ROUTE TO WELLTH
The actress and comedian shares her self-care staples, top sofa snacks and the moment she learned to love her body
TV presenter Emily Atack
REFRAME
I got through the first lockdown the best I could considering it felt so frightening – I might not have emerged as a qualified yoga teacher, but that’s okay. Fortunately, I was productive over the summer – filming [my comedy series] The Emily Atack
Show and training with my PT twice a week. I love boxing for my mental health and I’m now trying meditation. I’m quite spiritual. I believe in positive energy and manifestation – that what you put out into the universe, you get back.
INDULGE
Like many people,
I’ll admit that a glass of wine or two helps me wind down when I’m stuck at home. One of my other joys is cooking, and a slower schedule has provided plenty of opportunities to try out new dishes – I’ll collect all the ingredients I have and see what I can throw together. Mind you, I don’t feel the same about baking – I’m yet to successfully make bread!
CHILL
I strongly believe that whatever makes you feel good is the most important thing – and if that’s settling down for an evening in front of the TV, then great. There’s nothing like a romcom for calming my mind. At the moment,
I’m really into The Undoing, but I don’t normally watch new stuff – I love comedy reruns. I still watch The Office all the time, as well as Extras, I’m Alan Partridge and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
NOURISH
I do intermittent fasting. I don’t have breakfast (I’m not a morning person) and I’ll eat my first meal – usually a chicken salad – around midday. Mid-afternoon, I’ll have a snack, and then another meal early evening, which is normally a pastabased dish or a Hellofresh delivery if I’m busy. And if I want dark chocolate, popcorn or my favourite pad thai takeaway, I won’t deny myself.
UNPLUG
My relationship with social media is still tricky [since Emily was subjected to sexual harassment through her Instagram DMS]. The online world is a doubleedged sword. My
DMS should be a safe space, but everyone’s allowed to say what they like. Social media is a huge part of my job and I love reaching out to fans and get so much support back – I have every right to that relationship.
GLOW
My job is very image driven – and I’m confronted with my face all the time – so I try to drink two litres of water a day and get eight hours’ sleep. Entering my thirties, I’ve realised the importance of a skincare routine – particularly because I wear so much make-up on TV and also enjoy applying it on days when I’m not in front of a camera. Now, when I come back late from filming Celebrity Juice, I make time to use Tropic Skincare cleanser, toner and moisturiser.
ACCEPT
I was nervous about going barefaced [on the 2018 series of
I’m A Celebrity]. But it turned out to be a great opportunity for me not to care about what I looked like. People watching were able to see beneath the fake tan armour and it was so heartwarming when I realised that they accepted that version of me – freckles, messy hair and all.
EMBRACE
My weight has long been criticised [on social media], so wearing a bikini in the jungle was a daunting prospect. But the experience forced me to rebuild my relationship with my body; because there was nowhere to hide, I had to embrace those insecurities and I returned from Australia feeling free. Eating out less over the past year, I’ve inadvertently lost a stone – but my confidence doesn’t hinge on a number on the scales.
Tickets for the ‘Emily Atack: Has Left The Group’ tour are available now at livenation.co.uk