Thursday, 22 March 2007

Nancy Sorrell: Dancing with my twins keeps me fit

Model and I’m A Celebrity… star Nancy Sorrell reveals how she stays in shape

I was determined to get back into shape

‘I was feeling a bit frumpy so a friend recommended I try an online diet called Sin & Slim. It had really worked for her, but then I fell pregnant, so I forgot all about it and watched my weight go up to 11½st over the following nine months.

After my gorgeous twins Beth and Nell were born in May 2006, I was determined to get back into shape, so I looked into Sin & Slim. It’s a diet that basically lets you eat healthily most of the time, but recommends you have regular treats to keep you on track.

Jim is a brilliant cook

‘The first thing I did was start filling up on fruit and veg. Whereas before I’d have two slices of buttery toast for breakfast, I started having loads of chopped-up fruit drizzled in honey instead.

Jim is a brilliant cook and he started making us fantastic dinners, like prawn and vegetable stir-fry.

‘Before the twins came along we were a typical busy working couple with no time to exercise, but when they arrived we started going on lovely long walks as a family. We’d strap the girls in a sling, carrying one each, and set off on three-mile hikes.

It banished my bingo wings in no time

‘I didn’t deny myself, though – every Sunday I’d have a big roast dinner and when I fancied a glass of wine or a bag of crisps, I’d have some. But slowly the weight started coming off. During the twins’ naps I’d do 10 or 20 sit-ups on an exercise ball in front of the TV, but the best exercise of all is lifting the girls up all the time. As any mum will tell you, it tones your arms up a treat!

'Sometimes if, say, Nell is sleeping I’ll pick Beth up and have a bit of a boogie with her to the radio, lifting her gently above my head. They love it and it banished my bingo wings in no time. Eight weeks after they were born I was getting into size 10 jeans – with a little bit of help from my gorgeous Agent Provocateur girdle to hold my tummy in.

‘Now, thanks to the sit-ups, I don’t even need it any more and I’m back to modelling for Ann Summers. I feel so much more at ease with myself now, as I’m in better shape than ever.

But that’s not to say I won’t treat myself to a Magnum ice cream every now and then!’