Celebrity Health - Gabby Logan
TV presenter Gabby Logan talks to Liz Parry about how she ensures that she and her family live a healthy, active lifestyle
A former international gymnast turned TV and radio presenter, Gabby Logan can frequently be found fronting major sporting events on our television screens. Having begun her broadcasting career in 1992, she has gone on to present various fixtures including The Champions League, Sport Relief, Final Score and The One Show. She was also a key member of the BBC’s presenting team for the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, the 2014 Brazil World Cup and the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Q: How do you ensure that you keep fit and healthy?
Gabby: Looking after my health and wellbeing is a priority. I like exercise and eating well and it’s important for me to know that the nutrition I put inside me is the best it possibly can be. When it comes to exercise, I think it’s important to do something you enjoy, whether it’s walking the dog or going for a run. As you get a little bit older, regular exercise is key to taking good care of yourself – not just for your physical health but your mental health too.
Q: Do you like to follow a healthy diet and cook healthy food?
Gabby: I know a lot more about the nutrients that go into what I eat now than I did 20 years ago. In fact, I wish I knew when I was a gymnast what I know now! I have a personal trainer who is extremely knowledgeable about food, so I learn a lot of my food philosophy and knowledge from him. I’ve also learnt that it’s important to be strict with yourself when it comes to eating what makes you feel good.
I love to cook, especially since getting married and having children. My kids and Kenny (my husband) are very appreciative! Also, because Kenny has had problems with his digestion and intolerance, I try to cook meals that will suit him as well as the rest of the family. I enjoy cooking a range of different recipes with lots of ingredients and different spices!
Varying what we eat as a family also helps to ensure that we get the right mix of nutrients and can make mealtimes more exciting.
That said, I appreciate that it can be difficult to eat healthily and plan meals when you don’t have a regular schedule and I absolutely hate the idea of food being wasted.
Q: Can you give us an idea of what you might eat during a typical day?
Gabby: I start my day with breakfast, which is usually something like avocado, salmon and spinach or porridge with peanut butter and banana. That usually keeps me going until lunch time. If I’m at home during the day I enjoy whipping up a quick omelette or salad. If I’m on the go, then I’ll go to my favourite haunts like Pret or Leon as they have lots of quick and healthy options. If I’m feeling peckish between meals, I try to snack on something good for me, such as fruit or a handful of almonds, to keep me going until dinner time. In the evening, I enjoy cooking for my family. Evening meals are often something with lots of locally grown vegetables and lean meat or fish. I think it’s important to make my family have a tasty and nutritious meal as we are all so active and need to refuel our energy. I also make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Q: What exercise do you like to do and how often?
Gabby: Exercise is a huge part of my life. I’m active most days. I have a trainer who I do strength and endurance training with, such as squats, sledges and curls, which I love. In between, I like going to yoga classes or for runs, or else you’ll find me walking the dogs or playing tennis with the kids. Usually it will be something cardio-based!
Q: You’re currently working on a dental health campaign. What are your top tips for good oral health?
Gabby: Looking after my teeth and gums is really important to me, particularly in my job as I want to feel confident in my smile. I’m genuinely a big fan of visiting the hygienist and pop in for a check-up at least once every six months. My hygienist recommended that to help keep my teeth healthy I use the pink and orange interdental brushes from TePe. She explained that although I’m good at brushing my teeth (I’m fairly religious about it), not all of my teeth are reached by brushing alone. In fact, many people don’t realise that using a toothbrush alone cleans just 60 per cent of the tooth’s surface because dental plaque builds up between your teeth where a toothbrush does not reach. That’s why they say it’s a good idea to use TePe interdental brushes at least once a day to help prevent gum disease and inflammation by removing plaque build-up from the 40 per cent that the toothbrush is unable to reach.
Can you give us some of your top tips for living healthily in general?
Gabby: It’s probably no surprise that training is something I hugely value in terms of taking time to relax and unwind. However, good health involves everything, not just healthy eating and exercise. Aside from fitness, I try to book in some ‘me time’ once a month, whether it’s taking the time to relax with a facial or a massage. I also enjoy taking holidays now more than I ever have done, particularly holidays with my husband and the kids. Having such a busy work schedule really helps you to appreciate and make the most of every second of your free time.
Gabby Logan is working with leading oral health company TePe to help promote healthy smiles and spread the word about the simple steps people can take to keep their teeth, gums and smile healthy in the long term. Visit www.tepe.com/uk/healthy-smiles/ for more information.
Read other celebrity health articles here...
Read articles from our latest issue here...