Duncan Stewart, presenter of Eco Eyeand About the House
Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
Yes, to a reasonable extent but not extremely so.
How often do you exercise?
I cycle to my office each day and to events around the city. I hate being stuck in a car in traffic, or being restricted in parking. With cycling, the journey time is predictable – it’s enjoyable, good exercise and creates no pollution. I go to the gym two or three times a week for a tough workout and a relaxing swim afterwards.
Do you get your five a day?
I can’t say I’m consistent or regular in my diet. I do like porridge or muesli in the morning, with brown bread, honey and tea. I rush a sandwich for lunch. I like different types of fruit during the day, fresh vegetables and fish, cheese, yogurt and hot chocolate in the late evening before bedtime. I tend to eat meat sparingly and beef very seldom.
Do you worry?
Not particularly, but sometimes I dwell on thoughts while trying to get to sleep at night.
What do you do to relax?
I’m not good at relaxing. In the evening, I like to lie on a couch and read and rest my back. I need to do this as I had a bad accident with serious injuries when I was in the Ukraine. That was more than seven years ago and the injuries and pain still persist. I manage the pain by being constantly busy, and the endorphins from heavy exercise in the gym help, together with swimming and relaxing afterwards in the pool.
What’s your unhealthiest habit?
Irregular eating, too much coffee and being stuck at a PC for too long most days. I would rather be out and about. Something I do feel grateful for is that I’ve never smoked. I do hate the tobacco industry. They cajole teenagers into smoking, who then typically become addicted and find it so difficult to break the habit. In my view, it’s the greatest source of poor health in Ireland.
In conversation with Joanne Hunt
