Celebrity Health - Maia Dunphy
Mum's the word
Maia Dunphy is a broadcaster and writer who has worked behind the camera with Podge & Rodge, Dustin the Turkey and Zig and Zag as well as on Wagon’s Den with Katherine Lynch. Her own TV series Maia Dunphy's What Women Want and Maia Dunphy's Truth About aired on RTÉ 1 and 2. She is currently filming her new show Heartbreak Hotel for TV3. She lives between Ireland and London with her husband comedian Johnny Vegas and their two-year-old son Tom. Her new book The M Word: A Book for Women Who Happen to be Parents is published by Gill Books.
What sort of exercise do you do to keep in shape?
I don’t drive so I walk everywhere. My friends joke that I’ll double in size when I finally get my licence! I don’t do any formal exercise but used to do yoga and adored it. I’m determined to find time to get back to a class when I can.
What sort of foods do you eat to stay healthy?
I can’t miss meals, and unfortunately I don’t always snack healthily. Breakfast is usually a poached egg on toast, and I try to swap the egg for half an avocado a couple of times a week. Lunch is often on the go – a sandwich or salad, and dinner is usually something quick; risotto or stir fry. If my Mum is looking after Tom I usually have dinner with my parents when I collect him. My Mum’s an amazing cook and I never take the joy of being cooked for for granted! When I’m filming, it all goes out the window. I had a burger from a motorway services for lunch last week, and am a divil for snacking on crisps and chocolate. The great thing about not being a fussy eater is that I never have to go hungry!
Was it difficult to get back in shape after having a baby?
I lost the weight in no time at all without trying. I never weighed myself, but was back in my old clothes in a matter of weeks. People often mistake being slim for being fit. I lose weight very easily and the baby weight was no different, but I’m flabbier in places. I would love to be stronger but I know that will require a concerted effort to exercise.
Do you take any natural supplements?
I take Alflorex religiously every day for IBS, and also Revive Active a few times a year when I’m run down. I don’t take any other natural supplements.
Do you buy food in health stores?
Only when I get run down or sick. Then I expect things like ginseng and manuka honey to work miracles!
Do you ever worry about your health?
As I get older yes, and especially since becoming a mother. I want to be healthy and around for Tom for as long as possible.
Do you have any tips for Rude Health readers?
Don’t get too caught up with marketing labels – I’m looking at you ‘superfoods’!
All real food is superfood in my book, and what works for one person won’t for another.
I have IBS, so a lot of fruit and pulses just don’t agree with me, yet I have friends who virtually exist on them and are horrified by the amount of carbs I eat! But they work for me.
Life is all about balance, and not everyone's will be the same.
Photograph by Barry McCall.
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