You are what you eat

Jane Shortall: This dance teacher is lucky enough to be able to eat whatever she likes, writes Melanie Morris.

Jane Shortall: This dance teacher is lucky enough to be able to eat whatever she likes, writes Melanie Morris.

What's your food philosophy? "I adore food and eat a load of it - I'm lucky that I can, because as a dancer I burn so much energy every day. I've been vegetarian for the past few years and like that way of eating, but I have fish occasionally to ensure I get enough protein. I eat everything - from big fresh salads to sugary desserts, and especially lots of carbs, but I always try to ensure I have the good stuff first, like my five portions of fruit and vegetables every day - either straight up or as juice. I went to a nutritionist called Aveen Bannon recently and she was excellent; not necessarily telling me things I didn't know, but making me aware of what's right."

Where do you shop? "I don't do a big shop because I'm out most of the time, but I get all my staples and deli things from Liston's on Camden Street - I'd be lost without it - and fruit and vegetables from Marks & Spencer. I go to Fresh in Powerscourt Townhouse for veggie food and their delicious muesli with dried cranberries, mango, sunflower seeds and nuts."

What is your failsafe recipe? "Pasta with pesto. I love a sundried tomato one at the moment. I also do salads with my prize-winning dressing - fresh mustard, garlic, good olive oil, balsamic and white wine vinegar."

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What are your store cupboard essentials? "I try to keep tins of beans and tuna on standby. I love that Green and Black organic chocolate, nuts, pasta and hummus."

Do you entertain? "Not often, and to be honest, it's the only time I get out the Jamie Oliver books and cook something properly, but I'd say in reality it's only about twice a year."

Who is your favourite celebrity chef? "Gordon Ramsay. I don't know much of his work, but I love that he's cheeky and bold."

What are your favourite restaurants? "That new place Franks for great salads and a real NY buzz, and Diep Noodle Bar in Ranelagh for atmosphere. For brunch, I've started to go to The Canal Bank Café on Leeson Street - they do excellent omelettes and I love eggs when I'm out. Then it's Coffee Society or Butlers for coffee and Steps of Rome for their amazing fresh pasta."

What can't you pass on a menu? "Well-made chips. If a restaurant does them properly, I have to have them. I was in Bleu on Dawson Street the other night and had the best fish and chips."

Do you order take-out? "Yes, from Surma, my local Indian, or Supper's Ready, but I'm getting a bit bored and looking for fresh inspiration."

What is your favourite cocktail? "Cosmopolitans at the Fitzwilliam Hotel."

And your recommended hangover cure? "A big brekky and Solpadeine."

What's your foodie sin? "Probably lattes, with sugar, but I try to limit them to two a day."

And your favourite comfort food? "Popcorn."

Do you eat late at night? "Too often. It's because my classes are in the evening and so I'll wait until afterwards to eat. Then it's big bowls of pasta or out to a restaurant with friends."

What do you eat for an energy boost? "Banana smoothies. I don't eat directly before an evening class, but will lunch at about 2.30 p.m. and then graze on something like smoothies, or muesli and yoghurt in the late afternoon."

What's your death row last meal? "I love desserts, so lots of them. Chocolate biscuit cake, carrot cake and freshly made banoffi pie."

And finally Jane, if you are what you eat, then you are ... "Nutty!"

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