The shape I'm in: Anna Daly, TV3 presenter

ANNA Daly lives a full life, kept busy by the competing demands of being a working mum. 
The shape I'm in: Anna Daly, TV3 presenter

ANNA Daly lives a full life, kept busy by the competing demands of being a working mum.

She and her husband Ben Ward have two young sons, James (almost five) and Euan (three) and are expecting their third child.

She is also the host of TV3’s Saturday AM and Sunday AM and has been a brand ambassador for Mothercare for the past five years.

“I’ve worked with Mothercare ever since I got pregnant with my first child and I’ve loved it,” she says.

She is currently planning to design a line of clothing for the company.

“It’ll be something for me to do during my maternity leave, if I have the time,” she says.

Anna seems to thrive on being busy and even goes so far as to claim that it’s beneficial for her pregnancy.

“My life at the moment is demanding and in many ways, it’s no harm,” she says.

“During my first pregnancy, I remember feeling anxious about every twinge. Now, I’m too busy to worry about the small things.”

What shape are you in?

I think I’m doing okay. I love my food and I don’t deny myself anything but I do try to embrace moderation. I go walking or running as often as I can and at the moment I do pregnancy yoga. Basically, I try to be healthy but I don’t obsess about it.

Do you have any health concerns?

Thankfully, I don’t. I do worry about this baby I’m carrying being healthy and well but I think every mum feels that.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I interviewed Ella Woodward on Ireland AM some time ago and I’ve cooked from her cookbook Deliciously Ella ever since.

It’s expanded my repertoire to include things like kale and avocado and it’s made me enjoy cooking and healthy food more.

I also like Gizzi Erskine’s Skinny Weeks and Weekend Feasts. Again, it’s about balance, being good during the week and allowing yourself treats at the weekend.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I have plenty! Coffee is my biggest sacrifice while pregnant. I still drink it but not as much as I would otherwise. Chocolate is a vice too. There’s always a supply in my house.

Although now that I’m trying to teach my boys healthy eating habits, I find I’m eating it less. I want to be a good example.

What would keep you awake at night?

Very little apart from the health of a loved one and luckily that’s not a problem at the moment. I’m a great sleeper and not even the bump stops me from sleeping.

How do you relax?

These days, it’s with maternity yoga. The breathing, stretching and relaxation and even the opportunity to take time out for yourself is great.

I find that all exercise is good for relaxing. You might have to drag yourself out for a walk or a jog but you’ll never regret it. It’s good for your physical and mental health.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Graham Norton for stories and gossip; David Beckham for his looks alone — sorry to be so shallow — Michelle Obama for her intelligence and wit as well as the inside scoop on goings-on in the White House; George Clooney because he’s super savvy and bright; and Julia Roberts because I’ve heard she’s a great joker on film sets.

What’s your favourite smell?

Anything by Jo Malone. If ever my husband doesn’t know what to get me, that’s his default option.

What would you change about your appearance?

I used to answer this question but then my mother told me to stop drawing attention to my bad points and to shout about my good qualities instead. I’ve followed her advice ever since.

When did you last cry?

I cry at the drop of a hat these days. Just the other day, my husband and I were watching a nature documentary and I shed a tear.

What trait do you like least in others?

I despise greedy people.

What trait do you like least in yourself?

I’d like to be tougher in relation to dentists, doctors and hospitals. I could faint at the sight of a needle. I don’t want to be thought of as a drama queen but it’s hard not to come off as one if you faint during a blood test!

Do you pray?

Only when I’m really desperate. I know it sounds terrible but my prayers usually begin with ‘Please god, I know it’s been ages since I spoke to you but…’

What would cheer up your day?

All the funny things my children say. You just couldn’t make them up. While parenting is hard work, the laughter makes up for all of it.

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