my health

I just made chicken and potato soup with fresh herbs and spices I got from my Egyptian friend down the road from me. He keeps me healthy and my flat stocked up with spices.

Do you go to the gym or classes?

I used to go to the gym for over 10 years, but I gave up because it had such a bad effect on my own perception of my body image and made me think about food in terms of fat and calories.

Now I use a selection of cheap fitness DVDs at home and when I am on tour. I also have a great walking machine at home which folds away.

I do my singing practice while walking on it and it gets me warmed up for recording.

Do you take vitamins or supplements?

No, I cook at home and eat and sleep well.

What foods always go in your shopping trolley?

Apples, oranges, cucumbers, salad, potatoes, eggs, bread, cheese, still mineral water and lots of beer.

Have you ever been in hospital?

Yes, three times for major surgery. It was the worst time of my life, but has had the most amazing positive effect on my life and me as a person.

What was your worst illness?

An operation on my appendix that nearly killed me because they made a mistake and 'accidentally' cut another hole in my bowel and this lead to another emergency operation. This is a story that could go on and on and on . . .

What is your favourite cure?

Music. Berlin. Speaking Czech. Making love.

Would you get your five a day?

Probably not, but I don't believe in this kind of nonsense food propaganda.

It's only a problem of luxury for the spoilt Western world.

What is your favourite meal to cook?

Czech dumplings and steak.

Any vices?

Coffee with cream.

Ever dieted?

Yes, for years and years and years. It destroyed my soul. I will never diet ever again.

Any family ailments?

Not really.

How many hours of sleep do you get?

Somewhere between six and nine.

Do you have any health goals?

Yes, to learn to stop worrying obsessively. I believe all problems with health start in the brain and mind.

This is how we make ourselves ill. It becomes a problem in our body somewhere. A healthy mind equals a healthy body.

Do you smoke or have you ever smoked?

Yes, I used to smoke, but I am devoted to singing and performing now and quit some years ago. Hooray!

The tobacco industry and the politics involved are disgusting and bad for mankind.

Choose one food to bring to a desert island with you.

Dates.

Emika will play at The Body & Soul Festival in Ballinlough Castle, Clonmellon, Co Westmeath, taking place from June 22 to June 24