under the microscope
Singer Belinda Carlisle, 57, answers our health quiz
CAN YOU RUN UP THE STAIRS?
YES, I’ve always been active. I do cardio exercises four times a week, working out on an exercise bike or cross-trainer. When I’m at our home in the South of France, I also hike in the mountains. Last year, I completed training as a yoga instructor.
GET YOUR FIVE A DAY?
YES, although I don’t like the taste of fruit. I returned to vegetarianism three years ago after a 20-year break — it was too hard sticking to it on the road. I love green salads with endive, arugula [rocket] and spinach.
EVER DIETED?
I’M A walking, talking calorie book and have to watch my weight because it fluctuates. At the height of my singing career in the late Eighties, I probably had a type of bulimia. After counting every calorie, I would binge eat. I didn’t throw up, instead I ‘purged’ with exercise.
ANY VICES?
I LIKE gourmet salt such as Fleur de Sel de Camargue, which is hand raked. I’m a salt snob. I probably use more than the average person, but I never eat processed food, which contains a lot of hidden salt. I also love French ground coffee and drink four cups every morning.
ANY FAMILY AILMENTS?
NO. BOTH my parents are still alive.
WORST ILLNESS OR INJURY?
THIS year, I had surgery on both hips for torn labral tissue (a type of cartilage in the hip socket). Lady Gaga has had the same surgery. I developed my problems from years of dancing on stage. Before the operation I was in incredible pain and couldn’t walk much. Afterwards, I was on crutches for a few days and had physiotherapy for three months.
POP ANY PILLS?
I TAKE chlorella [a green algae supplement] for energy and overall wellbeing, Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend (which contains fatty acids omega-3, 6 and 9) for joints, and turmeric capsules for inflammation.
TRIED ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES?
I’M OPEN to all sorts of alternative therapy. I have acupuncture and acupressure, reiki and massage. When menopause symptoms started at 51, my doctor said that before he gave me hormones, he wanted me to try a 10psized magnet device that clipped to my underwear. It works on the autonomic nervous system [which has a role in sweating]. I went from sweats and hot flushes to no symptoms.
HANGOVER CURE?
I HAVEN’T touched alcohol in a decade and still attend Alcoholics Anonymous. But I used to try hair of the dog and anything fried.
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE?
I’M LUCKY. I go straight to sleep and usually get six to eight hours.
BIGGEST PHOBIA?
MOTHS. I freak out if they come near me. I must have had a past-life issue with them!
LIKE TO LIVE FOR EVER?
NO. I don’t want to be around when family and friends have gone. And I’ve already packed five lifetimes into one.
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BeliNDA CArliSle: The CD Singles 1986-2014 is available now; facebook.com/BelindaCarlisleOfficial