The Shape I’m In: Jodi Albert

EVERY time Jodi Albert talks publically about how she struggled with postnatal depression, she gets a huge response.

“It’s such a common thing, it baffles me why people won’t talk about it,” she says referring to Irish women’s ‘I’m grand’ stoicism.

“But if you just talk to somebody you’ll find more often than not that person will open up to you and say they are having a hard time too, or that it’s very normal. It’s the quickest way to cure yourself. When we live in our own heads, it’s a very lonely place.”

Describing herself as a “Jack of all trades” — she starred in Hollyoaks, sang in a girl band and danced professionally — the 33-year-old is married to Westlife’s Kian Egan. They have two sons, Koa, 4, and Zekey, 18 months.

The Londoner has always had a passion for fashion and last year opened a boutique in Sligo — Kian’s native hometown and where they are now based.

This month she’s expanded her business by launching an online fashion website — www.jodisboutique.ie.

“I wanted to slow down when I had children. I did so much, so young. So that’s why the shop is a more realistic dream for me to be able to manage being a mother and a career woman.”

What shape are you in?

I’m in decent shape. I love spinning — I go to classes whenever I can. And I love dancing. I have a friend I dance with in my little studio in my house. It’s such fun.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I’m quite good in the morning having oats and berries for breakfast. I really do enjoy vegetables and salads and everything like that.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

Chocolate is a massive addiction that I’ve had since I was a little girl. Even if I’m eating really well, I’ll still end up having my chocolate in the evening. I love anything by Cadbury. When I’m being good I like dark chocolate — like Lindt Orange Intense. My motto is 80% good, 20% bad. Sometimes it’s 50% bad and 50% good.

What would keep you awake at night?

As a woman, you can just over think things and worry about your children. I try not to. I literally hit the wall about 10 o’clock and then by 11pm, I’m just gone. I love my sleep.

How do you relax?

It’s pretty simple. When the children are in bed, I get into my pyjamas and fluffy socks and have cup of tea, a bit of dark chocolate and just watch some TV and just relax. An hour of doing that and I’m happy.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Dave Grohl from the Fu Fighters, actress Julia Roberts — she’s always been my idol — and good friends,

What’s your favourite smell?

At the moment, it’s Decadence by Marc Jacobs. When I was pregnant with my second child, I was really obsessed with eucalyptus oil. I used to have to have it in all my baths.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

I feel you should be proud of who you are and work with what you’ve got. I think obsessing with the way you look is a bit unhealthy.

When is the last time you cried?

The night before last. I was tired because I’d been working so much and the day before, I’d visited Newcastlewest where my grandmother Mary Moore was born.

Everybody we spoke to bent over backwards to help me find out about my family heritage. I think I was a little bit overwhelmed.

When I got home, I just let it all out — missing her and just that lovely feeling of feeling wanted in a place like Newcastlewest.

What traits do you least like in others?

Arrogance. I hate when someone walks into a room, doesn’t acknowledge everyone and picks out a couple of people that are good enough.

That really winds me up. It doesn’t cost anything to lift your head and say hello to everybody.

Also, I’m not a fan of negative gossiping. I don’t believe in passing judgements.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

I can be a bit lazy. Also, I’m quite a sensitive person and sometimes in life you need to be a little bit on the tough side. When you’re not feeling very tough it can be difficult.

Do you pray?

I wasn’t brought up as a religious person but I do like to think of myself as quite spiritual. I tend to just talk to my mum Eileen [who passed away last year] a lot.

What would cheer up your day?

Playing with my babies — they just make me laugh. It’s very hard to be sad around them.