The writer and former TV presenter talks about cold water swimming, resisting chocolate and loving the quiet life
Lie in or up early? I’m always an early bird, up at 6.30am. I wake every morning with anxiety – I have done all my life. Breakfast is broccoli and a tin of tuna. It’s important to get vegetables and protein in, especially at my age. If anyone asks to make me a cup of coffee, I’ll turn them down. I’m very particular, and make it strong enough to stand a spoon up.
Do you exercise? I run at least three times a week, listening to music or the sounds of nature. We live in the South Downs. I also have a barrel of cold water that I just sit in like an idiot. In the winter, I’ll probably stay in for two minutes, temperature depending. To test, I shove a meat thermometer in. Else I’ll go down to the sea with friends. People roll their eyes when you say you like cold water swimming. But I’ve been doing it for about five years: it’s so good for you.
Any visitors? The kids might come down, friends, my mother-in-law. Trinny [Woodall] doesn’t come so much, which I completely understand. We are very much town mouse, country mouse. I could never live in a city again. Peace is a privilege.
