Under the microscope

CAN YOU RUN UP THE STAIRS?

YES, if I have to! My fitness regimen starts first thing when I get on my exercise bike for at least 30 minutes. I also do ten minutes’ yoga. When I’m not travelling, I work out with weights with a trainer three or four times a week. But my favourite way to exercise is to hike with friends. Whoever is the most energised has to talk on the way up the hill and the rest talk on the way down!

GET YOUR FIVE A DAY?

ABSOLUTELY. My favourite fruits are blueberries, grapefruit, mangoes and papayas. I also love every kind of green, including iceberg lettuce dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

EVER DIETED?

I DON’T believe in diets any more, but I’ve experimented with everything, even a ten-day water fast many years ago. These days, I’ve cut out sugar and white carbs, which has made it really easy to maintain my weight.

ANY VICES?

I ADORE coffee, particularly Bulletproof Coffee [black coffee blended with butter or oil]. I drink a cup in the morning, and if I want more my new love is cappuccino with camel’s milk.

ANY FAMILY AILMENTS?

MY MOTHER had congestive heart failure and my father diabetes. They died from these in their late 70s. This is why I avoid sugar.

WORST ILLNESS OR INJURY?

SEVERAL years ago, while wearing a beautiful, but ridiculous, pair of heels, I stepped in a subway grate, fell and broke my ankle. I was forced to wear the dreaded broken ankle boot. I can’t say I’ve given up heels entirely since, but I’ve become a passionate missionary for flats.

HAD ANYTHING REMOVED?

I HAD my right hip replaced three years ago. I was only in hospital three days and had physical therapy for three weeks after that. I also had my tonsils removed when I was nine years old.

POP ANY PILLS?

I TAKE vitamin supplements and antioxidants. I also take Chinese herbs like ginseng.

EVER HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY?

I’M PASSIONATELY opposed. I’m a superstitious Greek and believe the gods are on your side if you need surgery on medical grounds, but if you elect to have it, you’re on your own.

EVER BEEN DEPRESSED?

MY PROBLEM has not been depression, but the voice in my head I call my ‘obnoxious roommate’ that obsesses about everything I’ve done wrong.

HANGOVER CURE?

I GET tipsy on one glass of wine, so I’ve never been too hungover.

BIGGEST FEAR?

I WORRY about my two daughters. If I text them and they don’t text back within three seconds, I move into major negative fantasies!

LIKE TO LIVE FOR EVER?

I PROFOUNDLY believe I will. Not my body, but my soul — the only thing that will survive us all.

The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One night at a Time by arianna huffington is published by Wh allen (£16.99).