Monday, 25 September 2006

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Davina McCall: I feel sexier when I'm slimmer

But the busy working mum says there's no quick fix

She's a busy mum of three whose growing pregnancy bumps have been witnessed by most of the nation while she's hosted Big Brother.

Having amazed everyone by getting back into great shape after the births of daughters Holly, four, Tilly, two, and son Chester born in September 2006, Davina has been determined to keep up the hard work – and her efforts have paid off. She just keeps looking better and better.

The busy presenter has revealed all her diet and fitness secrets in her fitness DVD, including just how she manages to find time to fit exercise into her hectic schedule.

Work at your max for half an hour

'Being a wife, a mum and having a career is madness. I know how chaotic life can get and finding time to exercise can seem impossible, but it's not,' says Davina. 'I'll let you into my secret – working out to your maximum capacity for just 30 minutes can be more effective than a full hour working less efficiently.'

As its name suggests, Davina's DVD My Three 30-Minute Workouts is divided into three sections: The Pump, Cardio Box and Core Stability. It promises to work muscles, give you a cardiovascular workout and help with posture.

There no quick-fix solution

'It adds up to only an hour and a half of exercise a week – that doesn't sound too bad, does it?' says Davina. What's more, included on the DVD are Davina's favourite top 10 quick and easy recipes.

'I put on so much weight when I get pregnant,' says Davina. 'Of course, I'm in denial that it has anything to do with the enormous amounts of pudding I eat. But I'm not somebody who naturally twangs back into shape. There's no quick-fix solution.

'I feel much better about myself when I'm slimmer. I feel sexier, too. I'm realistic, though. After all, I'm a 38-year-old mother of three. I have to put in the hard graft and start exercising and eating sensibly.

'Being fit gives me more energy than I could have imagined and I still believe that working out three times a week and eating three healthy meals a day is the best way to get fit and lose weight – it's that simple.'

Davina's Menu

Her personal trainer Jackie Wren gives us a typical day's menu…

Breakfast
Melon with chopped avocado; toast with thin spread of butter

Lunch
Tuna salad with potatoes, fruit and yogurt

Dinner
Garlic and rosemary lamb with roasted or steamed vegetables

Foods to have ready to stop you snacking
• A big bowl of ready prepared fresh fruit salad in the fridge
• Chopped raw vegetables
• Nuts

Ali Agnew