Claire Sweeney: Stay slim for life
It's a struggle but it can be done
Saturday, 18 November 2006
Claire says she'd like to be a bit more toned – who wouldn't – but is happy with her weight. 'It does fluctuate up and down by about 3-7lb,' she says, 'but I know when I've got to start being sensible and get back in shape.'
Q & A
What's your most and least favourite parts of your figure?
My favourite is definitely my arms – I don't have to work on them. My least favourite is my thighs. And since turning 30, I've suddenly got a tummy, too.
Do you enjoy going to the gym?
No, but I force myself to go. It's not too bad when I've got a trainer encouraging me and I can get on the bike and watch a bit of telly. But it's not something I really enjoy. I wish I didn't have to do it.
What's your weekly exercise routine?
I try to go to the gym three times a week, although sometimes I'm so busy I can't. I do 20 minutes on the runner, 20-30 minutes on the bike, then plenty of leg and tummy exercises.
You've maintained a fantastic figure since losing weight. What's your advice for not letting it creep back on?
I've tried all sorts of diets but, for me, exercise and eating low-fat food are the best ways to maintain my weight. It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle. I've also joined an online diet club, so I can do my food diary. It's a really simple way to watch what you're eating.
What's your typical day's diet?
A crumpet for breakfast, a packet of low-fat crisps mid-morning, a jacket potato with salad for lunch and a chicken salad for dinner.
What food do you enjoy?
I try to make sure I eat healthy, low-fat foods. But if I do fancy something that's not so good I don't deny myself. Last week I went out for a curry. I really enjoyed it and I just made sure I ate more healthy foods for the next couple of days.
Are there any foods that you try to avoid?
No. My motto is moderation not deprivation. But I'm sensible. I know the difference between a cake and a piece of fruit!
What's your biggest food downfall?
There's no one thing that I crave, I just love pigging out. I really enjoy it! I wouldn't deny myself anything. I love Haribo sweets because they don't have any fat in them.
What's your ideal weight?
I feel best at about 9 and a half stone, but realistically, with day-to-day living, I'm between that and 10st. The heaviest I've been is nearly 11st.
You've spoken of falling ill when you tried the Atkins diet. What happened?
Well, I wasn't doing it properly because I hadn't read up on what it was all about, so I just cut out carbs. I had a heavy work schedule at the time, so combining the two made me really ill and I ended up with a kidney infection.
Do you ever detox?
I tried a detox once. I had a little headache for the first two days. I was meant to do it for a week, but I could only stick to it for about four days. I don't think I'd do it again. As long as you drink lots of water and you exercise, you shouldn't need to detox.
Would you ever consider having cosmetic surgery?
Yes, of course! I wouldn't have Botox on my face because I'm an actress and it would limit my facial expressions. But I'd have a facelift, definitely. Although hopefully I've inherited my mum's genes – she looks amazing for her age. So I hope I'll never need to do anything.
A lot of celebrities have suffered eating disorders due to the demands of being in the public eye. Have you ever felt pressure?
There were a few photos taken of me on the beach when I wasn't looking very trim.
They appeared in the papers and they printed some bitchy comments, so I get that and it isn't very nice. But I think all women feel pressure to be slim and most women take pride in their appearance. I like food too much to ever starve myself.
Who do you think has a great body?
I'd say Elle Macpherson and Claudia Schiffer, definitely.
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