‘I’m fitter in my forties than I was in my twenties’
TV presenter Lisa Snowdon talks about learning to love her body, conquering depression and why she’s ruled out motherhood
he shot to fame in the S early ’90s as a catwalk model and posing for top fashion mags, as well as fronting campaigns for Gucci and Mercedes-benz, but, away from the spotlight, Lisa Snowdon admits she’s suffered with life-long body hang-ups.
“I’ve never been massively body confident, but we women are so harsh on ourselves,” she confesses. “We always pick out what we don’t like. I don’t look as good as I did in my twenties, but I’ve reached a stage in life where I can’t be in constant angst over my flaws.”
At 45, Lisa says she feels “fitter than ever” and, scrolling through her Instagram feed, it’s clear from her bikini snaps that she isn’t afraid to show off her body to her 169,000 followers. She says, “When I post a pic of myself in a bikini it’s because I feel good. There’s nothing wrong with looking in the mirror and thinking, ‘I look great today.’ Of course, I have days where I feel rubbish, but as women we need to be kinder to ourselves. When we feel good, we should celebrate it!”
And while she’s made FHM’S 100 Sexiest Women list an incredible ten times over the years, off camera, the TV and radio host is still as refreshingly down to earth as she ever was. She explains, “I had the best time modelling, but throughout my twenties and thirties, I was so judgemental. I’d look in the mirror and think I looked old or I need to exercise more and constantly compare myself to others.
“If I didn’t get a job, I’d look at the girl who did and see she was either taller, blonder or prettier, then beat myself up about it and wonder why I wasn’t good enough. In my twenties, I still wanted to look different, but it’s a waste of time to pick holes in yourself and it’s so damaging.” FINDING LOVE
These days, Lisa – who’s had high-profile romances with George Clooney and CSI actor Gary Dourdan – admits she’s learned to accept her flaws. In fact, the former Britain And Ireland’s Next Top Model host believes being in her forties has made her more confident.
She says, “I’m loving being in my forties – they’re the best years of your life. Of course, there are things I wish I could change – I look at my boobs and think they’re not as perky and may need scaffolding to hold them up. But my mindset has changed and I try to think about all the good things in my life.”
And Lisa doesn’t bother with the scales or obsess over diets. She adds, “I try to exercise three times a week and take a probiotic to help my digestive system, but life’s too short to miss out on a glass of wine or a slice of chocolate cake. Biscuits are my indulgence – I have to have the whole packet.”
Meanwhile, last December, Lisa became engaged to entrepreneur George Smart after 14 months together. The pair “had a fling 15 years ago” and she admits he’s done wonders for her self-esteem.
She explains, “George and I went our separate ways, we grew apart – but it’s nice we have that history. Even though it was brief, it was powerful and love is all about timing. He says sweet things and tells me I have a great bum. Having that security with someone who has your back makes you forget all your silly imperfections.”
And while 2017 has seen a lot of celebs and the royals opening up about their mental health struggles, Lisa admits she’s suffered, too. She explains, “I’ve had my own battles with depression and anxiety.
It’s something I’ve struggled with and I’m not ashamed to admit it. A few years ago, I had therapy to overcome it and I’m in a much better place now. Exercise has a positive effect on my mind and makes me feel more in control. I’m fitter in my forties than I was in my twenties.”
HEARTACHE
During her stint on I’m A Celeb! last year, Lisa revealed her heartache on missing out on motherhood, admitting she hadn’t found the right partner and later revealed she’d ruled out adoption and IVF. And although viewers praised her honesty, Lisa says she “refuses to feel sorry for herself.” She adds, “I stand by everything I said on motherhood. I’m very lucky to have the cutest kids in my life, thanks to my sister. But, the reality is, I’m nearly 46 and I’ve accepted that having children just won’t be a part of my life. I love children and some days it makes me sad, but I just remember I’m super happy with George and I’m healthy, and that’s the most important thing.” By Neeru Sharma ● The Proven Probiotics range is available from Boots, Holland & Barrett and online at Provenprobiotics.co.uk
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