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.

Katy O’Hara, 21, from York, tells us how she stays in shape.

What do you eat on a typical day? Fruit for breakfast and soup or a sandwich with a chocolate bar for lunch, plus countless snacks throughout the day such as nuts, grapes or sweets. Then I’ll have a proper dinner of chilli con carne, spaghetti bolognaise or curry, and maybe ice cream or more chocolate for dessert.

What’s the worst diet you’ve ever followed? To be honest I’ve never really been on a diet. I tried to do the ‘Special K’ plan for a while where you eat 2 bowls of cereal a day in order to drop a dress size (it didn’t work at all!). I like food too much to ever diet - I just think that if it’s in moderation then it’s fine.

Are there any foods you try to eat regularly? Chocolate, it’s more that I need it rather than just want it!

What’s the best meal you’ve ever eaten? I had a monkfish stew that was gorgeous in a restaurant in Portugal, and also The Sanctuary restaurant in York does the best cheesecake that I’ve ever tasted!

Which item is a staple in your cupboard/fridge? Chocolate, ice cream and cheese.

What’s your favourite comfort food? See above!

What do you do to keep fit? I walk to work, which is about 40 minutes each way, and that’s pretty much it.

Do you take any vitamins or supplements? None.

What do you do to relax? I love being around my friends so something sociable helps me to relax - drinks with friends, going out for meals or staying in with one of them cooking and a bottle of wine.

What’s your ultimate tip for wellbeing? Walk! Get out in the fresh air and walk to work, or get off the bus one stop earlier than usual - it’s usually quicker than taking the bus anyway! Also have a little of what you fancy. In small doses, it can often do more good than harm!

What’s your diet motto? Don’t take it to the extreme. To be healthy is to be sensible - maintain a good balance between the food groups and treat yourself every now and again. A bar of chocolate never killed anyone!