Nicole Sealy
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF CHESHIRE STAR NICOLE SEALEY, 45, ON HER NEW PASSION FOR WALKING AND COPING WITH GALLBLADDER ISSUES HEIGHT 5FT 2IN WEIGHT 8ST 10LB DRESS SIZE 8
Hi Nicole! Are you body confident?
Last summer I decided I felt uncomfortable in my clothes. I’d never been very big, but gradually my weight crept up. My gallbladder hasn’t been working for some time, which is probably why I put weight on and I’m actually having an operation to have it removed. But as I’ve started to lose weight, I’ve felt more confident. I’m back down to a size 8 and in total I’ve lost 2st 10lb.
What’s your exercise regime now?
Until my early 40s, I’d been lucky in that I didn’t have to do too much, then last August I was the heaviest I’ve ever been, so I started walking and bike riding. I walk every day now and I have been doing 15k a day. I’d like to lose another half a stone. Before lockdown, I saw a PT a couple of times a week and would also go swimming.
What’s your favourite part of your body?
My ears – they’re quite nice.
How about your least favourite?
My arms, because they’re not very long.
Are you a healthy eater?
My diet was very calorie-controlled, but since I’ve found out about my gallbladder I’ve been on a zero-fat diet, so I only eat fish and a little bit of chicken. After they take my gallbladder out I’ll be able to have a few treats.
What are your guilty pleasures?
A packet of salt ‘n’ vinegar crisps. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, but I am partial to an ice lolly.
What’s your
Friday night takeaway order?
I like
Japanese food, so sashimi and hand rolls. I really like
Indian, but I can’t have that at all at the moment.
Have you ever been tempted to be vegan or vegetarian?
When I was 18, I tried being a vegetarian for a year and I found it OK. I don’t think I could go vegan, but I could live without meat.
What’s your top healthy tip?
Everything in moderation. Have a lower intake of red meat because it makes you feel sluggish and eat fewer processed foods.
Catch up on The Real Housewives Of Cheshire on the ITV Hub NUTRITION CONSULTANT IAN MARBER SAYS…
“I am sure that Nicole has taken advice from a nutrition professional to help her eat well given her gallbladder problem, but I am concerned that skipping meals isn’t ideal. She is not eating anywhere near enough for an active and busy adult.
“The gallbladder produces bile, which helps break down fat in the diet, and so eating lean foods with minimal fat should allow Nicole to enjoy food more freely.
“For example, some fat-free yoghurt with fruit in the morning will offer protein, fibre and a wide range of nutrients, as will a chicken salad with plenty of crunchy vegetables at lunch, flavoured with lemon juice and herbs.
“Lobster in the evening offers protein as well as vitamin B12, along with copper and selenium. Carrots and peas are decent sources of fibre, along with vitamins A and C.”