The 41-year-old ‘Home and Away’ star reveals her fitness secrets

As a single mum with a busy work schedule, Ada Nicodemou admits that staying fit and healthy “can be a bit challenging.” Now halfway through an eight-week fitness challenge, the actress talks about her journey towards a new, healthier lifestyle.

How are you tracking at this point? It’s amazing, so good! I’m enjoying it and I’m learning a lot about myself. I’m still not at my end goal but I’m definitely feeling quite challenged, which is good.

You just turned 41, was it difficult to combine the challenge with birthday celebrations?

It’s been a really busy time of year for me, with a lot of friends’ birthdays and two engagements as well. That’s been a little bit challenging, not being able to drink! For me, it needs to be about balance as well, so I will allow myself a couple of cheat days, and then carry on. The last thing I would want to do is have a cheat day and feel bad about it and let it affect the rest of the challenge.

So did you have a cheat day for your birthday?

I had a couple of glasses of champagne and I did have a piece of cake, but not the whole thing! On other days I’ve been strict. What’s been great for me is that when you’re trying to stick to a healthy lifestyle, having a time frame is great because it makes you accountable. Plus there’s a photo shoot as well!

What have you learned about yourself doing the challenge?

I always thought I was quite disciplined, and I am an all-or-nothing girl. So I’m learning about balance. It’s OK to cheat, just be really strict the rest of the time. I’m also learning a lot about training—about what I’m really doing and why.

Do you feel any different?

I feel stronger, I’ve got more energy and my body feels firmer, which is nice. I still feel like I could work on getting more rest, that’s still a struggle for me. I haven’t actually lost any weight yet and I haven’t measured myself, but I do notice a difference in my body. I have started toning up in my legs, bottom and arms.

What’s been the hardest thing?

For me, like so many women, I’m so time-poor and one of the hardest things is the early mornings at work. I could have two to three breakfasts because I’m awake so early! I feel like I’m always hungry but now I’m eating healthier, I’m not as hungry— although I’m still a big eater. I take some time to prepare my meals. When you’re more organised, you make better choices.