THIS IS 54 WHAT LOOKS LIKE

KATIE CALDESI lives in Buckinghamshire with her Italian husband Giancarlo. They have two children, Giorgio, 17, and Flavio, 15. she writes cookbooks, runs a cookery school and owns two restaurants (caldesi.com).

OLIVE OIL CLEANSER

I’M OBSESSED with olive oil. It soothes dry hands and elbows and makes a great natural make-up remover for sensitive skin. Choose a good-quality version. I buy mine in Tuscany, but Waitrose Duchy Organic Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil would work just as well (£4.25, waitrose.com).

EXERCISE WITHOUT KNOWING

IT’S amazing how fit you can get while you’re doing something else. I have a standing desk at work, and at home I balance on one leg and hold in my core while brushing my teeth. When my husband and I watch TV, we do press-ups and squats.

LOW-CARB DIET

WITHIN eight months of starting a low-carb diet, I lost a stone. My husband was diagnosed with a gluten allergy and type 2 diabetes, so he had to give up pasta and bread. I changed my diet to support him. My eczema and arthritis is much better now, too.

SAVVY SHOPPING

I LOVE to treat myself to a personal shopper in big department stores, but I can recreate this in High Street shops by visiting during the week, when assistants have more time to help. I like to approach women of a similar age for assistance. I trust them more if they are honest and occasionally say: ‘That looks awful!’

JOIN A WOMEN’S GROUP

SURROUND yourself with inspirational women. When I hit my mid-40s, I joined a women’s networking group called Athena ( theathenanetwork.com). It’s a good way to make friends and boost your confidence. One member, a drama teacher, gave me advice on how to overcome my fear of public speaking, such as standing with my legs apart in a Wonder Woman pose. It changed my life, as I do book tours for work. My phobia is now an enjoyment.