Shape I'm In: Aoife Hearne, dietician

Ms Motivator: Waterford woman Aoife Hearne is the dietician on Operation Transformation.

AOIFE HEARNE is the first dietician to join Operation Transformation, RTÉ’s hit health and fitness programme.

With a background in athletics — she is a former national sprint runner and member of the Irish international squad — the Waterford city woman has long been aware of the key link between performance and nutrition. Her clients include the Kerry senior football team and the 2010 All-Ireland Tipperary senior hurling panel.

“I try and make changes that are going to last lifelong. My one and only goal with people is that the changes they make can apply into their and their family’s lives for ever. On Operation Transformation I’m looking at people’s eating habits rather than their weight loss,” says Aoife, 34.

While it’s not her style to bark at contestants who are making slow progress, it’s important, she says, to be direct.

“I really like to connect with people at their level. My intention would never be to upset people but I wouldn’t be doing my job if I saw something happening and I didn’t say it.”

After almost eight years studying and working in the US — including an internship as dietitian in Boston’s prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital — she moved back home in Sept 2005 and set up in a private practice.

“It was a leap of faith. I didn’t think about it at the time — it just worked out really well and I’ve been lucky that it’s been able to pay the bills.”

Married to Alan Kirwin, an engineer, predictably there is a sports connection. They met at Alan’s local hurling club, Ballygunner, Co Waterford, where she was working as a dietician.

What shape are you in?

I’ve quite a busy life so it can be hard to fit exercise in. I do try and go for a walk with my dog and I run. And I do pilates, which I swear by — maybe not every week but I try my best.

Do you have any health concerns?

Not really. But last year after I got married I had thyroid issues — it was overactive. It was a horrible time. I had no interest in anything, which is really unlike me. It brought home to me that your health is so fragile. It was a wake up call to say I have to start looking after myself.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I rarely if ever skip meals. To be honest, I get very grumpy when I don’t eat.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Chocolate — I’m a chocholic — and white wine. One bar of chocolate would do it, or a treat size. I might have a treat size every day.

What would keep you awake at night?

I can over think things at times — if something happens at work or an argument with a friend or my husband. In general I am a really good sleeper.

How do you relax?

I love to bake — cakes and buns and all of that. I don’t necessarily eat it. It’s the one thing where no matter what is going on in my life all that matters is the flour and butter.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Frankie Fredericks, a sprinter from Namibia — he’s my favourite athlete of all time; Oprah Winfrey, I’m a huge fan; Michael McIntyre, he’s really funny and Jennifer Aniston, I think she really cool.

What is your favourite smell?

The smell after it’s been raining on tarmac. It’s real comforting.

When was the last time you cried?

On New Year’s Eve when I watched our wedding anniversary on DVD — it was such a happy day.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

I wear glasses, I’m very shortsighted. I’m wearing contacts on the show.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I’m a bit of a sulker. And I like things done a certain way at work — I can be a bit fussy.

What trait do you least like in others?

Dishonesty — a genuine character is the most important thing to me.

Do you pray?

On occasion. On a walk I do a lot, I pass the graveyard where my maternal grandparents’ are buried. Sometimes I say a little prayer to myself as I pass them.

What would cheer you up on a day?

A sunny day. I really try to be grateful for the small things in life. You just don’t know what’s a round the corner.