my health

I just had a bowl of porridge with honey, it keeps me going until lunch time.

Do you go to the gym or classes?

I'm not a fan of the gym, but I go to Platinum Pilates a few times a week -- four on a good week! It's amazing. I go for a walk most mornings before work, when it's not raining. I have a walking buddy so it makes it easier.

Do you take vitamins or supplements?

I take Pharmaton and vitamin C and B if I feel I need a boost. I have a vegetable juice in the mornings so try to get most of my vitamins from that and other foods.

What foods always go in your shopping trolley?

Lots of fresh food, plenty of fish, bruschetta, asparagus, broccoli, avocados, nuts, rice cakes, and lots of berries, and veggies for juices. I always have to have cheese in the fridge and proper butter. My treats are croissants and chocolate.

Have you ever been in hospital?

Yes, but nothing serious.

What was your worst illness?

Nothing major. I get really bad sinuses from time to time, I think it's from certain red wines but don't want to admit it!

What is your favourite cure?

Sleep and sun! Lots of sleep and vitamin D can make all the difference. You also can't beat a great antioxidant juice, my favourite is carrot, beetroot, apple and ginger. Beetroot is a potent liver cleanser, so eating some the day after the night before can help you recover super fast.

Would you get your five a day?

Most days.

What is your favourite meal to cook?

Beef Bourguignon on a winter's night with lots of mashed potatoes -- it's great if you're having people over as it's all prepared beforehand. I also love cooking simple fish, usually sea bass. I like berries and chocolate sauce for dessert.

Any vices?

Red wine and chocolate.

Ever dieted?

I have but it's never lasted more than a couple of days. I don't take myself too seriously. I try to stay off carbs and not eat too many animal fats and avoid eating late at night.

Any family ailments?

Not that I'm aware of!

How many hours sleep do you get a night?

I love my sleep and I can't function without getting a good eight hours (boring I know).

Do you have any health goals?

I try to stay reasonably fit and keep my energy levels high so I'm alert during the day and work is productive. I travel a lot with work, so it's important to maintain a reasonably healthy regime.

Do you smoke or have you ever smoked?

Never smoked, my dad was very anti it when we were growing up.

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

Tough question. Probably a rare steak!

Carol-Anne Leyden has launched the online furniture company CA Design, specialising in affordable pieces inspired by 20th-century design classics, for more info log onto www.cadesign.ie