Olivier Meisonnave, owner, Dax restaurant and wine bar, Dublin
Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
Relatively healthy, it’s definitely better this year than the previous 20 years. I gave up cigarettes on January 1st and have managed to stay off them. I hate them now. I’ve also given up beer, bread, biscuits, pastries, etc. I was diagnosed with a gluten intolerance in May 2009, so had to make a few adjustments. I feel so much better for it, I find I have a lot more energy as a result.
How often do you exercise?
I make time to go for a short run most mornings, just around my apartment block, so I try to get out at least four mornings a week – just for 20 minutes. I’m also a member of the Pat Henry gym and would go about twice a week – well, I try to anyway.
Do you get your five a day?
Very little fruit I’m afraid to say, except for summer fruits. I adore summer fruits – nectarines, peaches, apricots, raspberries.
Do you worry?
I do sometimes, usually about work or if my little boy is sick, as all parents do. I used to get quite anxious from the pressures and stress that come with running a restaurant and ended up with stomach problems as a result. But I try to look at things differently now and take things easier as there are no benefits from stressing out. I think I have a pretty positive outlook on life.
What do you do to relax?
Have a snooze, run or watch a DVD with a glass of wine.
What’s your unhealthiest habit?
I’m terrible for grazing, I always have been. Every time I pass the fridge I’m lured in to see if I can find something tempting. Cheese, yogurt, ham – anything small, just to . . . I actually don’t know why, but it’s a habit I can’t seem to shake, my dad is the same. Maybe one day we might talk to Dr Phil about it. Another would be wine, I’m a big wine fan. A little, but often. However, I’ve been assured now that a little wine on a regular basis may in fact be good rather than bad for you.
