Under the microscope

Singer and X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger, 39, answers our health quiz

CAN YOU RUN UP THE STAIRS?

YES, I can. I work out a couple of times a week, whether it’s on the treadmill, dance cardio, hot yoga or spinning. I work out for at least an hour at a time.

GET YOUR FIVE A DAY?

I TRY to. I’m also really into wellness shots, such as shots of juice with ginger, lemon, cayenne and oregano, especially now it’s cold and flu season.

EVER DIETED?

ABSOLUTELY. I have done many diets religiously and I don’t believe in them. I’m an extremist. So, when I deprive myself of things, I find that I end up bingeing to rebel. But that merely messes with your metabolism. So if you want some chocolate, have some.

ANY VICES?

I LOVE cheese. I love chocolate. I love pasta. I try to have these in moderation. I think everyone should have at least one or two good cheat days a week. When you know you can have something, you don’t crave it as much.

WORST ILLNESS?

I DON’T like to think about illness. I don’t want to tempt fate.

POP ANY PILLS?

WHEN I’m doing The X Factor, I’m constantly having something done to my hair so I take a flavoured supplement drink with vitamin C, amino acids and collagen. I also take an anti-ageing supplement that contains blackcurrant seed oil among other things to keep my skin soft.

EVER HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY?

NO.

HEALTH BOOK THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

I’M A VERY spiritual person. So I’m interested in anything that helps put things in perspective and leads to more balance. I’ve just got Joyce Meyer’s The Everyday Life Bible that was recommended by a friend. This is an edition of the Bible that interweaves biblical text with comments, notes and prayers. It’s very inspirational.

COPE WELL WITH PAIN?

YES, I’m a pretty tough chick.

IS SEX IMPORTANT?

MAKING love is more important than sex.

TRIED ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES?

I HAVE A deep tissue massage every few months. My back is built like a horse, so I need the equivalent strength of 12 strong men to work on my back to release muscle tension.

EVER BEEN DEPRESSED?

MY MOODS definitely go up and down, especially when it’s that time of month, when all I want to do is eat Mexican food, ramen noodles and pizza. What helps me with that is meditation and prayer.

HANGOVER CURE?

Fresh juice, ramen, Mexican food, some Alka-Seltzer and a good sweat.

WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE?

MY HEAD. I have so many ideas going around in my mind. I’m a night owl so I go to bed at around 3 or 4 am, or even later. But normally I’m fine as long as I get anywhere from two to six hours’ sleep.

ANY PHOBIAS?

I HAVE a phobia of failing, of not being the best and of being around mean people.

LIKE TO LIVE FOR EVER?

I’M very spiritual. So, I would like to live in heaven for ever.

Nicole is the face of Vitabiotics Perfectil beauty supplements and collagen drinks vitabiotics.com