TV presenter and reporter Amanda Brunker hates the gym, but , as she tells Patricia Weston, she plans to walk regularly in a bid to lose weight for her upcoming TV series
Do you take regular exercise?
To be honest, not really. I exercise on and off. I've a new show coming up, so I need to lose about a stone in weight.
I've started walking the dog on the beach in Clontarf, where I live. Last night I walked four miles so I plan to keep that up at least three nights a week. I'll stay in if the weather is bad though.
Ever joined a gym?
I did the gym thing a couple of years ago, when I was entering the Miss Ireland competition - that was about 13 years ago - but I found it was money wasted because it became such an effort to get in the car and drive to the gym. I found it monotonous and a real chore. I also didn't like the communal atmosphere. It works for some people, but it just wasn't me.
Have you tried any exercise classes?
I did a yoga course but I couldn't commit to it because my work schedule was so hectic. I have no routine in work, so it's hard to take up anything and keep it up.
Are you a healthy eater?
I love savoury foods and eat big portions. I'd eat loads of pasta and could eat a whole sliced pan. I'm not a big chocolate person.
If I go out for dinner, I'd rather have another starter than have dessert. I'm trying to lose weight, so I've cut out potatoes and bread. I'm also snacking on sugar snap peas. I don't eat fruit, so I'm drinking juices and smoothies and lots of water.
Any unhealthy habits?
I don't smoke but beer is my big downfall. I love my beer. I was at a wedding recently and I was trying to look ladylike so I was drinking beer from a bottle. After a while I just said "to hell with that" and started drinking pints.
I know beer really piles on the weight but I love my pints and I can handle it. It must be the tomboy in me.
Are you easily stressed?
I get stressed from time to time. My brother died three years ago and when you suffer such a loss, you realise the important things in life. It was a valuable lesson. I suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome at the time and became very lethargic. My whole system was in cramps. I'm grand now. You just have to get on with life.
I've taken on a huge mortgage, which is scary, so I could get very stressed about that, but what's the point?
Amanda will host a new series, The Dinner Party, on Network 2 in October. If you are interested in taking part, tel: 01-6601588 or e-mail: letstalk@anotheravenue.com
Patricia Weston notes:
• According to the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute (INDI), sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) should seek advice on treatment from their doctor. Symptoms vary from person to person but here are some general dietary tips for dealing with IBS.
• Sufferers should keep a diary of their food intake and the symptoms they suffer.
• Ensure there is plenty of fibre in the diet, such as porridge, wholemeal pasta and wholemeal bread.
• Sweeteners or sorbitol added to food can have a laxative effect on sufferers, so limit intake and check food labels for hidden sugars.
• The INDI also recommends pro-biotic drinks to help create healthy bacteria in the gut.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime and stop exercising if you feel nauseous or dizzy.