British actress Patsy Palmer tells Patricia Weston she's very health conscious but it's a miracle she doesn't smoke or drink
Are you fit?
Yes, I am because I think it's really important to keep fit. When I was doing Strictly Come Dancing I was very fit from all the dancing; it's a great way to keep fit.
How do you stay in shape?
I live by the sea so I like to swim and ride my bike. I also enjoy walking but I don't really stick to any one routine. I'm very busy at the moment with work and moving house.
I've just finished recording a fitness video that is out in October. I do a boxing routine in it. I used to do a lot of kickboxing in London and found it great for toning your arms and excellent for your legs.
Are you conscious about how you look?
No, not really. I used to be when I was younger.
What's your diet like?
It's really good. I eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and also cook at home. I have three kids so it's important that they eat well. We always eat organic. There are so many beautiful fresh foods out there that I really love to cook.
Do you have any food intolerances?
Yes, I'm intolerant to wheat so I've completely cut that out of my diet because it causes bloatedness. I find it easy enough because there are so many wheat-free products available. I'm also trying to cut out chocolate but it's not so easy.
Any vices?
I don't smoke or drink which is a miracle considering I come from an Irish background!
Have you tried any unusual workouts recently?
I tried hot yoga and I thought it was great; it's yoga in a hot room. I'd definitely give that a go again.
Are you a fan of alternative remedies?
Yes, I love them. I love homeopathy and acupuncture. I also take fish oil supplements and magnesium every day and so do my kids. I'm big into anything alternative because I'm very health conscious.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Cutting wheat out of your diet is fine as long as it's only temporary. Elmary Purtill, of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI), says it's potentially dangerous to cut any food from your diet because this can lead to an imbalanced diet.
She says food intolerances, unlike allergies, are only temporary and she recommends omitting a food from your diet only if you intend to re-introduce it.
"Wheat is a big thing to omit because it's such a great source of fibre and a valuable source of energy.
"The best thing to do if you think you are intolerant or are becoming bloated, is to remove a food such as wheat from your diet for one week and replace it with a wheat-free alternative to see if this is causing the problem, but gradually re-introduce it back into your diet. Never completely omit any food," she says.
For more information on nutrition visit: www.indi.ie
pweston@eircom.net
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime.