‘I exercise for 12 minutes a day’

SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN

Actress Helen Mirren has always been known for her youthful looks. But the 72 year old doesn’t spend hours in the gym – she simply follows the Royal Canadian Air Force exercise plan. Created in the ’50s by doctors, it was designed to help recruits work out without equipment. The routine consists of five body weight exercises, which work all muscle groups and you have to complete them within 12 minutes. Helen said, “I’ve done it on and off my whole life, it just very gently gets you fit.”

Helen also says sleep is vital as you get older, adding, “My biggest beauty advice is just to make sure you clean your skin really well and don’t smoke. I also have to have my eight hours of sleep a night.”

STEP 1 Heat the oil in a wok. Add the cubed chicken and stirfry over a medium heat for 5 mins. Add the chopped peppers, chilli, ginger and garlic, then stir-fry for a further 5 mins. Add the spring onions and pineapple pieces. Remove from heat. STEP 2 Blend the cornflour with a little of the reserved pineapple juice in a bowl until smooth, then add the remaining juice. Mix together the remaining ingredients for the sauce in a separate bowl, then add the cornflour mixture. STEP 3 Add the sauce mixture to the chicken and veg, then return the pan to the heat and bring to the boil, stirring. Reduce the heat, then simmer until the chicken is cooked and the sauce is thickened slightly, stirring regularly. Serve.