The last time I… Gemma Atkinson

In the week that actress and radio star Gemma Atkinson, 34, announced her pregnancy with boyfriend Gorka Márquez, she talked us through the key moments in her life

FELT REALLY CONFIDENT…

My boyfriend Gorka makes me feel amazing about myself, but I recently did a 12-week body transformation, and it was the best thing I’ve ever done, physically and mentally. It involved weight training four days a week, for between 45 minutes to an hour, and then an hour of cardio on the bike once a week. My food included lots of healthy fats like avocados and fish for protein. My body changed so much and I could see more muscle definition. I felt incredible and I was really proud of myself.

CRIED…

I’m not a big crier and I definitely don’t get emotional with films, but I wept when I watched Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in A Star Is Born. I don’t want to ruin the ending for everyone, but there’s a sad scene with a dog and I couldn’t handle it. Anything with animals is so upsetting for me, and a big trigger. I was a blubbering mess!

MADE A BIG LIFE CHANGE…

I stopped eating red meat about seven or eight years ago. I really love animals, and cutting down on my meat consumption was something I really wanted to do. I still eat fish occasionally. Ideally, I’d like to be vegan, but I love cheese so much. I think there’s a big misconception with how vegans get their protein, because there are so many good sources, like nuts and lentils. You have to find what works for you.

GOT FRUSTRATED…

I was on holiday with my boyfriend Gorka [Márquez] in Greece recently, and we hired a car for the day. For some reason, we could not get this car to start, and it was so annoying. We tried to ask the people in the hire shop for help, but they didn’t speak English well, and I don’t speak Greek, so it was a massive struggle. Eventually, one of the men leaned into the car window and pushed the gear stick from “park” to “drive” and I felt like the biggest idiot. I was so frustrated at myself!

ATE A MASSIVE FEAST…

Christmas Day. I mean, it would have been rude not to, wouldn’t it? No matter how healthily I’m trying to eat, I will always make an allowance at Christmas and enjoy myself. The morning started with a Champagne breakfast and I was scoffing chocolate throughout the day until bedtime. And I definitely don’t regret a thing. It was all completely worth it. ● Gemma Atkinson is an ambassador for Fitwater, the functional water from Lucozade Sport. For more information about hydration during and after exercise, visit www.lucozadesport.com/fitwater