WELLTH OF KNOWLEDGE
Interior designer Kelly Hoppen
MY FITNESS
Working out is a huge part of my life. I would be lying if I said I didn’t train to look the best I can, but fitness is about so much more than feeling comfortable with my size. I have more energy when I train and I feel fresh – daily exercise is crucial for me to perform at my best and I’ve been committed to it since I was a teenager. I like to be up and at it first thing, so I have a gym set up in my home, where one of my PTS motivates me through a 90-minute morning session. I prefer to let them set the schedule, so we might do anything from a Pilates workout to HIIT circuits or a body-sculpting routine with weights. I even like to work up a sweat when I’m on holiday. Twice a year, one of my PTS runs a five-day retreat in Antigua, where I train for hours every day. It’s not the most relaxing of breaks but it completely recharges my batteries and I always come back feeling energised.
MY FOOD
I’ve always been very conscious of what I’m putting in my body. I avoid gluten and dairy as I’m allergic, and that makes me think more about the food choices I make. Breakfast might be a poached egg with gluten-free toast and a handful of spinach, and for lunch I’ll have something like salad with falafel and grilled organic chicken breast. I keep dinner simple – grilled fish with steamed green veg is a go-to. I lose count of how many litres of water I drink, but I limit myself to two or three espressos in the morning. I don’t drink alcohol much these days because I always feel fresher and more focused if I’ve stuck to soft drinks the night before. Although, if I am going to indulge, tequila is my drink of choice, ideally after a few sea salt and black pepper Kettle Chips.
MY FACE
My skin can suffer when I’m filming and am required to wear heavy make-up, so I book in for a monthly facial with Linda Meredith; and I swear by her at-home products to keep my skin looking fresh between visits. That said, I’ve recently branched out to try the amazing deep-cleansing Hydrafacial at Michaeljohn in London’s Belgravia. It’s important for me to look pulled together, so I have a therapist come to file and polish my nails once a week and, when I feel I need some colour, I’ll call in spray-tanning expert James Harknett. I prefer to go make-up free, but when I do dip my toe into the cosmetics pool, I use Charlotte Tilbury, MAC or bareminerals – although my favourite lip pencil is from Boots.
MY FOCUS
Starting my day right is important. After my alarm goes off at 6am, I’ll have a mug of hot water with lemon. Next comes my training. I have a hectic schedule so it’s nice to have 90 minutes where I can’t be connected to my phone. I tend to ease off at the weekend. I love waking up naturally on Saturdays and Sundays without an alarm, and I don’t put myself under any pressure to work out – although I might go for a run in the countryside if the mood takes me. Downtime is essential to help me stay balanced, so I savour every moment spent around the table with family, walking in the countryside or sprawled on the sofa in front of a box set. It’s the simple things.