Belfast author Tony Macaulay
Up and at it – what is your morning routine?
I don't have a 9-5 job, so I have 16 different alarm times saved on my phone – all between 4am and 7.30. I choose the alarm time that fits the next day, so that means I might get up for a 4am for a ‘red eye’ flight or I might get up at 6am for a live early morning broadcast at seven o'clock.
What might you eat in a typical working day for…Breakfast?
I have three approaches to breakfast: none, because it’s too early; a coffee and a croissant, if I’m on the move; bacon, sausage and eggs at the weekends, or if I'm staying in a hotel.
Lunch?
It’s difficult to find a non-bread lunch when I’m working. I prefer a chicken salad and some fruit but, sometimes, if there’s no alternative, I give in and tuck into the sandwiches.
Evening Meal?
This is my main meal of the day and, typically, would be chicken or fish with vegetables such as broccoli, spinach or cauliflower.
Is nutrition important to you?
Yes, I try to eat more fruit and fish and I’ve cut down on carbs in recent years (pasta, bread, potatoes). When I apply this strictly, I tend to lose weight gradually and feel better.
Best meal ever?
Last year my daughter, fashion designer Hope Macaulay, graduated in London and to celebrate we had a meal at the Galvin La Chapelle. It's a Michelin-starred restaurant in the City of London that serves superb French cuisine. It was the best meal ever, but also the most expensive.
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
I cannot resist coffee cake. A few years ago I was doing a book reading at a Women’s Institute annual meeting and there was a competition for the best one. I had to sit beside a table of over 20 amazing looking coffee cakes and the smell made me drool. I mentioned this during my talk and the winner gave me her prize-winning coffee cake after the meeting!
Have you ever been on a diet? If so, how did it go?
The only diet that has ever worked for me is the Paleo (Paleolithic) or 'caveman' diet where you basically eat a diet similar to our pre-farming, hunter-gatherer ancestors. The basic rule is if you can pick it or catch it, you can eat as much of it as you like.
Do you take health supplements?
I sometimes take a high dose of vitamin C to try to build up my protection against colds you can pick up on aircraft.
How do you relax?
I practise mindfulness, meditation and silent prayer. I use various guided meditation podcasts and I have a 'Calm' app on my phone for daily mindfulness and meditation.
Teetotal or tipple?
I was teetotal until my mid-30s but these days I enjoy a glass of wine with a meal and a nice cold beer in the sunshine when I’m on holiday.
Stairs or lift?
Stairs – they are a simple way to build in a little exercise to a sedentary day.
Do you have a daily exercise regime?
I try to fit in three 45-minute swims per week. I was also in training recently for a 10K run which was a big deal for me as I’ve never been particularly fit or athletic.
Best tip for everyday fitness?
Try to think ahead and integrate fitness into your day naturally, such as walking instead of driving.
On a scale of one to 10, how fit do you think you are and how fit would you like to be?
I’m probably a six. Before I started running, I was a four/five, but I’d be happy with seven/eight.
Have you tried, or would you try, alternative therapy?
I’m very open to alternative therapies – I’ve had ayurvedic massage, reiki and reflexology and, if I ever develop a chronic pain problem, I would definitely try acupuncture. I respect many of these ancient traditions, as they’ve been practised by people throughout the world for thousands of years.
Were school sports happy times or do you have a memory you would rather forget?
I hated sport at school. The focus was on building the skills of the most talented children to compete on rugby teams, not supporting less talented children like me to discover a sport we loved and could be good at. It was only when I left school that I discovered sports that I enjoyed, such as swimming, squash and cycling.
Did you ever have a health epiphany which made you change your lifestyle?
My family has a history of mental health problems. Both my parents lived with depression and my father died by suicide. This has made me acutely aware of looking after my own mental health. This is why I practice mindfulness and meditation and pay attention to my emotions and the need to unwind and relax.
Best health/ lifestyle advice you were ever given and would pass on to others?
Breathe! It’s amazing the difference noticing and concentrating on your breathing can make to your wellbeing.
Who inspires you or who would you try to emulate in terms of fitness/ attitude to life?
I admire older people who continue to exercise into their later years. I had a friend who used to swim in the sea every day well into her 80s.
What time do you normally go to bed and do you get enough sleep?
Again, it’s not a regular time for me, but I don't like to stay up past midnight and I need eight hours.
Would you say you have a healthy attitude towards your own mortality?
Yes, since turning 50 I’ve been more aware of my mortality and have accepted that my time is limited. I try to get the balance between trying to squeeze in everything I’ve always wanted to do and only doing what I really love.
Tony Macaulay will be hosting An Evening with Paperboy, his autobiographical novel, at the Island Arts Centre on February 7. A new musical based on the book's sequel, Breadboy, opens at the Lyric Theatre next July.
