Celebrity Health – Deric Hartigan
Deric Hartigan is an Irish TV weatherman and documentary presenter with Virgin Media Ireland Television. He is a triathlete and enthusiastic sea swimmer
Photograph: Virgin Media Ireland
How is work going Deric?
This year has been so unpredictable for so many, but thankfully my schedule has been mostly routine - in fact it’s actually been busier. Between increased news studio broadcasts and taking Ireland AM out on the road each morning incorporating Virgin Media’s Backing Business initiative, my team and colleagues have worked right though this entire pandemic to keep the nation up to speed with the very latest updates. Most of the news reporters have become household names at this stage; they deserve all the praise they get.
What sort of exercise do you do to keep in shape?
I'm a triathlete by trade and have completed the Dun Laoghaire 70.3 Ironman three times in the past few years. With all races cancelled in 2020, I have completely taken my foot off the pedal. Like most, I’ve learned to slow down, and for the first time in a while I’m actually enjoying my gym and home workouts. I’m blessed to live beside a park for regular runs and cycles and I enjoy a daily sunrise swim in the Irish sea most mornings. I’ve been doing that for nine years now – I really enjoy it. It’s good for my mental health. It’s the one place that keeps me grounded and focused. The sea helps me forget about life’s worries while I’m out there. I just focus on the currents, the waves, the cold, the wildlife – it truly is exhilarating. I'm thrilled to see sea swimming growing over the past year or so – many people are taking to the freezing Irish waters and swimming communities are popping up all over the country’s coastline including June Curtin and the Snámhaisasta crew in Clare.
As my sea swim partner Glenda Tynan says, “Get out of your head and into the sea!” I totally agree. It’s nature’s best medicine!
What sort of foods do you eat to stay healthy?
I do eat quite healthily Monday to Friday and then use the weekend to pig out! My diet is mostly plant-based.
I have a few slips here and there but I make a concerted effort to focus on vegan foods or alternatives. I love being able to support the local farmers' markets which provide seasonal organic produce all year round.
Do you take any natural supplements or drinks?
At the moment, I take supplements from One Nutrition. Vitamin D is my main focus, especially with the lack of sunshine as we go through the winter months. Their D3-Max liquid spray formula is my go-to. I also use natural hemp and pea protein to complement my weight training in the gym, alongside my morning multivitamins. To maintain healthy hair, skin and nails I use Viviscal Man.
Do you like independent health stores?
Yes, I visit them all the time in fact! They are a great place to find guilt-free healthy snacks and treats too. Two years ago, I switched all my home cleaning products to eco-friendly and organic. With two cats in the household, I hate the thought of chemicals from the floors all over their paws. There’s always a good variety in my local health store. Currently, I'm using Lilly's Eco Clean range, a brand from Galway. I always try to buy and support Irish brands and products where I can. It's hugely important, especially in this current climate.
Do you ever worry about your health?
I do and I don't is the honest answer. I’ve always made it my primary focus and for me it’s all about striking a balance. Your health is your wealth after all.
Do you have any health tips for Rude Health readers?
In order to perform effectively and efficiently in both your professional and personal life you have to strike a chord between home life and work life. Without that, most of us end up burning the candle at both ends which in turn leads to both mental and physical health problems.
I wake up early, I go to bed early and make productive use of my time. I would hit the road at 5am for a sea swim before work rather than sit for 90 minutes on the M50 for a 15-minute commute. It’s all about making smarter decisions that work harder for you! I think this pandemic will actually be the making of people. It has forced us to sort out our priorities, differentiate between what we want and what we actually need. Amen to that!
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