Sammy Winward: A trampoline helped me slim

The Emmerdale actress lost 3½st through breast-feeding and exercise

Wednesday, 12 December 2007

How did you get back in shape after having your daughter Mia?

I wasn't allowed to exercise for six weeks after the birth [in June 2004], but after that I thought I'd better start doing something as I hadn't done any exercise for so long. I started with toning exercises – like sit-ups and lunges – and used an exercise ball and weights.

When I'm working I do much less because I don't have time. I think breast-feeding helped me a lot though, because it used up at least 500 calories a day, which is a bit like doing a five-mile run. It was fantastic.

What's your usual fitness regime?

The majority is on the exercise ball at home. It was my stomach and arms that I mainly worried about because I hadn't lifted anything for nine months. I used small weights and did lots of repetitions. I also found that doing crunches, where I had to sit on the exercise ball and put my feet under the settee, worked really well – I'd do 50 in the morning and 50 at night.

I've got a trampoline as well, which is great. It really tones you up all over, you can just put on music and dance around on it. It uses up loads of energy and it's fun, too.

What exercise did you do before you got pregnant?

I was a member of a gym, but I didn't go much. I also attempted to go for a few runs with my sister, but she's better than me and I find running a bit boring.

I'm a bit of a binge exerciser. I'll do loads, then I won't do any for a couple of months.

What do you eat in a typical day?

I make sure I have a big breakfast like cereal and toast or crumpets with butter or, if I'm at work, I have hash browns and beans. For lunch, I usually have pasta or a jacket potato and I always have a chocolate bar afterwards. I quite like having a healthy dinner, usually lots of fish and vegetables or stews with loads of veg. If I've not had a chance to have any fruit, I grab an Innocent fruit smoothie so I feel healthy.

What changes did you notice most in your body?

I didn't actually know I was pregnant until I was two and a half months gone, as it wasn't planned and I didn't put that much weight on at first. My bump was really small. It was very gradual. I put on 2½st, which is about right.

Were you quite sensible with your diet when you were pregnant?

I ate everything, I always have done! I've always balanced any junk that I eat with healthy stuff, too. If I did have a takeaway and some chocolate, then the next day I'd make sure I had loads of fruit and vegetables.

How much weight did you lose after having Mia?

I lost 3½st, so became a stone lighter than before I got pregnant. It did take a couple of months to set the ball rolling, but then it dropped off.

How have you taken to being a mum?

I always said I'd wait until I was 30 to have a baby so it was unexpected, but now Mia's here I think of all the positives. I wouldn't change her for a million, trillion pounds. She's an angel so I have no regrets at all.

How are you coping combining being a mum with being in Emmerdale?

My mum is my full-time nanny and I wouldn't be able to do it without her help. It'd be hard to trust a stranger with Mia. It's not too difficult because she comes to work with me, but every break I have where normally I'd have a rest, I have to feed her. It is tiring, but it's great because I don't ever have to miss her.

Did you feel pressure to get back into shape for TV?

I didn't really care, to be honest. I've always been quite happy with myself. Whenever I've put weight on my attitude has always been: 'Well, I've eaten a lot so fair enough. If people think I look bigger, fine.' But I had a photoshoot about four months after having Mia so I did a lot of sit-ups, but that was the only thing that made me do it, otherwise I probably wouldn't have been bothered.

What are your favourite and least favourite parts of your body?

I'm quite happy with my figure. I like my waist, even though I've not done my sit-ups for a while, but I would like a bigger bum. I really want my bum back! I'm going to try to build up the muscles so it's back to the size it was before I got pregnant.

Who's figure do you most admire?

I love Jessica Simpson's body because she's got curves. She's got great boobs, a tiny waist and a bigger bum. Her legs aren't skinny, either, they're athletic and muscular. She looks womanly because she's toned, not skinny.

Have you ever tried any alternative treatments?

I've had acupuncture for headaches just before I was pregnant. My mum recommended it so I thought I'd try it because I used to have migraines a couple of times a week. It was brilliant – I didn't have a migraine for three months afterwards. I'd highly recommend it.

Do you take any supplements?

I have lots of Omega-3 oil and I used to take some 'new mum' tablets that have everything you need to replace the nutrients you lose when you're breast-feeding.

Have you ever been in hospital?

I had Mia at home, so the only time I've ever been in hospital was when I rolled over in an inflatable chair and broke my collarbone. Very embarrassing!

Would you ever consider cosmetic surgery?

It's so easy to say never, but maybe when I'm older. At the moment I'm happy with myself, but if it did all go wrong later down the line I'd consider it – although my mum says I won't while she's alive!