MY FIT LIFE
Chef and author Gizzi Erskine
EXPLORE
If I’ve got the energy to go out after work, I’ll head to a gig or a restaurant. I love Dinerama – a streetfood market in Shoreditch, London. I collaborated with [former model and nutritionist] Rosemary Ferguson on our Pure Filth pop-up food stall at the Tate Modern, and exploring the galleries – notably the Picasso show on at the time – was a great way to break up the day.
ENHANCE
I used to only use Dove soap and Eucerin cream on my skin; now I want to really take care of it. I go to Harley Street skin specialist Jasmina Vico for micro-needling and, at home, my routine now includes Dr Dennis Gross Skincare, especially the C + Collagen range and the La Prairie Skin Caviar collection. But I swear it’s the oils in all the anchovies I snack on that keep me looking young…
ENRICH
I’m a big podcast fan: The Infinite Bad if I want something thriller-related; Desert Island Discs or Table Manners With Jessie Ware for more chilled listening. The last books I enjoyed were The Handmaid’s Tale and The Art Of Fermentation. As I chef, I’ve had the job of looking after the bacteria cultures, and while I’m not making my own kombucha and kefir right now, I love seeing what my neighbour Jessie (@Jessieferments) has been doing.
MANAGE
I’ve been diagnosed with acute anxiety and, for me, therapy doesn’t help. So, I’ve accepted that I’ll always need my medication. I also have ADHD but now choose not to medicate it. The drugs I was given made me feel numb, but for my work I need to be creative and impulsive. Krill oil helps with the symptoms, but due to the sustainability issues, I’m looking for alternatives.
NOURISH
I relish the cooking process; I like to put time, effort and love into the food I make. My dream breakfast is Mexican: avocado, black beans, salsa and jalapeños. Lunch is normally a poké bowl or really good sushi. I work late, so dinner will be something light, such as the sweet potato miso ramen from my new book.
FOCUS
I’ve always been lean and athletic, so I’ve not really had to watch what I eat. But a few months ago, I realised I’d gained 3st. My aim now is to feel as strong and fit as I did before. I love myself for who I am, but achieving a goal makes me feel empowered – that’s why I’m doing this.
MOVE
After a break from exercise, I’m building up my strength through sessions with Sarah Lindsay at Roar Fitness. For HIIT and cardio, I train with Alice Trow at Blok London – we’ll do intense circuits with ropes and tyres, boxing and morning runs. I notice my improved fitness when I get in the pool. I swam competitively for years when I was growing up and I’ve slowly been getting back into it – I feel phenomenal in the water.
RELAX
Feeling good doesn’t just come from eating healthily and drinking minimally; it also comes from treating yourself and having a G&T once in a while. If I feel down, self-care involves chocolate and a DVD box set. While I love to train, what makes me happiest is eating a Sunday roast with family, drawing and chatting with my mini-me niece, and enjoying a glass of red wine with my mum.