DietPixie discovers how real women look good and stay healthy

It’s all well and good to get the inside info on Charlotte Church’s home gym or what type of fruit we should eat to get a flatter stomach, but isn’t it more useful and refreshing to hear how real women diet?

Many of us juggle high-pressure jobs and a busy home life, with barely a second to even think about going to the gym.

We asked student Jess McCarrick, 20, from Stockton-on-Tees, about diet, fitness and health.

What do you eat on a typical day? It depends how busy I am. On a good day I’ll try to have breakfast -
either toast or cereal, otherwise I’ll skip it - but occasionally I will go all out and have an English breakfast!
When I’m at uni, I usually eat out, so either a lavish roast dinner, a burger and chips or a jacket potato. If I’ve had a really big lunch then I may skip tea, or just have something light like soup. Snackwise, I don’t really eat crisps - I’m more of a chocolate girl!

What’s the worst diet you’ve ever followed? I haven’t really followed a diet, I find them too constraining and hard. If I feel I’ve put on a bit of weight I usually try to stop snacking as much, and maybe do a bit of exercise.

Are there any foods you try to eat regularly? I do try and eat healthy, and usually stick to the recommended 5 a day measures of fruit and veg.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever eaten? That’s a hard question! I think I would have to say my dad’s Christmas dinners - they are usually delicious!

Which item is a staple in your cupboard/fridge? There always seems to be milk. My family couldn’t get by without tea!

What’s your favourite comfort food? That would have to be chocolate, without a doubt. When I have exams I snack on it constantly.

What do you do to keep fit? I’m a member of a gym, but don’t attend as much as I should. However, I recently started going to Pilates and belly-dancing classes.

Do you take any vitamins or supplements? Only if I’m full of cold, in which case I usually take a multi-vitamin or Vitamin C.

What do you do to relax? Have a nice long hot bath, or go for a walk with a friend and talk away life’s problems!

What’s your ultimate tip for wellbeing? Be true to yourself and do what makes you feel happy.

What’s your diet motto? Everything in moderation.