1. Up and at it – what is your morning routine?
I am mostly an early riser, as I usually have a morning job to go to. Depending on how many times I hit the 'snooze' button on my alarm, I will get a quick glance through my phone to catch up with the outside world. The first thing I do when I get out of bed is brush my teeth, followed by a shower, then the beautifying process begins – ha ha. If I have time, I will very quickly give my room a tidy-up, so it's ready for me to jump into bed that night. Next, I will run downstairs and grab myself a really quick coffee, bowl of porridge, and that's me ready for the day ahead.
2. What might you eat in a typical working day for...
Breakfast? Breakfast is porridge oats, a scoop of protein, almond milk and a handful of berries.
Lunch? Lunch is usually chicken, spinach, mushroom and onion omelette.
Evening meal? For my main meal, I normally have steak, salmon or chicken with vegetables and sweet potato wedges with Cajun spices.
3. Is nutrition important to you?
Yes, nutrition is important and your skin, hair, nails and general health are a true reflection of what you eat. I aim to feed my body with healthy and nutritious foods five or six days of the week and then treat myself at the weekend.
4. Best meal ever?
Pizza and wedges – chicken, bacon, pepperoni, peppers, onions, sweetcorn and pineapple: the more on the pizza, the better...
5. Do you have a g guilty pleasure?
Yes – tomato ketchup; I eat it with everything.
6. Have you ever been on a diet? If so, how did it go?
I wouldn't call it a diet as that sounds a bit harsh and restricted, but I have altered my nutrition to suit my training and body goals. I do enjoy having a controlled eating plan for a challenge every now and again, as you can see visible results in your body. It's a willpower test, for sure.
7. Do you take health supplements?
No.
8. How do you relax?
I like to relax by wearing cosy clothes, having my hair in a bun, having no make-up on and watching a movie while eating nibbles.
9. Teetotal or tipple?
A tipple – I enjoy a G&T after a hard week at work.
10. Stairs of lift?
The stairs – unless I'm in killer heels.
11. Do you have a daily exercise regime?
Since being crowned the new Miss Northern Ireland, I haven't got into my proper exercise routine again, but I am starting my personal training with Think-Fit very soon. I can't wait – I am one of those people who loves exercising and training and the more challenging, the better.
12. Best tip for everyday fitness?
I would say, do a class or a type of exercise that you enjoy – that way you can use it as enjoyable time-out from the everyday madness.
13. On a scale of one to 10, how fit do you think you are and how fit would you like to be?
As I haven't been training recently, I would say I'm currently about a six; after a month or so I will have that up at nine again – my strong head and determination don't give in easily.
14. Have you tried, or would you try, alternative therapy?
No, it's not something I have really thought about.
15. Were school sports happy times or do you have a memory you would rather forget?
In primary school I was on both male and female sports teams, as I was a tomboy. Through secondary school, I didn't do any sports... but I regret that now.
16. Did you ever have a health epiphany which made you change your lifestyle?
No, not an epiphany as such, but I started the gym about four years ago as I had stopped Irish dancing and wanted a new hobby. I quickly realised I loved it and, from there, I went on to multiple personal trainers, learned different techniques, started different classes, including Crossfit, and it has been a huge part of my life ever since.
17. Best health/lifestyle advice you were ever given and would pass on to others?
Aim for a balance. You can still enjoy the foods and drinks you love, but have them in moderation. Never completely restrict yourself to the point where you become unhappy and don't enjoy your food.
18. Who inspires you or who would you try to emulate in terms of fitness / attitude to life?
No-one really, as I do what makes me happy and what I enjoy. However, I do follow many fitness fanatics on social platforms and I often take inspiration from them for my meals and training plans.
19. What time do you normally get to bed and do you get enough sleep?
I usually get to bed around 11.30 or 12 by the time I take off my make-up and get everything ready for the following day. I aim to get eight hours sleep each night, but it is usually six or seven.
20. Would you say you have a healthy attitude towards your own mortality?
Yes, I believe I have a good balance in my life and have a very healthy attitude towards my own life and way of living. I equally love eating healthily and training as much as I love eating takeaways and 'bad' food. If I didn't enjoy it and didn't have a healthy attitude with it, I would change to something that did make me happy.
