Young at heart: Patrick Holford

Nutritional therapist and author Patrick Holford will speak on the ‘ten secrets of healthy ageing’ at the Rude Health Show, in the RDS on Sept 15 and 16.

He will also conduct the GI diet workshop.

“One of the secrets of healthy ageing is not to take drugs,” says Holford, 54. “The average 65-year-old is on five different medications a day — it’s not unusual for a 75-year-old to be on eight. They don’t realise that drugs mug vitamins and minerals.”

Married to Gaby, the British-based father of two — son Kyle, 27, and daughter Jade, 24 — has critics. Holford attributes this to his ideas being new.

“I look at the latest scientific developments in health and nutrition and I report on them. I’ve been doing this for 35 years. Almost always, these new ideas prove to be correct. I tend to be at the front of the curve and that always means a bit of attack.”

¦ The Rude Health Show, 11am-6pm daily; www.rudehealth.ie.

¦ Patrick is running a total health transformation workshop at Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, on Sept 22. See: www.patrickholford.com.

What shape are you in?

Reasonably good — my weight has stayed consistent over the last 20 to 30 years. All my vital statistics are bang on target. There’s a free bio-age check on www.patrickholford.com. My bio-age is 43.

Do you have any health concerns?

My only real issue is I’m allergic to dairy products. I suffered from migraines and sinus problems up to the age of 20. At 19, I discovered I was allergic to dairy products — that’s what got me interested in nutrition.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I eat oily fish three times a week — mainly salmon, kippers and mackerel. I eat a lot of oats, so I often have an oat-based cereal — it fills you up and keeps your cholesterol down. I have a spoonful of chia seeds almost every day — they’re exceptionally high in protein, omega 3 and soluble fibre.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I like dark chocolate. Every now and again, I have some chips. I know they’re not good for me, but they’re very tasty. I always have them with mustard, a very powerful antioxidant.

What would keep you awake at night?

I sleep very well. When I’m on tour and giving lectures in a different city every day for two or three months, that can be quite stressful.

How do you relax?

Because I spend a lot of time with people, I love getting out into the wilderness. I sometimes climb mountains or go walkabout in a natural environment. It really recharges me. Last winter, I went with my daughter to climb the mountains of Ethiopia. I also love watching movies and I’m an avid grower of vegetables.

What would you change about your appearance?

I’d love to be super fit. In truth, I’m a bit lazy on the exercise front.

When did you last cry?

When my mother died, about three years ago. It’s an interesting shift in life, when both your parents are gone, when there’s no one in front of you. It’s an ungrounding feeling.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Albert Einstein. I love his humour and his quotes. Explaining relativity, he said if a man spends an hour with a pretty woman, it seems like minutes; if he has to do the washing-up, it seems like hours. I’d also invite Linus Pauling, who put vitamin C on the map, and I’m rather partial to the Dalai Lama. I’d invite Uma Thurman to keep me, and the other men, happy.

What’s your favourite smell?

Jasmine — when Gaby and I got married, our friends chipped in and got us a hot tub for our garden. It’s surrounded by jasmine.

What trait do you least like in others?

Complaining, cynicism, and whingeing.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I’d like to be more diplomatic. I tend to state things quite sharply. There have been times when I’ve been a bull in a china shop.

Do you pray?

I meditate. I have no doubt there is a God or a greater intelligence.

What would cheer up your day?

A hot chocolate ... or being in the garden barefoot.