SWEETEST FAKE CAKE
Anna’s wellbeing test by DNA Plan discovered she has a greater response to stress.
It also looked at how likely she was to suffer from anxiety, low mood and sleep issues.
She was then advised on what lifestyle changes she could make to improve her mental health.
Anna’s problems began in 2007 when she was fronting the kids’ show Toonattik on GMTV.
“I was battling and coping with various symptoms of increased stress, burn out and emotional difficulties,” she said.
“I didn’t want to get up in the morning, I was panicking about panicking. I felt like I was going pretty mad in myself.”
The former Splash! contestant was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder and treated with anti-anxiety medication and THE DNA Plan test looks at your genes after taking a swab from your mouth. From this spit, scientists look into areas of your DNA linked to thought, memory, stress, depression and sleep. Motivation to exercise and likelihood of being an alcoholic are also areas that are studied. Once they have examined your genetic make-up they make recommendations on everything from diet to lifestyle and how you can make the most of your wellbeing. For more on the £199 test, visit dnaplan.co.uk. RAW SUPERFOOD CUPCAKES These cakes are gluten, dairy and sugar free, as well as vegan – but so indulgent. Makes six. INGREDIENTS 75g ground almonds, 75g pumpkin seeds, 6 dates, stoned, 50g coconut oil, melted, 2tbsp cacao powder, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, 100g creamed coconut, 1 large mango, 1tbsp chia seeds, 2tbsp maple syrup, ½ tsp turmeric, juice of ½ lime, 1 avocado, grated zest of 1 orange. METHOD 1 Blitz the almonds, pumpkin seeds and dates in a food processor. Add half the coconut oil, half the cacao powder and cinnamon and blitz. 2 Spoon into 6 cupcake cases, pressing down
She said: “If we have a proper scientifically backed test that can help educate us on who we are and what our make-up is, we’re in a more empowered position.
“And because I know what it’s like to be at rock bottom I do everything I can to prevent getting to that point again.”
Qualified counsellor and life coach Anna also wants to teach her son about mental health. Her mum had panic attacks after a miscarriage, while her brother has a history of anxiety but no one in her family discussed it.
“I’m not ashamed or embarrassed that I’ve had mental health issues so I want to bring up my son with that being normal for him to understand.
“We vaccinate our kids and look after their nutrition.
“And with tests like these we have a choice to have a head start on perhaps what they have in store mental health wise.” and levelling. Pop in the fridge for 30 minutes. 3 Melt together the creamed coconut and the rest of the coconut oil. Leave to cool slightly. 4 Place the mango into a small blender with the chia seeds, 1tbsp of the maple syrup, the turmeric and lime juice. Blitz to a puree. Pour in the melted coconut and blitz to a puree. 5 Spoon the puree over the crumb base in the cases. Chill for 30-40 minutes, until set. 6 Pop the remaining cacao powder, maple syrup and avocado and orange zest in a small blender and blend until smooth. 7 Pipe the chocolate orange mousse on top.
Alzheimer’s Society Cupcake Day is on Thursday. Visit cupcakeday.org.uk for details.