots! That’s a massive benefit. And what I learned above all is that you have to fuel. I’m wise about nutrition and I eat lean protein, but my focus is on good carbs. I have three good meals and snacks. I don’t like being hungry – I want to keep the fire burning!"

Q: You have adopted the 80/20 diet. Why have you done that?

Mel: "Well, the 80/20 is common sense, isn’t it? I try to create a good work/life balance, but like most people that can feel impossible, at times. But my working head is usually Monday to Friday, so across those days I will eat really well, healthily, sensibly, and will try not to drink. And then at the weekend I do what I want. That’s the way it’s meant to be, isn’t it?! That’s not to say I’m going to throw away all that good work by delving into really fatty stuff like a burger and chips, but I do believe in treats – they’re good for the mind... for the soul. We can’t always deny ourselves."

Q: Do you take any vitamins and supplements?

Mel: "I have probably taken every vitamin available to man at some stage, and probably all of them at the same time at one point too. But, you know, it can get a bit silly, not to mention expensive. So I actually had some blood tests to see if I’m deficient in anything, because if I wasn’t, then what was the point? So now I just take an omega-3, vitamin D and calcium, and magnesium. I also have a probiotic that is specific to me, but my advice would be to go and have a test if you can afford one, because otherwise you might well be chucking stuff down your neck that you don’t actually need."

Q: You recently turned 40. Have you noticed any changes to your body?

Mel: "Yes, since I turned 40 everything has gone wrong! Joking aside, when I was competing last year I was the fittest I had ever felt – I felt great. But my body is older, so it is harder getting up in the mornings, and I do tire a bit more easily. It also takes me longer to recover, and I feel I’m a bit more susceptible to injuries. That’s what being 40 has done to me, but it represents a new mental challenge, and I’m glad of that."

Q: Has becoming a mother helped your general wellbeing?

Mel: "Yes it has. I am more relaxed since I became a mum. I don’t get so worried about what other people are saying about me or things that are out of my control because, honestly, they don’t matter any more. And when you’re in quite a good place mentally, you do wonder if those sorts of things were ever worth worrying about. But yes, motherhood has been very good for my wellbeing. And it has made me want to be a good role model for my daughter Scarlet, in order to allow her to grow up with good self-esteem, and to look at her mum and see an honest person. That’s hugely important for me, as I think it is for any parent."

Celebrity Health - Gaby Roslin

"My passion for healthy eating"

"Now, I’m finding that all the things I’ve been banging on about for years are coming to fruition, like cutting down on refined sugar and processed meat..."

Q: Do you like to take a natural, holistic approach to health and wellbeing?

Gaby: "Yes, very much so. I’ve got a real interest in health, nutrition and exercise. Both my parents were diagnosed with cancer 18 years ago and my mum died but my dad survived. So I decided to look into the benefits of nutrition and complementary therapies. I haven’t got letters after my name, but I’ve done a great deal of research and it’s something that I’m passionate about. Now, I’m finding that all the things I’ve been banging on about for years are coming to fruition, like cutting down on refined sugar and processed meat. My friends keep saying: “Oh Gaby you were right!” "

Q: Do you and your family always try to eat healthily?

Gaby: "Yes. On the whole everything we eat is organic. The only meat I eat is free range organic chicken and sustainably caught fish. I usually start the day with porridge made with water and topped with flaxseed. For lunch I might have a homemade vegetable soup or a quinoa salad with some avocado and beetroot. In the evening we’ll all have something like chicken or fish cooked with oil and herbs plus plenty of steamed vegetables. The only snacks I'll have during the day are a handful of nuts and seeds. The children are very aware of what’s healthy and what’s not, but I’m not one of those mothers who gives them a picnic tub to take to children’s parties. They’re allowed the odd bit of chocolate."

Q: Do you allow yourself a few treats?

Gaby: "I don’t actually like sweet things so for me it’s no big deal. I don’t like chocolate or sweets or anything like that. My failing is that if I’ve drunk too much I do like a bowl of chips."

Q: Do you ever worry about your health?

Gaby: "What’s the point of doing that? That will make you ill. I think positive thinking is vital to a healthy life. I think that’s what helped my father get through cancer. He had a very positive outlook on life."

Q: What complementary therapies do you find most beneficial?

Gaby: "The girls and I go to see a homeopath and my husband has Traditional Chinese Medicine for his health. I’ve tried a lot of complementary therapies but I particularly like reflexology and reiki. Both my children had cranio sacral therapy after they were born. We also embrace regular medicine if we need it."

Q: Do you take any supplements?

Gaby: "Yes I do but I don’t like to say which ones I take because they’re not necessarily right for everybody. Everyone is so individual so what will work for one person won’t necessarily work for another. I’ve seen a number of people from nutritionists to naturopaths and I’ve worked out what my body needs. I try to get the majority of nutrients from my food, but I think taking certain supplements can really help too."

Q: How do you keep fit?

Gaby: "I do pilates. I have a bad back and it fixed that. I also go to the gym four times a week. I do some cardio on the bike and then I do a mixture of weights and TRX training."

Q: How do you relax?

Gaby: "For me, going to the gym is my switch-off time. It gets my head in the right place. Afterwards I’ll jump in the sauna for 10 minutes to ease my aching muscles. I also love television, theatre and cinema. I’d love to be able to say that I meditate but I just don’t have the time. I used to be much better about doing visualisation and meditation. I know it’s wonderfully good for you but, as a working mum and doing the kind of job I do, it just isn’t possible to fit it into my day."

Q: Do you like to use natural beauty products?

Gaby: "Yes. I swear by the Neal’s Yard Remedies frankincense range. It’s completely changed my skin. It’s fantastic for fine lines, which is important as you get older."

Q: What projects have you got coming up in the future?

Gaby: "I’ll be presenting a new series of Food Inspectors on BBC 1 this month. It’s going to be really interesting for me to take a closer look at what’s actually in our food, as it’s a subject I’m so passionate about. Some of the results are quite eye-opening!"

Celebrity Health – Ruby Hammer

Get motivated!

"Focus on your good points and accentuate them. Don’t focus on your flaws or what you wish you could change"

Q: As a make-up artist you must get asked for your advice all the time on skincare and beauty. What are your top tips?

Ruby: "The best advice I can give is to find a skincare regime that works for you and stick to it. I can’t stress how important it is to cleanse, moisturise and hydrate every day. You wouldn’t dream of not brushing your teeth, so don’t skimp on cleansing your skin. Also, get a good set of make-up tools. You don’t need hundreds of brushes like I do – you just need a lip brush, a cheek brush, a concealer brush, a couple of eyeshadow brushes and a foundation brush. That will really help with the way you apply your make-up. Lastly, focus on your good points and accentuate them. Don’t focus on your flaws or what you wish you could change. Look at your face, pinpoint your best features and think about what you can work with. Look at the positives and embrace them instead of trying to find fault because that’s a very joyless experience."

Q: Tell us a bit about your own beauty regime.

Ruby: "Well, I’m 52 years old, and my skin has always been pretty good. I’ve always methodically cleansed my skin from my chest upwards. I massage cleanser on, beginning with my décolletage, moving to my neck and then my face, and then I use a hot flannel or muslin cloth to wipe it off. I exfoliate my skin a couple of times a week and I use masks when I have time, or if I need to look good for a photo shoot. I have to juggle my work with family commitments, just like everyone else, but I always make time to stick to that regime."

Q: You have recently been named the new beauty ambassador for Udo’s Choice. What does this mean to you?

Ruby: "I’m really thrilled to be their beauty ambassador. You can’t be an ambassador for a product you don’t believe in or respect – you have to have an affinity for the product. I think Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend is a fantastic product and I’m really happy to endorse it. It’s a good source of essential fatty acids, which are vital for skin health. Just two or three teaspoons a day will really help your complexion, along with plenty of sleep, good nutrition and a good cleansing routine. The better the condition of your skin the better your make-up will look."

Q: Do you take any vitamins or supplements?

Ruby: "Yes I’ve always taken vitamin C and I use a vitamin D spray. I also take herbal supplements to balance my hormones as I’m going through the menopause. I take my Ultimate Oil Blend every day and I’ve also been advised to take a probiotic to balance my gut flora."

Q: Is healthy eating important to you?

Ruby: "Yes, I always try to eat as healthily as possible. I don’t always manage to eat organic, but I do try. Sometimes it’s difficult when you’re on a photo shoot as it’s not up to me what lunch I will be getting, but I do make healthy choices whenever I can. Thankfully I don’t have any food allergies so I can eat a balanced diet. I don’t deny myself anything either."

Q: Do you have any health issues that concern you?

Ruby: "I’m having trouble with my sleep at the moment. I’m trying everything I can to tackle it, from using lavender and essential oils to taking hot baths before bedtime. If you don’t get enough good quality sleep it really shows in your skin."

Q: Do you enjoy exercise?

Ruby: "I don’t really look forward to it, but I do enjoy how I feel afterwards. I do hot yoga – my daughter drags me along to classes – and I have a personal trainer. I’ve always been quite active and quite skinny but now that I’m getting older I have to watch my weight a bit more. I have to increase the amount of exercise I do. I can’t take things like that for granted any more."

Q: What do you do to relax?

Ruby: "I love reading through all the latest magazines with a cup of tea. I find that very relaxing. I also meditate. And I enjoy being with friends and family. My family is of prime importance to me. I lost my mum a couple of years ago and it was a colossal loss to me, a hole that I don’t know how I’m going to fill. That’s made me realise how important it is to do things that you like and be with people whose company you enjoy. Don’t let work rule your life. Make sure you have time to have fun and be with the people you love."

Photograph courtesy of Erin Eve

Celebrity Health – Jessie Pavelka

Get motivated!

Fitness expert Jessie Pavelka talks to Liz Parry about his campaign to motivate the nation, plus how he juggles fatherhood and family life

Q: Jessie, you are well-known for your Sky TV shows where you help people to get fit and get in shape. But can you give us an insight into your own health and fitness routine?

Jessie: "Well my own fitness regime has kind of changed and evolved. I really used to focus on the exterior and getting myself in the best physical shape I could – and then I had a child! Now I have responsibilities so there’s a balancing act that needs to happen. What I’ve realised is that being healthy is not all about how you look; it’s what your life looks like."

Q: So has your fitness regime changed since you became a dad?

Jessie: "I do still go to the gym and get a good weights session in but now I'm much more aware of how much time I have available. Part of being healthy is being a good parent and a good husband. It’s not just about the way you look. It's about asking yourself, can you fit in that walk in the morning before you go to work? Can you fit in those three healthy meals a day as well as take care of your children and your job? It’s become more about those things now rather than having two and a half hours to train each day and beat myself into the ground just to have a six pack. It just isn’t practical for me any more. You also really get to appreciate people’s struggle when you have a family and a demanding job. So, yes, life has changed for me, but in a very good way."

Q: Is healthy eating important to you?

Jessie: "Definitely. My wife and I always make sure we have plenty of healthy food in the house. We like to buy organic produce because you know that way your body is getting good quality nutrition. My wife has introduced me to a whole load of things like nutritional yeast, maca, cider vinegar, chia seeds, flax seeds and coconut oil. We always make sure we have plenty of healthy snacks to hand – they're our go-tos."

Q: What types of food do you eat on a regular basis?

Jessie: "I tend to have smoothies in the morning because I like to be able to blend a lot of healthy ingredients together in a drink. It’s a convenience thing for me. For snacks I have mixed nuts, apples, different types of fruit. Lunch is usually high in protein with starchy veg and some sort of leafy greens. I’ll have another snack in the evening – something like vegetables with hummus. Then in the evenings we’ll have a nice healthy dinner."

Q: Do you take any supplements?

Jesssie: Yes. I take a multivitamin and omega-3, 6 and 9. We have a whole range of supplements that we go to depending on how we’re feeling. Some we take every day and others depending on how we’re feeling."

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your work with ITV Daybreak and the Motivation Nation campaign?

Jessie: "Lots of people decide to get fit and get in shape, but they try to do too much too soon and end up getting burnt out because the big picture’s too big. So what we’re doing is saying “just make one small change”. Then try making another small change and then another small change. It's all about setting smaller, more achievable goals. What happens is that you get to identify the effect those small changes are having on your life and how they make you feel rather than focusing on the big picture. It’s simple but effective."

Q: Do you think it’s important to have people around who can support you and help you to achieve your goals?

Jessie: "Absolutely. A lot of people I’ve worked with in the past tend to isolate themselves. They don’t get out, explore or get to know people. But it really helps to be able to reach out to others and realise that you’re not alone. There are other people who can share your experience and help to support you through it. It's important to find ways to hold yourself accountable and surround yourself with success."

Q: It seems that you really go through quite a journey with the people you work with. Do you find this to be a rewarding experience?

Jessie: "Yes, it’s why I do what I do. I’m able to help people change their lives, which is a great feeling. And they help me just as much as I help them. It's very rewarding to go through the experience with them and see how much they change."

For more information on Jessie, visit www.pavelka.co.uk

Photographs courtesy of Bradford Rogne

Celebrity Health – Kristina Rihanoff

Taking steps towards good health

Strictly Come Dancing star Kristina Rihanoff talks to Liz Parry about her latest fitness regime

Q: How do you ensure that you follow a healthy lifestyle?

Kristina: "I always try to keep active and I like to follow a healthy diet. It is my job to be healthy and physically fit so I do everything I can to look after myself. The dancing I do is very demanding and it’s my main form of exercise. When I’m not dancing I like to do Bikram yoga, which is yoga in a heated room, and I’ll also work out in the gym."

Q: How long do you spend in training when you are rehearsing for a show?

Kristina: "As a professional dancer I have to work hard every day. The schedule for Strictly Come Dancing is very demanding, just as it is for the tours and West End shows. When I am taking part in a show the training is very full on for eight or nine hours a day. You find yourself burning a lot of calories. That’s how I like things to be though – I like to be active."

Q: Does all that dancing take its toll on your body?

Kristina: "When I first started dancing, I never thought about what all this physical activity was doing to my body. I felt invincible. As I hit 30, I realised I was feeling exhausted in the morning and I was worn out at night. My career was growing and I felt like I was losing my spark. I couldn’t enjoy my precious free time. I was desperate to change that and stay at my best. I went for some health checks and discovered that I needed to top up my vitamin levels, so I began doing my research. It’s amazing what we lack in our diets! I was recommended some basic nutrition by an expert, such as selenium, magnesium and vitamin D. But it was coenzyme Q10 that surprised me. I started taking Pharma Nord’s Bio-Quinone Q10 GOLD as I loved the quality and their commitment to research."

Q: How has it helped you?

Kristina: "I thought it might help my skin, and it did, but that wasn’t the main benefit I experienced. I realised that I was coping so much better with my demanding schedule. I felt like I’d been given a huge boost. A nutritionist told me that the amount of Q10 we make in our bodies goes down as we get older and as we exercise. It was like my dancing and busy schedule were draining my batteries. Taking Q10 gave me a top-up and I felt like I did in the early days."

Q: Would you encourage Your Healthy Living readers to give dancing a try, as a means of getting fit?

Kristina: Absolutely! Every year on Strictly we see people lose loads of weight and really get in shape due to the training. It burns lots of calories and it’s a really fun, social thing to do."

Q: What else do you do to maintain your health?

Kristina: "The best thing I did for my health was to get tested for food intolerances. This opened my eyes to the different foods I was eating that were not actually very good for me. Chicken and pork completely disagree with me so I have cut them out of my diet. I am eating a lot more fruit and vegetables and I am feeling much healthier and more energised. I have also lost a bit of weight so I am very pleased."

Q: What prompted you to take the test?

Kristina: "I had a lot of kidney infections and was suffering a lot of dehydration. It has always been the weak spot in my body. My doctor said that I was healthy but something was unbalanced in my body so we decided to find out if I had any food intolerances. When I saw the chart I found that I was intolerant to a lot of the foods I was eating regularly. It took a little while to adjust my diet, but now it is normal for me and I am feeling so much better."

Q: Do you enjoy cooking?

Kristina: "Yes I do, but it’s difficult when you are on the road all the time and working long hours. I do enjoy simple, healthy meals."

Q: How do you take care of your skin?

Kristina: "I have to wear a lot of make-up when I’m performing so I always cleanse, moisturise and use eye cream each day. I have regular facials with a wonderful beautician who really looks after me."

Q: What projects are you working on at the moment?

Kristina: "Throughout February I’ll be appearing with Ben Cohen on the Strictly Come Dancing live tour. It’s really exciting because everyone from the series will be together again on the road so weall get to enjoy each other’s company again. I have lots of shows lined up after the tour finishes and I’ll also be doing some teaching, which I really love."

Kristina chooses Pharma Nord's Bio-Quinone Q10. It's a patented formula, supported by over 90 clinical trials, with proven absorption. Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance needed to provide energy inside all human cells. Some cells require more Q10 than others, such as muscles and the heart, with levels declining as we age and exercise. Visit www.q10.co.uk or call 0800 591 756.

Celebrity Health - Davina McCall

"The 15 minute workout that keeps me in shape"

Davina McCall talks to Liz Parry about her latest fitness regime, her love of dance and the importance of family time

Q: You’re well known for being in fantastic physical shape. What type of exercise works best for you?

Davina: "I think what’s important for me is that I need to change up my workout routines and keep things varied, otherwise my body gets used to the exercise I do. My personal trainers, Jackie and Mark, are constantly coming up with new routines that push me a bit harder. This summer I went away on holiday to Canada and I had a proper little belly going on due to my love of pancakes and maple syrup. But they soon whipped me into shape!"

Q: You’ve released a number of successful workout DVDs over the years. Do you enjoy developing new routines and approaches to fitness?

Davina: "Yes. Jackie and Mark inspired me so much when they got me into shape so I really wanted to share that with people. I do the DVDs because there are so many women who don’t want to go to a gym and work out in front of a bunch of people that they don’t know. It’s quite intimidating and you can feel really embarrassed. Women tend to sweat in awkward places and then you have to go and have a communal shower and there’s all these gym bunnies walking around in their pants and bras. It can be quite an excruciating place! I think if you can get fit in your own home then why wouldn’t you?"

Q: Tell us about your latest release, Davina – Fit in 15.

Davina: "It’s based on high intensity interval training and it’s all about pushing yourself as hard as you can while you’re doing the workout. It’s a real blast – you’ll find that you’re completely exhausted! The idea is that you just need to do 15 minutes a day, five days a week, in order to get in shape. It’s ideal for people who are busy and don’t have much time to work out."

Q: You have also launched a fitness app, which features a running coaching programme. Do you enjoy running?

Davina: "I am absolutely shocking at running! I really, really want to learn but I’m just rubbish. I’ve got two girlfriends who run like gazelles and they skip along as light as a fairy on their feet. If we all go jogging they’ll try and talk to me but I can’t answer and that makes me feel even more inadequate around them. It’s something that I would like to learn but I just find it very, very hard."

Q: As the presenter of Sky 1’s Got to Dance, your enthusiasm for dance is obvious. Do you enjoy dancing yourself?

Davina: Oh my God, I love dance! I’ve just spent the last six months learning the routine to Beyoncé’s Run the World. I had this gorgeous dance teacher who taught me the whole thing. And now there’s this type of African dancing that I really want to learn and she’s going to teach me that too. I’m having little lessons for fun and fitness and I’m really enjoying it."

Q: Do you do many activities or sporty things with your family?

Davina: "In the summer we’ll all play a game together like rounders or football. We also like to go away on adventure holidays together. We had an amazing trip to Canada this summer where we did lots of hiking and trekking. These things are great bonding experiences when we’re all out as a family battling up a really steep hill together. Those are the sort of things we cherish the most."

Q: Do you enjoy eating healthily?

Davina: "I do more so now than when I was younger. I found healthy eating quite difficult. I think when you live on your own and you’re cooking for one it’s quite hard. Cooking for five is a lot easier. In our house we really enjoy eating things like wholemeal wraps with grilled chicken, grated cheese, peppers and cucumbers. We also like what I call “picky plates”, which is a dollop of hummus, some raw vegetables, some halloumi and half a toasted bagel. It’s an eat with your hands-type meal. I also love a good chilli made with plenty of beans"

Q: Do you follow a specific diet?

Davina: "No. My main problem is quantity. I love the taste of food and I love eating. Quite often I’m ravenous, which is a mistake, so I eat really fast and I don’t know that I’m full so I end up having a second helping and then I’m absolutely stuffed. I really try to eat slower and eat smaller portions. I don’t follow any diets though or cut out foods as that can just send you doolally."

Q: Do you have particular ways of dealing with stress?

Davina: "I’ve downloaded an app called Headspace, which is great. I’m really into meditation as a way of helping me to chill out and switch off. I really feel the benefits from it. I’ve tried yoga in the past but I don’t do it regularly. Matthew [Davina’s husband] and I often talk about the fact that we should do some yoga because it’s incredibly relaxing and also very, very good for you. I’d love to do it more but there just aren’t enough hours in the day."

Q: Have you made any New Year’s resolutions?

Davina: "I’ve decided that I must get a bit more organised with my diary. My life’s a bit mad and I don’t have a PA or anything so I can be a bit forgetful. I’m very good with my kids and my husband but sometimes I forget things like the fact that I’m supposed to be meeting friends for dinner."

Q: What things do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

Davina: "Being a mum is my favourite thing to do. Being a wife is pretty high up there too. Just hanging out with the kids and doing normal things at home. Those are the things that I feel like I’m missing out on sometimes. Family time is really important to me."

Celebrity Health - Lorraine Pascale

Lorraine's lighter approach to life

TV chef Lorraine Pascale talks to Liz Parry about how she keeps fit and healthy, plus her new approach to baking the lighter way.

TV chef Lorraine Pascale is well known for her cookery shows and books, but she initially rose to fame as a catwalk model. Lorraine enjoyed a lucrative modelling career and became the first British black model on the cover of American Elle. However, looking for a change of career, the 41-year-old mum-of-one retrained as a chef, working in some of the most renowned kitchens of the world, before starting her own business creating celebration cakes. Lorraine’s TV shows Baking Made Easy and Home Cooking Made Easy both have accompanying books.

Q: Lorraine, what prompted you to make the switch from modelling to cookery? Had you always enjoyed cooking?

Lorraine: "I’d always enjoyed eating! I hadn’t done a lot of cooking though. I wanted to do something different to modelling as I knew that I couldn’t model forever, so I started to do different courses. It took a while to find what I wanted to do – there was a lot of trial and error. But when I did a cookery course I fell in love with it and I thought “this is what I have to do”."

Q: Do you have a favourite dish that you like to cook?

Lorraine: "I like to make quite simple meals; things like grilled chicken with salsa or steak with salad. When I’m coming in from work and want to make something quickly it will be food like that"

Q: Where do you get your inspiration from for your dishes?

Lorraine: "Mostly from eating out and experimenting with different cuisines and flavours. Or throwing things together that aren’t traditionally meant to go together. I like to take classic dishes and make them a bit spicier. I love all different types of cuisine from Thai to French and Spanish. I’m also getting into Peruvian food as well. I love food with plenty of flavour."

Q: Is healthy eating important to you?

Lorraine: "There’s a time and a place for using things like fat and sugar in cakes and bakes, but yes, healthy eating is very important to me. I’m a low carb kind of girl so I make sure that I eat a lot of chicken and fish and plenty of vegetables. I also have a little bit of cake as a treat too! I think it’s important to be able to enjoy the odd brownie but not feel too bad about it."

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your new book, A Lighter Way to Bake?

Lorraine: "A lot of people love baking but want to stay slim and healthy, so I wanted to do a book that would embrace both of those things. The idea is to show that you can enjoy tasty recipes that are full of flavour but lower in fat and sugar. Each recipe has a comparison with a standard version so you can see the difference. It’s not just sweet recipes – there are plenty of savoury treats in there too."

Q: How do you stay looking so trim? Do you do a lot of exercise?

Lorraine: "Exercise is really important to me. I used to be a runner and I’d run about 6k three or four times a week but I found that I wasn’t really getting the results I wanted. It was only when I started doing strength training with light weights that I became much more comfortable with the way I am. Once you get over the age of 35 your muscle mass starts to diminish and that’s when the pounds start creeping on. Working out with light weights helps to build muscle mass, tones the body and also helps to burn fat much more quickly. I’ve converted lots of my friends into doing this. It works quickly and the results are amazing. It’s also a lot less effort than running!"

Q: Do you take any supplements to support your health?

Lorraine: "I take vitamin D, turmeric, glucosamine, calcium and the omega oils 3, 6 and 9. Those are the main ones. I do take other supplements as well but not every day."

Q: Do you like to pamper yourself with spa treatments or therapies?

Lorraine: "I love having massages and reflexology. I find that they’re both great for helping me to relax. I do a lot of writing and I can end up getting tension in my shoulders, so a good massage is great for sorting that out. I also find Japanese acupuncture to be really effective for balancing my health and wellbeing."

Q: Will we be seeing you on our TV screens again soon?

Lorraine: "Yes, I’ve just filmed a show for Sky called My Kitchen Rules which will be coming out soon. I’m also working on a documentary for the BBC on fostering. I’ve got quite a few things on the go at the moment!"

Lorraine will be on our screens next year in the new ITV series of 60 Minute Makeover

Celebrity Health - Linda Barker

Linda's love of holistic living

Liz Parry talks to interior designer Linda Barker about her love of healthy eating, exercise and holistic living

Q: You wowed the British public with your diving prowess in the ITV show Splash earlier this year. Have you continued with the diving?

Linda: "I swim a lot, especially in the summer, but no, unfortunately I haven’t carried on with the diving. It’s very difficult to do on your own, especially on the high boards. You really need to be part of a diving club. Taking part in the programme was one of the best things I’ve ever done but also one of the hardest. Tom Daley was a fantastic coach but he pushed me to the limits of my capabilities, both physically and mentally. The experience was hard work, very stressful and demanding, but also phenomenally rewarding."

Q: You showed that you have an amazing figure for a 52-year-old! What’s your secret to keeping in such good shape?

Linda: "I eat very healthily and I exercise regularly. I’m usually in the gym twice a week and I also run and practise yoga. I did a half marathon in October so that tends to focus the mind, although the training wasn’t as intensive as when I took part in the London marathon."

Q: What benefits do you get from practising yoga?

Linda: "I’ve been practising yoga on and off for just over 10 years now and the physical and mental benefits are far reaching. You do end up being very strong physically but it’s also about gaining mental clarity and a sense of wellbeing. You also learn how to breathe in a different way that is much more beneficial for the body. If I could only do one type of exercise it would definitely be yoga. It’s amazing."

Q: You mentioned that you like to eat healthily. Tell us more about that.

Linda: "I’m naturally drawn to healthy foods, so it’s not a chore for me to eat well. I’m always looking out for recipe books or cookery demonstrations that show you how to cook healthily and use the best possible ingredients. I eat lots of greens, plenty of vegetables and meat and fish. I eat a lot of vegetarian food too. If I can eat out and go to a vegan or vegetarian restaurant I will do so happily. I’ve dabbled a little bit in raw food too, which is really lovely."

Q: Do you take any supplements?

Linda: "I have recently started taking more vitamins but I’m not very good at remembering to take them! When I was training for the marathon I took glucosamine for joint health. I think that if you eat well you don’t need that many supplements. I try to get all the nutrients I need from food."

Q: Do you take a natural approach to health?

Linda: "Yes, definitely. I try to heal my body through good food, exercise, fresh air and lots of water. I also visit a homeopath. If I was ill I wouldn’t think twice about going to a GP, but I do try to take a natural, holistic approach to health and wellbeing. I would rather ease a headache with water and fresh air than by taking a tablet."

Q: Do you ever worry about your health?

Linda: "Of course. As you get older you become increasingly aware of your health. I think I’m healthier now than I was in my twenties and much more aware that I have to look after my body and mind if I want to be strong into my fifties. It’s a responsibility that people need to take on board. I think too many people pop pills and rely on the doctor."

Q: How do you feel about growing older? Do you have a positive attitude to ageing?

Linda: "I think ageing is a hard fact of life but you can’t beat yourself up about it as everyone is heading in the same direction! I definitely look after myself more than I did in my younger years because I want to make sure that my skin is as good as it can be and my body isn’t going south too much! I feel good in my body and that’s because I take care of myself. I think that as long as you’re looking the best you can do at your age then that’s the name of the game."

Linda will be on our screens next year in the new ITV series of 60 Minute Makeover

Celebrity Health - Kimberly Wyatt

Let's dance

Liz Parry talks to former Pussycat Doll and Got to Dance judge Kimberly Wyatt about her healthy diet and exercise regime

Q: Here at Your Healthy Living we like to find out how celebrities look after their health and wellbeing. Can you tell us a bit about your diet and what foods you normally eat?

Kimberly: "I always try to be careful with what I eat because, being a dancer, I have to fill my body with the right foods in order to feel at my best. I choose to have a protein-rich diet and I love everything from salmon to chicken to eggs. I tend to start the day with two poached eggs on whole wheat toast then for lunch I try to keep it light with something like a grilled chicken salad. For dinner I love to have sushi. It’s quite light but it’s filling and it tastes so good!"

Q: How do you maintain your energy levels when you’re always on the go?

Kimberly: "I do keep a really busy schedule and I find that I’m constantly on the go. I think that by having protein milk in my bag or on my person helps me to keep my energy levels going and it also helps to maximise my mental strength."

Q: As a dancer you’re very fit and active, but do you enjoy other forms of exercise too?

Kimberly: "Yes, definitely. Over the years I’ve tried so many different things just to find enjoyment and to find a way to mix it up so that I don’t get bored. I really like hot yoga and I also like jogging, interval training and working out with light weights and TRX cables. I like to mix it up and keep it fresh amongst all the dancing that I do as well."

Q: Do you think more people should take up dance as a form of exercise?

Kimberly: "Yes, absolutely. I think dance is a great way to stay fit but also to have fun when you’re doing it. I think a lot of people give up with exercise because it feels like such hard work, and when you work long hours the last thing you want to do is work some more, so dance helps to put a fun spin on it."

Q: Do you take any supplements or vitamins?

Kimberly: "I’ll always have a protein shake after some intense exercise because it helps my muscles to recover and keeps them toned, but otherwise I just stick to a healthy diet and try to eat the best foods I can to give me all the vitamins I need."

Q: Do you ever worry about your health?

Kimberly: "Being a dancer I’ve suffered from various different injuries that I need to be careful with. I’ve also had a lot of unfortunate circumstances in my family from heart disease to cancer and it definitely gives me worries to an extent. But I just try to focus on living a healthy life and making sure that I’m taking care of my fitness and my nutritional health and getting my stress management under control. I think that’s a big thing. I try to maintain a positive outlook on life and not worry about my health."

Q: Do you follow a specific skincare routine?

Kimberly: "Yes, I always make sure that I use make-up remover cloths at night so I never sleep in my make-up. I also make sure that I drink ample amounts of water and exfoliate my skin once a week. I think it’s also important to manage your stress."

Q: How do you relax after a busy day?

Kimberly: "I love to run a hot bath, light a candle and de-stress that way. It’s always been one of my favourite things to do. I also love to just veg out and watch my favourite TV shows with my boyfriend."

Q: What projects do you have coming up in the near future?

Kimberly: "I’m really excited that my Beautiful Movements cosmetics range is going to retail. I’m really focused on launching that and just getting the word out there about this amazing natural mineral make-up that I really believe in. I’ve also been in the studio working on music and working on content for my online channel, Beautiful Movements TV."

Q: If you could give readers of Your Healthy Living one tip for good health, what would it be?

Kimberly:"Love life! I think it’s as simple as that. You have to find the enjoyment in life and when you find the enjoyment you find the willingness to take even better care of yourself."

Celebrity Health - Gok Wan

The feel good factor

Liz Parry talks to style guru Gok Wan about his healthy lifestyle campaign, his love of cooking and the four-legged friend that keeps him fit

Q: How do you ensure that you look after your health and wellbeing?

Gok: "My history with my weight and my eating disorders is very public, but now I’m all about having a healthy lifestyle. It’s about realising that the stuff I put into my body is going to determine how I feel about myself either later on that day or the following day. I love a gin and tonic but I know if I have too many then I’m going to feel rotten. I try to have moderation in my life."

Q: What sort of foods do you eat regularly?

Gok: "I eat about 80% Asian food as that’s what my body is used to digesting. I don’t tend to eat processed foods and I don’t eat a lot of meat, although I’m not a strict vegetarian. I eat a lot of fish, rice, noodles and plenty of fresh vegetables. I also have a pot of Activia every day as it helps me feel good from within. My favourite flavour is Fig. I do tend to eat quite healthily. Sometimes I have really healthy days where I just go a bit bonkers and I’ll have a smoothie in the morning, then I’ll take my vitamins, and I’ll have a salad for lunch, then steamed veg and brown rice in the evening. But other days if I fancy a plate of chips then I’ll have it. I don’t deny myself treats."

Q: Do you do much exercise?

Gok: "I used to be a real gym bunny, working out about four times a week, until I hurt my back last year. Since then I’ve had to be very careful not to injure it again. My job is very physical and I’m constantly rushing around so I get a lot of exercise that way. Also, having my dog, Dolly, and running around after her all the time, is just like going to the gym every day! She’s 18 months old and she’s the most active dog in the world. She’s really helped in my rehabilitation from my back injury."

Q: Do you take any supplements to support your health?

Gok: "I take lysine because I get cold sores and it’s really good for that. I also take vitamin D to prevent the winter blues. It’s also good for the hair, nails and teeth. I also take a standard men’s multivitamin and every now and again I’ll have fish oils, zinc and magnesium. There was one stage where I took so many vitamins that it took me 20 minutes to get out of the house! But I’ve since reduced it down and now I try to get most of my nutrients from the food I eat."

Q: Have you tried any complementary therapies?

Gok: "Yes I’ve tried all of them. I didn’t like reiki very much though as it made me feel ill. When I was doing How to Look Good Naked we tried out lots of therapies and beauty treatments. But I’m not very good with things like having a massage because I end up talking the whole way through so it’s not very relaxing!"

Q: So how do you relax then?

Gok: "I draw, which I really enjoy doing. I also love cooking as it really helps to chill me out if I’m feeling stressed. It gives me time to think. A lot of my time is spent talking or interacting with people so sometimes it’s good to just go off for a walk and have a bit of time to myself. London is a big old concrete jungle but I have certain places I like to go off to and find a bit of serenity. You find your own little haven. I don’t spend too much time alone though as I’m not very good at it. I come from a really noisy family where we always had visitors in the house so I’d really struggle to spend a whole weekend on my own."

Q: You’re currently working with Activia on their Feel Good From Within campaign. Can you tell us a bit more about that?

Gok: "It’s all about making sure that you look after yourself and follow a healthy lifestyle. If you work hard and play hard then you need to take care of your health as well. It’s very similar to my old job which was all about making people feel better about themselves. It’s not about spending money and having huge cars and houses or dream holidays, it’s more about the things you do every day. It’s about making sure you see your girlfriends, spend time with your family and really look after yourself."

Q: So what things make you feel good from within?

Gok: "My family are very important to me – we’re very close and speak to each other on the phone most days – so spending time with them makes me feel good. Cooking for friends and having people round makes me feel good too. I also love taking the dog for long walks. I never used to be like this! I used to be out in Soho four nights a week but now I’ve got old! My job also makes me feel good. I really, really enjoy what I’m doing and I get a lot of pleasure from my nine to five, which is quite unusual for a lot of people. Every day I go to work and I have to pinch myself and say: 'Is this really a job?'"

Celebrity Health - Helen Fospero

Morning star

Liz Parry talks to breakfast TV presenter Helen Fospero about how she keeps herself and her family healthy and how she copes with those early morning starts

Q: As a regular presenter on ITV’s Daybreak and Lorraine how do you make sure you get a good night’s sleep when you have to get up so early?

Helen: "I find that I get a good night’s sleep in that I’m absolutely exhausted. So the quality of the sleep is good but the problem is there’s never enough of it! If I manage to get to bed by 9.30pm, after getting the kids to bed and preparing for the next day, then I’ve done well. I don’t have any trouble getting to sleep – I think I could fall asleep on a washing line – it’s just that a few more hours would be lovely."

Q: How do you ensure that you follow a healthy lifestyle?

Helen: "I’ve always enjoyed healthy eating and I make sure I eat plenty of fish, chicken and vegetables. I try to encourage the children (nine-year old Francesca and four-year-old Jack) to eat healthily too. We’re all foodies in my house and my husband Carl is a fantastic cook. We go to a farmer’s market every week to buy fresh, local produce and we try to buy organic when we can. I do have a weakness for things like coffee and chocolate but I think life would be a little miserable without them! It’s important to have a few treats in life."

Q: Do you follow a specific diet?

Helen: "I’m very interested in the alkaline diet but I don’t follow it religiously. I have an alkaline filter for my water and I make a juice every day made from avocado, cucumber, celery and spinach with some lemon juice. That might sound pretty unappetising to some people but I really like it and it makes me feel great! It’s nutritious, filling and it’s like ticking off your five-a-day in one go. If I had more time on my hands I would love to learn more about the alkaline diet."

Q: Do you take any supplements?

Helen: "I take a multivitamin and I take krill oil every day. I find that it’s particularly good for my complexion as well as my hair and nails. If I’m doing Daybreak or Lorraine and I’m getting up at 3am the hours can take their toll on your body, so sometimes I need a little extra help."

Q: What do you do to relax?

Helen: "I like to spend time with my family. We try to go away together whenever we can and we love going rollerblading in the park and eating our way round the local farmers market every Sunday. The children are used to life being very hectic – both Carl and I have very busy careers – so family time is very important to us. I think when you have such a busy lifestyle it’s important to keep yourself as healthy as possible. I’m very lucky as I rarely get colds or illnesses."

Q: Do you enjoy exercise?

Helen: "I’ve never really been much of a gym bunny but I like to think that I’ve always been fit. I’m probably at my fittest now and I think that’s down to discovering a technique developed by a lady called Zana Morris. It involves short, intensive weight training which I do three to four times a week for 15 minutes. You exercise different muscle groups each time and you also get a good cardio workout, so it’s good for your heart and lungs. It’s very easy to fit it in around a busy lifestyle so it’s ideal for a working mum like me. I’ve been doing this for two years now and I’m so pleased with the results. After my son was born I struggled to lose the last half a stone of baby weight, but after taking up the Zana Morris method, and following a healthy eating programme, I lost 9lbs in weight."

Q: Would you say that you have a positive attitude to life?

Helen: "Yes. I’m married to a New Yorker and he’s naturally an optimist so that rubs off on me I think. As a journalist I’ve witnessed a lot of awful things like the Northern Ireland troubles and the collapsing of the Twin Towers and it makes you realise that life is very fragile. I think it’s important to have a positive outlook and to make the most of every day. I’m very lucky to have my health; a wonderful, supportive family and a job that I love."

Celebrity Health - Melanie Sykes

Shooting star

Liz Parry talks to model and TV presenter Melanie Sykes about how she stays in such great shape and finds out about her new-found love of clay pigeon shooting

Q: If you don’t mind us saying so Melanie, you’re in great shape for a 42-year-old mum of two! Have you always been a regular gym-goer?

Melanie: "I’ve always been slim but not necessarily fit. After I had my second child I found it harder to lose the weight. I started training when I was about 38 as I decided to start looking after myself before I hit 40. Before that I used to do yoga but I’d never been much of a gym bunny. I started going running as I found it was good for clearing my head but my knees didn’t like pounding the pavements, so then I tried the gym and I found it worked for me."

Q: Did you find that you caught the fitness bug after you started training?

Melanie: "The more I worked out the better I began to feel. I got talking to one of the trainers at the gym who told me that it’s not just about exercise, it’s about changing the way you eat as well. When I started eating more healthily I really noticed a change in my shape – I started to get a lot more definition – and that’s why I kept on with it. It’s the only way to get results. People say to me “you’re so lucky to look like that” but it’s not luck – a lot of effort goes into it. There’s no secret to it – it’s a life choice. It’s all down to you at the end of the day. Everyone has the potential to be fit and healthy."

Q: So, what does your exercise regime involve?

Melanie: "I try to go to the gym about three or four times a week. If I’m busy I’m lucky if I go twice, but I do try. I also have a personal trainer who comes to the house to train me which is a lot more intense. I probably work a lot harder in that hour at home than I do at the gym. I do a mixture of cardio and weights. I like to use the cross trainer and the exercise bike but I don’t use the treadmill any more because my right knee just can’t hack it."

Q: Is it ever a chore or do you really enjoy it?

Melanie: "Sometimes of course it’s a chore, especially if you’ve been working all day. But the results make me go back and after the hour’s up I always feel so much better. Sometimes I love it but other times I’m literally clock-watching. It’s like that for everyone, though, isn’t it? Even athletes must get tired of doing it."

Q: You’ve recently taken up clay pigeon shooting. How’s that going?

Melanie: "Yes, I’m being taught by Peter Wilson who won the gold medal in the double trap at the London 2012 Games. It’s been going really well. While I’m shooting I’m so focused that I don’t think of anything else during that hour – it’s like I’m in a little oasis. I’m a bit of a stress-head and it helps to calm me down. It’s my dream to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio."

Q: So tell us a bit about your diet. Do you always eat healthily or do you allow yourself a few naughty treats?

Melanie: "I eat everything in moderation. I don’t deny myself some of the naughty things in life. I love chocolate, pork scratchings and white wine so I’m not going to deny myself those things. But if I’ve got a photo shoot coming up I’ll make sure I eat more healthily and I’ll reduce my carb intake. I’m required to look a certain way for work so I can never overindulge completely and I wouldn’t want to anyway. I love cooking but I have to have a recipe book – I’m not one of these creative cooks. It’s all Nigella and Delia Smith – they help me to get some really nice meals on the table."

Q: Do you take any supplements?

Melanie: "I take fish oils as they’re good brain food and keep me sharp – I swear by them. I don’t really take herbal remedies but I’ll have a few drops of Rescue Remedy before I do a live show as it helps to calm the nerves. I’ve taken Evening Primrose Oil in the past for PMT and I’ve found it to be helpful. Before a workout I’ll have an Active Woman Activate shake as it really helps to boost my energy levels and afterwards I’ll have a Refuel shake as it’s a good way of putting stuff back into your body that you’ve burnt off."

Q: Do you follow a specific beauty regime to look after your skin?

Melanie: "No, I’m quite basic when it comes to beauty regimes. I clean my face with wipes which tends to horrify most beauty types and I always moisturise. I don’t bother with scrubs but occasionally I’ll do a face mask. I drink lots of water and I always clean my make-up off before going to bed. One thing I do love is having spa treatments – facials and massages – that’s a real treat."

Q: What would you say makes you happiest in life?

Melanie: "I love having time to just chill out and do nothing. I love reading and going to the cinema. But what makes me happiest is hanging out with the kids (Roman, aged 11 and Valentino aged eight) and going down to the coast with my fella, Jack."

Q: What does the rest of the year hold for you?

Melanie: "There are a few projects in the pipeline. I’m really focused on the clay pigeon shooting and I’ve got a new series of Let’s Do Lunch with Gino and Mel coming up, which is always good fun. There are plenty of things to keep me busy!"

Celebrity Health - Dale Pinnock

The medicinal chef

Liz Parry talks to TV chef and nutrition expert Dale Pinnock about the importance of healthy eating and how a little of what you fancy can do you good…

Q: You are becoming increasingly well known as TV’s ‘medicinal chef,’ thanks to regular appearances on Lorraine and The Alan Titchmarsh Show. How did you first become interested in nutrition and how it can benefit our health?

Dale: "My interest came about as a result of my own health challenges. From the age of about 11 or 12 I started getting really bad acne and I went to see several doctors and specialists but nothing really made much of a difference. I tried every type of potion and lotion you can imagine. Then, my friend’s mum lent me a book called Fit for Life by Harvey Diamond. I read it from cover to cover, changed my diet and started noticing a real difference in my health. From then on I became obsessed – I must have read over 1,000 books on nutrition. I went to university and did my first degree in human nutrition followed by a degree in herbal medicine and I’ve completed a post graduate degree in nutritional medicine."

Q: How did you train as a chef?

Dale: "I trained on the job. Whilst I was at university I worked in everything from hotel kitchens to gastro pubs to actually running kitchens first hand. I did everything from salads to working the grill."

Q: What sort of meals do you enjoy cooking for yourself?

Dale: "I tend to go through phases where I eat a lot of the same types of food for weeks on end. At the moment I’m obsessed with slow roasted salmon and feta cheese salads with honey and mustard dressing. I must have had that for lunch every day for a fortnight! It all tends to be things that are relatively quick unless I’m having a dinner party. I like a lot of one-pot wonders, curries, soups and vegetable dishes."

Q: Where do you get your inspiration from for your recipes? Do you travel a lot?

Dale: "Yes I’ve travelled quite a bit and I do find that inspires me. I lived in Malaysia and Japan for a while and I’ve had a lot of holidays in the Mediterranean. A lot of my friends are Gujarati so they’ve taught me how to cook good Indian food. Sometimes I’ll be inspired by a really good meal that I’ve had in a restaurant – I’ll be thinking of ways to tweak it and make it healthier."

Q: Do you always tend to eat healthily or do you allow yourself the occasional naughty treat?

Dale: "Oh it’s important to have a bit of what you fancy otherwise you’ll go mad. On a Friday night I’ll open a bottle of wine, chill out and have a curry – you’ve got to do that every now and again. But unfortunately for a lot of people in this country, they’ve got it the wrong way round. They drink alcohol several nights a week, make bad food choices and every now and then they’ll have a salad because they think they should. It’s important to always make sure you eat well but occasionally allow yourself something you fancy. That won’t have a negative impact on your health."

Q: What advice would you give to people who don’t enjoy cooking or find it a chore but wish they could eat more healthily?

Dale: "Just start learning how to make a few basic dishes and go from there. It’s not difficult to learn how to cook. You don’t have to suddenly become Heston Blumenthal, making things like exploding snail porridge! It’s about learning simple techniques that will allow you to make the most of good, fresh ingredients that taste really exciting. For example, roasted vegetables with quinoa and grilled halloumi is a really simple dish to make and it tastes incredible."

Q: Do you have any particular favourites among your recipes?

Dale: "That’s like asking me to choose between my children! The flu fighter soup is dynamite – there’s nothing else quite like it, flavour-wise. The red lentil and coconut dhal is absolutely incredible – it’s a wonderful fusion dish. The beetroot and pea risotto with mint and feta cheese is pretty special. It’s very bizarre but very nice!"

Q: Do you balance your good eating habits with regular exercise?

Dale: "Yes, I exercise six days a week. I follow a fitness DVD programme called P90X. It’s a combination of bodyweight exercises, free weights, plyometric cardio, a bit of yoga and body combat. It’s pretty insane but it keeps me in good shape!"

Q: What do you do to relax?

Dale: "If I have a bit of spare time I’ll go fishing. It’s good to be in nature and get away from all the stresses of everyday life. I live in the countryside so I like to go out walking through the fields and public bridleways that run through the farm lands."

Q: Are you enjoying appearing on TV and radio?

Dale: "I love it – it’s really good fun! But more importantly it’s the perfect platform to get this kind of information out there. There needs to be a figurehead for healthy eating within the mass media. The response we got from my first few appearances was just fantastic. I’m definitely planning to do more TV and radio both in the UK and in the US. It’s a great way of educating people and getting across the message that eating healthily can be easy and fun."

Celebrity Health - Clare Nasir

The outlook is sunny for Clare

Weather forecaster and TV presenter Clare Nasir talks to Liz Parry about healthy living, meditation and mindfulness, plus how she overcame fibroids and fertility problems to have her ‘miracle’ daughter.

Q: You have faced a number of health challenges in the past, including fibroids and fertility problems. How did you cope with these issues?

Clare: "I had fibroids for six years and had to have so many operations that my surgeon said my womb was like a battlefield. I was told the chances of me getting pregnant were very slim. I underwent IVF and I also turned to acupuncture to complement the process – it was a bit like giving my body an MOT. I also took steps to reduce the stress my body had been under. My acupuncturist, Bernard Nolan, has had great success in treating fertility problems and I used to see him two or three times a week. Amazingly, against all the odds, I got pregnant and had my ‘miracle baby’ Sienna. Having her is the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. Everything else fades into insignificance when I think of my daughter."

Q: Have you tried any other therapies?

Clare: "I meditate a lot and have learnt some really good visualisation techniques to enable me to have a good mental, emotional and spiritual attitude towards my body. I really do believe that the mind and body are linked and that you can’t heal or help one without the other. I meditate every day now and it’s a part of my daily life. I followed a course in mindfulness meditation which I find really helpful. It teaches you to meditate while you’re going about your daily routine and gives you a sense that you’re standing on this earth rather than being away with the fairies, or living in the future rather than in the present. The more I do it the more grounded I feel. When you are sick and things aren’t going well for you it’s important to remember that you are more than just your body. The mind has a powerful influence and you can do a lot to help yourself. "

Q: It’s been well documented in the media that you lost three stone in weight after being photographed in an unflattering bikini. Can you give us an idea of how you went about losing the weight and keeping it off?

Clare: "It was a couple of years ago now and I was always being criticised for my weight in the press. By the time my daughter was eight months old I’d lost a stone but when that awful picture came out it was a real turning point for me and I decided to go for it. In order to produce my workout DVD (Clare Nasir’s Boot Camp) I was helped by a trainer and nutritionist but, to be honest, no matter how much help you have, it’s up to you and it’s a really hard process. You have to work at it every day, exercising and dieting, but the results are amazing and you feel so good afterwards. It certainly wasn’t a walk in the park though!"

Q: What sort of exercise did you do as part of your weight loss regime?

Clare: "I did a lot of boxing. What I loved about it was that you don’t have to train for hours to get good results. Boxers, when they’re training for a fight, use up to 8,000 calories in a day purely through exercise. It’s called high intensity interval training where you do short, sharp bursts of intense exercise followed by less intense moves to enable your heart rate to come down a bit before repeating the process. For someone like me who has a very busy lifestyle it’s a great way of zapping the fat without having to put in a huge amount of time."

Q: How did you manage to fit your workouts around work and looking after your daughter?

Clare: "I would exercise around three or four times a week for an hour and a half. I’d do that in my lunch hour or before work and at the weekends. I’d spread it out. The hardest thing was changing my bad eating habits. I used to love curries. I think when you have a young child you end up just grabbing something quick and picking at things rather than taking time over what to eat. "

Q: How have you changed your eating habits?

Clare: "I eat a lot more consciously now than I ever did. I used to eat in a mindless way. I read up on nutrition and I had some great advice from a nutritionist called Martin MacDonald. We came up with a tailored eating plan for me that incorporated all the nutrients I needed and which enabled me to eat in a balanced and healthy way. I’ve also found that the Bach Emotional Eating Kit has given me a little bit of a crutch to help me stick to my resolve. It’s a set of flower essences which specifically help with the emotions linked to comfort eating. I still have days where I just want some fish and chips or a curry, but it’s your mind working rather than your body needing these foods. It’s hard to break free from old habits and these remedies are fantastic for helping with that as they work on a subconscious level to give you extra support."

Q: Are you working on any other projects?

Clare: "Both myself and my husband (BBC Radio 6 Music DJ Chris Hawkins) now work for the BBC. I’m working on a science documentary series called Fierce Earth which is about bringing excitement and passion to the natural world so I’ve been filming around the world with that. I’m also in the process of writing a novel which is currently with a literary agent. It’s the story of a girl’s journey through America and finding peace, contentment and happiness. I’m also working as an ambassador for the Healthy Air campaign, which involves lobbying the government to address the high levels of air pollution in the UK. Every year 29,000 people die prematurely in this country because of the air they breathe and we also have some of the highest frequency of child asthma symptoms worldwide. It’s just staggering. We will keep campaigning until the government takes notice and takes action."

Celebrity Health - Natalie Cassidy

The older I get, the more confident I am

Former EastEnders actress and Loose Women panellist Natalie Cassidy talks to Your Healthy Living about her new-found body confidence and the joys of motherhood.

Q: How do you feel about your body at the moment?

Natalie: "I’m a size 12, which is pretty standard and I’ve been that size for nearly a year. For me that’s quite a long while actually. The weight I’m at is right because I don’t think about it. I'll treat myself by cooking a lovely roast dinner or having a meal out. I’ll have a treat every now and again. I just eat normally I suppose. "

Q: Are you happy being a little bit curvier now?

Natalie: "I was never happy at a size eight - I can honestly say that - I wasn’t happy or confident because I wasn’t being me. I wasn’t eating enough really. I love my social life, I love cooking, I love eating, inviting people round - for me, that’s a big part of my life. I don’t go out every night and gorge myself on chocolate because that’s not healthy either, but I just don’t really think about it any more. "

Q: How have you overcome the yo-yo dieting?

Natalie: "I just think it’s been a natural progression in my life. I’ve grown up really and since having Eliza [Natalie’s 19-month-old daughter] I’ve realised that she’s the most important thing as well as my family. Being a size eight is not the be-all and end-all. "

Q: Do you like cooking?

Natalie: "I do, yes. I like lots of things. I like fish, soups, stews, pasta dishes. I do a good chilli. I’m not very good at desserts. I do bake with Eliza, though. On a typical day I’ll have my breakfast with Eliza and I’ll have a bowl of Special K with some sliced banana. Lunch is normally a sandwich and for dinner I like grilled fish and veg."

Q: How do you stay fit now?

Natalie: "Running around after Eliza! We go swimming a lot together. Every now and again I’ll decide to branch out and go for a run if the sun’s shining. I’ll go to the gym or do a class, but I do bits and pieces really whenever I feel like it. "

Q: Do you worry about ageing?

Natalie: "To be honest the older I get, the more confident I am. I don’t feel scared or upset about getting older. You learn more and I think you’re more wise. I think you know who your friends are and I think you know how to dress and how you want to be seen. "

Q: Do you follow a beauty regime?

Natalie: "Not particularly. I like to try different bits and pieces all the time. I like the pampering aspect. I love nothing more than a lovely big bubble bath - I know it’s a bit of a cliche, but I really enjoy it. With a magazine, that’s my me-time. I’ve just stopped biting my nails for the first time in my life. I’ve been taking good care of my nails, which is actually quite time consuming. I’m trying to look after my hands. "

Q: Do you have treatments?

Natalie: "I don’t have regular facials, but I will go away once every three months to a spa like Champneys - sometimes with Adam [Natalie’s partner] or with a group of friends. I'll go there and just chill. "

Q: What about your hair - do you follow a regime?

Natalie: "I’ve dyed my hair quite a lot over the years - I dyed it red last year and it became a bit dry, then I started using Naturtint, a less chemical hair colourant and now it’s really shiny. It doesn’t dry your hair out or have a chemical smell which is good for mums. I don’t like the idea of lots of chemicals. I’ve also found some other hair dyes can sting a bit but this is more gentle."

Q: Are you vigilant about your own health?

Natalie: "I’m very good. I always go to the doctor if I feel there’s something wrong to get checked out. It’s very important. "

Q: What effect has having Eliza had on your outlook on life?

Natalie: "You can’t worry about everything and have to live every day. My mum passed away 10 years ago and you do think life’s too short and sometimes unfair. It’s important to look after yourself and have a good time. "

Q: So how do you juggle being a mum with work pressures?

Natalie: "It’s just life, isn’t it? It doesn’t matter what I do, I’m just a working mum like lots of others - all my friends, mums from the NCT group. Life is just busy and as long as you make time for a little bit of everybody and for family time at home, it’ll all work out."

Q: What projects are you currently working on?

Natalie: "I’ve been writing quite a lot recently. I really enjoy writing. I’m just about to start an arts course at the Open University while I’m at home. It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for ages for me. I hope to get a degree one day."

Q: Do you ever want to go back to EastEnders?

Natalie: "I’ve kept in touch with a lot of people from there. I don’t think it ever changes. The hours are still as long and it’s still as hard. It is a fantastic regular job and a lovely place to work. If the opportunity ever arose and the timing was right, never say never..."

Celebrity Health - Linda Lusardi

A model of good health

Model, actress and TV presenter Linda Lusardi speaks to Your Healthy Living about how life in her second half-century is better than ever.

Best known for her work as a model in the 80s and 90s and, more recently as an actress and presenter on stage, film and television, Linda Lusardi, now aged 54, has never looked or felt better. Married to actor Sam Kane and mum to two teenage children, Linda is no stranger to the common challenge of juggling family and career. Here she lets us in on the secrets of how she stays fit, healthy and looking great.

Q: You are looking fabulous for 54, Linda! But how would you rate your healthiness out of 10?

Linda: "I would rate myself about an eight. When I was a model I used to indulge in junk food and fad diets, but those days are gone. I may be in my second half-century – something not easy to admit – but I’ve never felt better. Now I try to make sure that the whole family gets a good selection of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Anyone with a busy life and kids will know how hard that is to achieve! I try to avoid salty, processed foods and cut down on white bread. I can’t resist a good curry from time to time though!"

Q: Do you enjoy cooking for yourself and your family?

Linda: "I love cooking. I won Celebrity Come Dine With Me and got to the semi finals of Celebrity Masterchef. I cook almost every day for the family and love doing dinner parties."

Q: What do you do to keep fit? Are there any particular types of exercise you do regularly?

Linda: "I like to get on the running machine for 10 minutes every day and I try to get to the gym every other week, but I know this isn’t enough! I do a lot of walking between meetings and engagements, plus the pantomime keeps you fit! "

Q: Do you have any particular health concerns?

Linda: "I’ve been lucky to stay well, but I was plagued by dry eyes for over 10 years. My eyes felt dry and gritty most days, and also they would become red and sore. It would flare up when I was under artificial lighting, in air conditioned rooms or when I wore false eyelashes. It also seemed to worsen after I had my two children. "

"I was forced to use eye drops every single morning. If I ever forgot my drops, my eyes would be terrible all day and people would think I’d been crying! I found out that other people with my problem use sea buckthorn oil to provide moisture from the inside. "

"After a few weeks of taking it I had no dryness and no need for drops! I now take four capsules a day to combat my dry eyes and keep my skin looking good. It gives me a supply of vitamin E and omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 too so I feel like I’m taking care of my whole body. "

Q: Do you take any other supplements?

Linda: "I know that you can’t get all the nutrition you need just from food, so I also take other quality supplements, such as a good multivitamin, as well as vitamin D and vitamin C. Quality is so important when it comes to supplements and prevention is better than cure!"

Q: Do you have any health tips that you live by?

Linda: "Sleep eight hours daily and do everything in moderation. Also, seek out natural remedies and healthy foods from reputable places."

Q: What do you do to relax after a busy day?

Linda: "I like to have a hot bath with rosemary oil in. Then I get my pyjamas on, put my feet up in front of the TV and watch a good movie. I also enjoy having reflexology on my feet and I really enjoy a hot stone massage."

Q: What projects do you have coming up in the near future?

Linda: "I’ll be going back and forth to Switzerland as we are working on adding some new products to my skincare range, Lusardi My Miracle. I am also working on a clothing line at the moment. There are some film projects in the pipeline and it looks like I will be appearing in panto at Northampton next Christmas."

Celebrity Health - Angela Rippon

Still fit and supple!

Journalist and broadcaster Angela Rippon, 68, talks to Liz Parry about her diet and exercise regime and the importance of looking after your legs.

Q: At Your Healthy Living we always like to find out how celebrities keep themselves fit and healthy. Do you follow a particular diet or healthy eating regime?

Angela: "I’m gluten and lactose intolerant and have been since I had a very serious case of food poisoning about 20 years ago. That helps because it means I don’t eat a lot of bread and cakes! I do eat dairy foods but they tend to be from sheep or goats. I also have soya milk and cream. Fortunately there are many varieties of gluten-free pasta around so I’m able to enjoy wonderful lasagnas and spaghetti."

Q: Do you enjoy cooking for yourself?

Angela: "I love cooking - I’m an enthusiastic cook - and I love having friends come for dinner. I always cook everything from scratch - I never give anyone anything that has come from a tin or a packet. I have a wonderful organic food shop that is 200 yards from my front door so I’m able to source fresh vegetables quite easily. When I’m in Devon, where I have a home, I always buy from the local markets. I always try to buy organic and local produce. "

Q: Do you take any particular supplements or vitamins?

Angela: "I take acidophilus after having had the food poisoning, to rebalance the bacteria in my gut, and I take cod liver oil capsules because as you get older you need a little help to oil the joints. And from time to time I take ginseng as that helps with general vitality - certainly that’s something I need for my job. "

Q: Do you ever worry about your health at all?

Angela: "I suppose as you get older you do start to think how long is this machine going to keep on going? I have problems with my back as I used to ride and event in local clubs in Devon. I’ve had a couple of accidents and injured my back a couple of times so I have to be careful of that. I try to keep fit and healthy for the job that I do so I tend not to worry too much and, touch wood, I’m pretty healthy and still pretty supple. "

Q: How do you look after your skin?

Angela: "I don’t drink tea and I rarely drink coffee, but I do drink a lot of water and herbal teas. That helps to keep my skin hydrated. Since I was young I have always followed a very strict cleansing and moisturising regime and I exfoliate my skin regularly. As you get older the top layer of the dermis tend to be dry and flaky and that’s what will give you open pores and help to make wrinkles in your skin. If you keep getting rid of that top layer of dead skin cells you will reveal the fresher, clearer skin underneath."

Q: Can you tell us about your work with the Activa LegHealth Campaign?

Angela: "Basically it’s a campaign to make people understand how important it is to take care of your legs. Problems such as swollen ankles, varicose veins and leg ulcers can have a huge impact on your mobility. Once you lose your mobility you lose your independence. Many leg conditions are caused by poor circulation in the leg veins. These veins have the uphill task of carrying blood back to the heart and can weaken as gravity takes its toll over time. Fortunately, even serious leg problems can respond well to treatment."

Q: What types of exercise do you enjoy?

Angela: "I try to play tennis as often as I can, I enjoy cycling and I go to Pilates classes. It strengthens the core muscles which helps my back enormously. I need to be fit for the job I do as sometimes I will be filming from 7.30am till 9pm. It’s no good flagging in the middle of the day when you have a schedule like that!"

Q: That is a long day! How do you keep your energy levels up?

Angela: "I think I naturally have a lot of energy and I eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables and fish and chicken, so that helps. Also, I’m very fortunate in that I do a job that I love."

Q: How do you relax at the end of a busy day’s filming?

Angela: "I’m a voracious reader, I enjoy going to the movies and I like to have friends over for dinner - the same sort of things that most people do. I also enjoy tennis. It may not sound that relaxing, running around a tennis court for two hours, but you can’t really think about anything else other than the ball that’s coming over the net at you!"

Celebrity Health - Dr Hilary Jones

Doctor's orders!

GP and medical broadcaster Dr Hilary Jones can often be found on our TV screens dispensing health advice, but here he talks to Your Healthy Living about his own health and fitness regime.

Q: As a GP you are an expert on health and wellbeing, but how do you keep yourself fit and healthy?

Dr Hilary: “I try to practise what I preach and enjoy a healthy lifestyle but I don’t do this with any obsessional forethought or planning as it has simply become a part of my way of life over many years. I eat a healthy and varied diet, and eat most things.

I have thankfully not acquired a taste for very fatty, very salty processed foods and I like nothing more than beautifully cooked fresh fish with Mediterranean vegetables or even a good tender fillet steak with peppercorn sauce. Of course I eat French fries and naughty treats now and again but I offset the downside of that with regular exercise involving squash, swimming, running or gym work at least every other day.”

Q: You obviously like to keep fit, having run several marathons and taken part in Dancing on Ice. Can you tell us about your current exercise regime?

Dr Hilary: “I play squash with my younger brother and my second eldest son on a regular basis. I have a small gym at home. I enjoy running through the local forest near my home, and I have access to an excellent swimming pool at two clubs where I am a member. I would miss exercise very much if I couldn’t do it and if I was unemployed I would certainly be doing a triathlon some time soon.

I don’t worry about my health but I do feel influenced at times as a result of the consequence of diminishing youth. My need for glasses has been totally removed by the fantastic results of blended laser vision with the help of Professor Dan Reinstein at the London Vision Clinic and I keep my joints going by keeping my muscles around them fairly strong.”

Q: As the ageing population in Britain continues to grow, would you say that the British people are paying more attention to their health than before?

Dr Hilary: “We have an epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes and more people are finding it difficult to cope with psychological problems which they should be able to overcome. The fact that people are living longer at the moment means that they just have longer to suffer with the consequences of not looking after themselves whilst they’re young.

I believe that being healthy and feeling well and happy should be natural. I am totally opposed to the current medicalization of things such as obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes when a bit more self discipline and good living could make such a huge difference. The money that could be saved by everybody adopting this approach would run into tens of millions. It would also explode this myth that there is a pill for every ill. All pills have side effects, a healthy lifestyle doesn’t.”

Q: What is your opinion on complementary therapies?

Dr Hilary: “I think some complementary therapies have an excellent place in mainstream medicine. I myself use osteopathy in my mainstream practice to great effect and it means that often people can remove any pain and discomfort from their spine without recourse to medicines which can have nasty side effects. I also think that acupuncture, meditation and even aromatherapy and massage have a good place whilst other so-called complementary therapies may be worse than useless.

It is dangerous to pretend that you can diagnose through examination of the iris (iridology) and wrong to claim that you can diagnose allergies in adults or children through kinesiology, Vega testing or hair analysis. These so-called alternative therapies are frankly dangerous, with no scientific proof behind them whatsoever.”

Q: You are currently working with Lepicol to educate the public on the importance of bowel health. Why is it so important to keep the gut in good working order?

Dr Hilary: “Not many people realise that the gut is the seat of more than 70% of our body’s immunity and that there are central connections between the gut and the central nervous system.

Millions of people are plagued by the inconvenience of digestive disorders but much of this could be alleviated by maintaining a good balance of friendly bacteria within the intestine and having smooth regular intestinal function. Lepicol do a great job in producing products which help people with all kinds of different intestinal dysfunction and they are a highly reputable company backed by years of robust academic research.”

Q: What are your top tips for good digestion?

Dr Hilary: “My tips include eating little and often, enjoying a wide variety of healthy foods, avoiding excess stress and taking regular exercise.”

Q: If you could give the readers of Your Healthy Living just one tip for good health, what would it be?

Dr Hilary: “My one tip would be exercise, exercise, exercise. This is the very best insurance policy for future good health.

It lifts your spirits and keeps your heart and lungs healthy, sharpens your reflexes, reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol and has many other useful benefits besides.”

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Dr Hilary Jones has been working with the Lepicol range to help educate consumers on the importance of good bowel health. Lepicol is a three-in-one combination of soluble plant fibre known as Psyllium Husks, Inulin (Prebiotics) and probiotic cultures.