Under the microscope

Naturalist and presenter, Steve Backshall, 49, takes our health quiz

CAN YOU RUN UP THE STAIRS?

ABSOLUTELY. My exercise regimen has changed now that my wife [Olympic champion rower Helen Glover] and I have young children — Logan, four, and twins, Kit and Bo, aged two. I now have to grab my training whenever I can.

GET YOUR FIVE A DAY?

I GET it all at breakfast with fruit and veg smoothies. I tend to be mainly vegetarian, but we are flexible.

EVER DIETED?

I TRY to lose weight if I’m doing a climbing expedition, as the strength to bodyweight ratio is so important. I’ve done two fitness photo shoots, which meant posing with my shirt off. I went on a diet for about a month (upping my veg and water intake) for those. I didn’t lose much weight but I looked better. I weigh 14st (90kg) and am 5ft 11in.

HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED YOU?

IT gave me the opportunity to spend time at home, being a dad.

ANY VICES?

COFFEE and chips. I can’t resist chips and I would find it hard to give up coffee. I have to have a couple of cups of a day otherwise I’m useless.

WORST ILLNESS/INJURY?

IN 2011 I slipped 30ft down a cliff face onto rocks while climbing with a friend in the Forest of Dean. I broke my back in two places and I completely destroyed my left ankle. I needed 13 operations to correct the damage. I was very lucky to be able to walk again.

POP ANY PILLS?

I HAVE turmeric and ginger in my green juice every morning, but I don’t take any supplements.

COPE WELL WITH PAIN?

I’VE lived with constant pain since my climbing fall, so I have to cope. I try not to take painkillers otherwise I’d be taking them every day for life.

EVER BEEN DEPRESSED?

I AM very lucky in that lots of things send my mood sky high — nature, wildlife, the mountains, the sea. These things will always sustain me.

HANGOVER CURE?

I HAVEN’T had a hangover since my wedding day in 2016. What I used to do was go freezing cold white-water kayaking. That did the trick.

WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?

I SPEND a lot of time obsessing over the safety of my kids. Nothing prepares you for that apprehension.

ANY PHOBIAS?

I’VE dived with sharks, but I’m most nervous in a big city at night after closing time. People are much more frightening than animals. n Steve and Helen’s book, Wildlings (£20, published by Hodder & Stoughton) is out now.