By Nadia Sinclair
British TV icon and fitness guru, presently at 56, has been making waves not only on television but also in the fitness industry. Besides being known for her entertaining shows, she has educated the masses with her insightful documentaries and award-winning book on women’s health. Her fitness flare upsurged after she gave up smoking at 25 and opted for a healthier lifestyle.
Her journey pivoted after the birth of her second child when she realized a drastic increase in her weight. She joined hands with Jackie and Mark Wren, local personal trainers, who helped her sculpt her body back into shape while she was pregnant. This drastic transformation was noticed on a red-carpet event which motivated her to produce workout DVDs with her trainers.
Her approach to fitness evolved as she stepped into perimenopause. She shifted towards strength training to maintain form and prevent injuries. Today, her fitness regimen is an amalgamation of yoga, Pilates, bodyweight and strength training, cardio, occasional running, and spinning class. She is constantly trying out new workouts, keeping the fun element alive.
This fitness enthusiast believes training should not only benefit the physical body but also the mental health. The positive impact of regular exercise on her mental health is the main driving force behind her dedication to training. She incorporates bodyweight exercises in her routines to maintain muscle tone, emphasizing it as a key aspect of looking great regardless of your skin conditions.
Intermittent Fasting and the Importance of Protein
She strongly endorses the significance of protein for maintaining energy, supporting brain functions, and building muscles. For her, the struggle to intake sufficient protein everyday is real. Hence, she turns to her specially formulated protein shakes.
She has collaborated with a nutrition brand to create protein powders for women acknowledging the integral role of protein in her diet. She maintains that, contrary to popular belief, protein powders aren’t solely for bodybuilders or men, but can benefit anyone — notably, middle-aged women or those who are involved in rigorous workouts.
Protein intake goes beyond workout, especially at night when it assists with the body’s recovery. For her, having a protein shake is the perfect breakfast after an intermittent fast, which she practices regularly.
Initially, her choice of breakfast was less nutrition-oriented. However, she now follows the practice of intermittent fasting that has helped her manage bloating and improve her energy levels in the morning. This does not work for everyone but she finds it quite beneficial.
Nutrition Philosophy and Gut Health
She follows a simple food philosophy, aiming to consume as much colorful and raw food as possible. Her focus is on live cultures to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. She has significantly reduced her sugar intake. Despite loving sausages, she has also cut down on red and processed meat. She believes in making interesting and healthy additions to her diet rather than eliminating too many items.
Her fitness journey, her zeal for mental and physical health, and her vast knowledge on the importance of balanced diet and protein intake forms the basis of her revolutionary protein range.
fitness, protein, mental health, physical exercise, balanced diet, weight gain, weight loss, intermittent fasting, gut health, muscle tone
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