Ronan Collins, RTÉ presenter, tells Patricia Weston how his daily walks keep him fit and trim.
Do you take regular exercise?
I walk every day for an hour. I decided at the age of 50 to do some exercise and lose weight. I used to play football years ago but I gave it up because I suffered a back injury. Then I just played golf which isn't really exercise. A very good friend of mine died of a heart attack and I believe that was a message for me to get in shape and exercise.
Where do you walk?
I have a circuit I walk in Kells, Co Meath which is along country roads. I love the fresh air and find walking very therapeutic and I can talk to the sheep. I work out problems in my head as I walk or forget about problems.
Ever joined a gym?
I've no interest in gyms because I don't want to stand on a treadmill looking out the window. I'd rather be outside.
Are you a healthy eater?
I've lost four stone since I started exercising and eating healthily two years ago and I've kept the weight off. I'm prone to heaviness. I was very heavy for years and all the weight was on my upper body. I didn't carry any weight on my legs - I could've won a lovely legs competition! I changed my eating habits dramatically and followed the old wife's tale of 'little and often'.
What would you eat on a typical day?
For breakfast I'd have cornflakes with low-fat milk, two slices of wholemeal bread with a skimpy spreading of low-fat spread and the tiniest glass of orange juice. For lunch I'd have wholemeal bread with a bit of chicken and ham and two bananas. I'd drink about one and a half litres of water throughout the day to curb hunger pangs. Then I'd only eat dinner five days a week which would be chicken, broccoli and potatoes. I've given up chocolate and sweet things.
Do you ever break your diet?
Ah yeah, on holidays I'd have a big feed. I love steak, mushrooms, onions and chips. But I know once I get home I'll lose the pounds I've gained because I now know exactly how to lose it.
Patricia Weston recommends:
Short bursts of activity are just as beneficial as one big chunk. Dividing your walks into three 20-minute sections keeps you fit and burns as many calories as walking continuously for an hour.
A good way to gauge the amount of walking you do is by using a step counter to count your steps.
Look at ways to increase your steps each day. Can you walk to work or walk to the bus or train station?
If you do have a regular walking route, change it and incorporate some hills to increase your fitness level and keep you motivated.
If you find your walking is becoming too easy, incorporate two to three minutes of light jogging into your routine.
• Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.