Loose Women panellist Nadia Sawalha has opened up about her fear of dying young.
The 54 year old revealed that a test she took on the popular ITV daytime show last year left her feeling so scared that she’s taken drastic measures to make sure she stays in tip-top shape.
Nadia – whose father is a diabetic and has had a stroke – said that after hearing she was “heading towards being pre-diabetic”, she decided to get her fitness in check.
As a result, in January, Nadia started a 100-day sober challenge and lost 10lb.
She told Closer: “I’m probably going to lose another stone. I don’t want to be thinner than I am but it’s the way to live for longer.”
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Nadia also revealed that the challenge made her want to give up binge drinking and opened up about how welcoming children later in life with husband Mark Adderley has given her an added motivational push in her quest to get fit.
She said of being a mum to kids Maddy, 16, and Kiki, 11: “I don’t want to binge drink any more because I don’t want to die. Everything I do now is about how not to die. I had children late and I want to stay alive for them.”
The star revealed that she exercises regularly – doing yoga, Pilates and meditation – and admits that it’s easy to eat healthily while working on Loose Women because the ladies are always trying to “out-health” each other.
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On the subject of her Loose Women co-stars, Nadia also opened up about Linda Robson, who is taking a break from the show amid a reported battle with anxiety.
Nadia revealed that Linda was “doing really well” and added: “I hope to have a cuppa with her next week. I was chatting to her son Louis yesterday and she’s doing amazing. I love her very much and am looking forward to seeing her soon.”
This October, Nadia’s new-found fitness will be put to the test as she undertakes a 50-mile trek through the Himalayas for breast cancer charity CoppaFeel!.
Nadia, who released a fitness DVD in 2010, recently posted a throwback shot of herself looking fit and toned.
She asked her followers: “Should I set myself unrealistic goals? Should I aim for perfection? Any advice? I feel I’m at the bottom of a huge mountain and I haven’t even got to the Himalayas yet!!!!”
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