What does it mean to be healthy?
Eating well, sleeping well and enjoying life.
Why is it important for you to feel (and look) healthy?
“I could live on pomegranates (if I could get the seeds out fast enough).”
I’m incredibly lucky that I’ve been able to eat all food groups without allergies, etc. Once I started working in my own business, I was so busy I would either forget to eat lunch or I’d eat really late.
After a few years of generally feeling overworked and sluggish, I decided to employ a personal trainer to make sure I had good energy levels for the rigorous fashion calendar of shows and deadlines. Ray, my trainer (he recently moved to LA), changed the way I looked at food, and made me do physical strength exercises, and I truly owe him for that. I couldn’t do my job without high energy levels!
“I couldn’t do my job without high energy levels!”
Do you follow any specific way of eating?
I tend to eat everything and really enjoy food. No holds barred – although in moderation, at least. Once a year, at the minimum, I do try to do a big diet detox for either one or two weeks, to clear out my system. That means no dairy, no red meat, no carbs after noon, no sugar (including fruit) and no alcohol. It usually really does the trick.
“I am a terrible cook, but I am pretty good at ordering from menus!”
What foods or groups of foods (if any) do you avoid?
I try to avoid refined sugars and white bread. I just feel that they are unnatural and don’t add any value.
Do you cook every day?
I am a terrible cook, but I am pretty good at ordering from menus!
What do you think are the most nutritious foods?
I love smoked salmon. I love the taste and fatty oils that I know are great for my skin and mind. I love a salad, too – but I haven’t quite gone down the kale-juice route (I’m getting there!) – and pomegranates. I could live on them (if I could get the seeds out fast enough).
“For dinner, always order a side salad.” Recipe: red rice, herb and roasted squash salad.
How do you try and stay on track when you travel?
It’s really difficult – I try to buy natural almonds and nuts to nibble on, and I always get veggie options in the restaurants. But it’s tough.
Favourite snacks?
Green peas in the summer. I can go through a whole Marks & Spencer’s bag of them every day. It’s like candy to me.
“I try to buy natural almonds and nuts to nibble on.”
When you go out to dinner, how do you navigate the menu?
For dinner, always order a side salad. And try not to eat pasta? And I know you aren’t supposed to eat too late. I’m still learning…
“For dinner, always order a side salad… And I know you aren’t supposed to eat too late. I’m still learning…”
What is the hardest part of the day for you to avoid temptation?
When there are chocolate brownies or coffee or crisps on offer. So hard.
Any specific food brands you love?
I am addicted to Lizi’s natural granola – I send bags of it to friends around the world as gifts. They get addicted too! It’s the perfect mix of natural ingredients; and I love that it feels like she made it in her kitchen – the branding, the product and the price are all good.
“I am addicted to Lizi’s natural granola – I send bags of it to friends around the world as gifts.”
What do you wear to work out?
I always wear my Lululemon workout gear. It fits me so well. The top is long, which I like, because I prefer to be covered.
How do you fit exercise around your work schedule?
I tend to do it at lunchtime. I like my sleep too much at either end!
Any tips for fitting exercise into a busy schedule?
I have one gym bag containing lots of socks, underwear, cosmetics – and great shoes.
