The Shape I’m In: Nikki Hayes

DJ Nikki Hayes accepts anorexia is part of who she is. “I suffered with anorexia when I was younger, so it’s is a little bit like being an alcoholic, you always have anorexia,” says the 36-year-old.

Before her daughter Farrah arrived 19 months ago, she had slimmed down to a size eight. “I am probably striving to get back to that size,” she says. “I always try to get that extra pound off or that extra stone off or whatever. I probably always want to get lower and lower.

“But I guess the difference now is that my body shape has changed since having Farrah, so that’s something that is not in my control as much as it was before. Everything changes: your hips are wider .... I had a Caesarean section, so you’ve excess skin in a place where you can’t feel it anymore.”

Recently married to her long-term boyfriend, being pencil thin matters even less to her these days.

“Before I was thin but I wanted to be thinner whereas now I’m aware of the fact I want to thin but I’m probably a little bit chubby. I’d be very, very careful of my diet but I’m still not happy enough — that just me. I guess I’m always going to be extremely critical of myself,” she says.

What shape are you in?

Middling. I’ve lost a hell of a lot of weight. I’m quite healthy when it comes to my food and exercises but I could do a lot better. Since having my baby, I’ve lost three stone — two stone of it was quite quick, he rest of it was gradual. I’m still not at my target weight. I would like to be another half stone lighter.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I follow a fairly good paleo-based diet. I try to keep carbs as low as possible and stay away from saturated fat. As much as possible, I try to have meat and veg and keep the carbs to an absolute minimum and obviously when it comes to sugar you use them for treat time.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

A bag or Haribo jellies and a glass of wine — red or white. My favourite would be Prosecco — it makes you feel a little bit posh.

What would keep you awake at night?

Farrah. Thankfully she has all of her teeth bar two, so we have gone through the worst of it. Once you become a mother you always have one ear out so you never properly sleep the way you used to.

How do you relax?

I love to have a bath or to have my feet massaged. Luckily enough, my husband likes to do that for me.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Seth McFarlane — I find him absolutely hilarious. I’d love to have President Michael D Higgins come along — I think he is so cute, and he is so intelligent as well. And Larry Gogan, he is the great uncle you wished you had.

What’s your favourite smell?

I absolutely love the smell of a new baby, but clearly it’s not something you’d wear around. When it comes to a perfume — I love lavender. As soon as I smell it, I want to relax.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

Everything — I’m the biggest critic of myself. If I could afford it I’d have a facelift and liposuction. I’m never happy with myself — ever. My husband says I love you, I love everything about you, and I always come back and say but my bum’s big and so on. I find it quite hard to take a compliment.

What traits do you least like in others?

I really dislike people being condescending. I feel we do not have the right to stand in judgement over anyone. Maybe it’s because I was judged a lot when I was younger by people who didn’t know me — when you are in the public eye, others just have a perception of you.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

I have a ridiculous want for people to like me. I wish I could forget about that and not care what anybody else thinks.

Do you pray?

I don’t believe in Catholicism. I do believe in Christianity and if you are a good person good things will come back to you. I talk to my father and my niece, people who I know and who have passed on, not to a god.

What would cheer up your day?

My husband is on 24-hour duty with the army at the moment, so if he was just to come home that would be enough for me right now.n ambassador for Down Syndrome Ireland and its Fundays campaign in association with HB Hazelbrook Farm. To host a party and raise much needed funds – to get involved call 1890 37 37 37 or register online atwww.downsyndrome.ie.