Celebrity Health - Elaine Crowley
Talk show star
Elaine Crowley from Co Cork is a journalist, presenter and newsreader. The popular broadcaster worked on TV3’s Ireland AM before headlining panel show Midday and her own afternoon show. Her morning talk show Elaine is on at 11am-12 on weekdays on Virgin Media One. In 2016, she took part in Celebrity Operation Transformation on RTÉ One. She is an ambassador for Breast Cancer Ireland.
What sort of exercise do you do to keep in shape?
Over the years I have done a lot of work on my core muscles because I have a bad lower back. It doesn’t seem like you are doing much when you work your internal cradle of muscles in the gym but it has worked and meant that I didn’t have to have back surgery. I am not a big fan of cardio and don’t enjoy running, but I enjoy weights, pilates, the cross trainer and going for long walks.
What sort of foods do you eat to stay healthy?
I sometimes skip breakfast because I have found that having my three meals per day within an eight hour period really helps me with digestion.
I have struggled with my weight and intermittent fasting seems to work for me. So I may have a later breakfast, or a protein bar if I’m really hungry. For lunch I will have a sandwich with meat, mayo and salad. For dinner I would eat what I consider to be normal meals – I have tried every weird diet over the years and have found that eating more normally works best for me.
I am not a vegetarian but as I get older I am less of a fan of meat and will often choose the veggie option in a restaurant. I find that dense meat proteins are quite indigestible and vegetarian proteins easier on my stomach.
About twice a year I do a juice fast and I find that I crave fruit, vegetables, country vegetables and tomato-based sauces rather than unhealthy foods. I think this is my body telling me what to eat. I think that everyone’s body and metabolism is different and it can take a while to work out what suits you.
Do you take any natural supplements or drinks?
I go to health stores and buy a number of supplements including magnesium, which helps me sleep, zinc, vitamins D3 and D12 and glucosamine. I went to a dietitian because I was concerned I wasn’t getting enough vitamins and minerals from food, and they recommended consulting health store staff who are very helpful and informed.
Do you ever worry about your health?
Yes I do worry about my health all the time. I have had a number of chronic conditions over the years due to stress and there is heart disease in my family, so the older I get the more healthy I am trying to be. I try to drink more water and exercise.
Do you have any tips for Rude Health readers?
- One of the most important is eat real food.
- Don’t feel guilty about food – especially if you struggle with food issues.
- Embrace and enjoy food and don’t treat it like the enemy. It is there to fuel our bodies.
- You can’t be active without addressing sleep issues – so sort out your sleep before trying to exercise, otherwise you will be too exhausted. You also need sleep to recover from exercise and having an active life.
- Try to find something active that you enjoy doing – whether it’s zumba, jumping on a trampoline or hiking. Warm up beforehand, get your heart rate up and do stretches afterwards.
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