Thursday, 22 March 2007

Patsy Palmer shares her post-pregnancy diet secrets

Ex-EastEnder Patsy Palmer ditched takeaways for bike riding and organic food

Ex-EastEnder and mum-of-three Patsy Palmer, ditched partying and takeaways for bike riding and organic food.

'Ten years ago I looked long and leggy, but was really unhealthy. I was partying a lot, skipping meals and then filling up on junk food.

'I wouldn't have breakfast, so I'd grab a McDonald's for lunch and not eat again until I got home later that night. I was bloated and my skin and hair felt horrible – everyone thought I had lovely shiny hair, but I was actually blow drying it straight every day as it's naturally curly.Then I fell pregnant so the late nights and junk food stopped.

'After my second child Fenton was born in June 2000, I went on the Atkins diet to try to shift some weight. It didn't work and pretty soon I was pregnant again with Emilia.

'Getting up at 6am every day for the kids meant I couldn't survive without carbs, so I ditched the faddy diets and started eating proper, wholesome food.

'Around the same time I spoke to a nutritionist and found out I was allergic to wheat and, annoyingly, chocolate. Cutting them out made a huge difference – the pounds started dropping off but, better still, I hardly felt bloated any more and I could get in to size 10 jeans again.

'Instead of giving up bread and pasta altogether, I bought the wheat-free versions and started becoming interested in organic food.

'Despite having three kids, I think I look better now than I did 10 years ago. I recently bought myself one of those old-fashioned bikes with a basket on the front. The kids and I cycle everywhere together and I've really noticed a difference in my thighs.

'Another trick I've learnt is to exfoliate all your worst bits, like your stomach or your thighs, every day in the shower.

'I swear it's helped me tone up – and not a running machine in sight!'