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 spoke to Ruth Pugh, 22, a support worker from Middlesbrough, about all things diet…

What do you eat on a typical day? I eat loads of fruit. I usually make a smoothie on a morning, which must make up about three of my five a day, if I have time. At work it’s one of the easiest things to pick up and eat for lunch and snacks. I try to make meals but there’s never enough time so I usually eat quick things like sandwiches and cereal.

What’s the worst diet you’ve ever followed? I tried Atkins for ten days and I was knackered, literally struggling to get upstairs. I had no energy, so never again.

Are there any foods you try to eat regularly? I’m not afraid of food and I like to try everything. I love seafood and tend to try it all - I’ve eaten octopus and most recently lobster, which is nice but overrated.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever eaten? Probably the fish pie in a restaurant in Newcastle. Restaurant meals are hit and miss but I prefer them to home cooking.

Which item is a staple in your cupboard/fridge? Potatoes - I have them with every meal and they’re so versatile.

What’s your favourite comfort food? That’s a hard one to answer. Sometimes I’m in a savoury mood and will eat crisps and cheese, but other times it’ll be a sweet mood and I’ll crave chocolate. Before or during a period it’s all about the chocolate. If whiskey counts as a comfort drink can you put that on, please?

What do you do to keep fit? I have recently started jogging. Being in my new job I’ve put on weight although I don’t know how much because I rarely get on the scales, so it has inspired me to start jogging. I wouldn’t do the whole gym thing because I’m just too uncomfortable, jiggling on the treadmill and all that! I did used to go to an all ladies gym which was OK but it’s shut down now.

Do you take any vitamins or supplements? No, I don’t bother, they’re baffling.

What do you do to relax? Bitch and moan over wine with friends, and sometimes have a hot soothing bath but that’s mainly if I’m suffering period pain.

What’s your ultimate tip for wellbeing? Have your five a day because it gives you so much energy, and to keep a regular body clock get up at the same time every morning. That way you don’t have the stupid lie-ins and sleepless nights. Also drink plenty of water - it’s an oldie but a goodie.

What’s your diet motto? I can’t say I have one though I should! I suppose I’d say it’s about getting to know your food, reading the labels and checking the contents, and learning how to cook it so you’re not just living off the same boring meals all the time.