‘A balanced diet is vitalasIamavegan with osteoporosis’
drink too much coffee and will have two cups of espresso in the morning made in the cafetiere — I don’t drink instant coffee at all. And I love cashew nuts, in fact I eat too many of them too.
Do you drink and/or smoke — if so, how much?
I don’t smoke because you are three times more likely to suffer a heart attack if you do. I like the odd glass of wine at the weekend — Sauvignon Blanc or Malbec — but myself and my husband have a zero drinking policy during the week. We rarely get out during the week anyway as we wouldn’t be
able to get babysitters.
Do you take any health supplements?
Multi-vitamins, calcium and a vegan-friendly Omega 3 supplement. These are important for balancing out my diet because I am a vegan and have osteoporosis.
How do you take time out?
It is difficult with a young family but when I do I will go out walking on my own or with the dog. I like the silence and I also practice mindfulness to help manage stress. We also go out every week as a family for a hike and take a flask of tea and food with us — even when it’s raining. I love being outside.
How well do you sleep?
Not that well, but I don’t need a lot of sleep. I would be very well suited to living in the Mediterranean as I could have a siesta in the middle of the day to tide me over. I go to bed around 10.30pm at night. I don’t drink coffee after 5pm and practice some mindfulness so I sleep as well as I can.
Do you worry about getting old?
Yes I do. I’m now 48 and have a nine-year-old and a seven-yearold. I am very aware that I could die before my children are grown up so I want to live a long and healthy life. I want to be able to travel when I’m older and live life to the full.
What is your go-to product or habit that keeps you feeling healthy?
Walking and being active. I lived in London for 20 years and it is lovely to be outdoors and be so near beautiful places to walk. When it comes to getting outside there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes. When my children go out they have their wellies on and are wrapped up against the rain and cold.
Northern Ireland Chest, Heart & Stroke, tel: 028 9032 0184 or visit nichs.org.uk
INTERVIEW BY HELEN CARSON