Keeping fit makes TV host Kelly Latimer happy

What do you do to keep fit?

Working out has become addictive. My current goal is to gain more lean muscle mass, so I'm in the gym six times a week.

I'm lucky my schedule permits that. I typically start with weights, then finish with high-intensity interval training (Hiit).

If time doesn't permit a Hiit session at the gym, I'll find time for it in the evening, before my shower.

My weight training alternates each day between lifting heavy weights for a full body workout and targeting specific areas such as shoulders, back, biceps and triceps as well as my core.

I'll spend between 45 minutes and two hours in the gym, but if my work schedule is packed, a 20-minute Tabata set - a type of circuit training that comprises four-minute exercises - works just fine too.

What is your secret to looking so fabulous?

My smile. I don't think it matters how fit you are, how pretty you are or what clothes you wear.

If you can wear a smile every single day, people will always comment on how fabulous you look, even if you're dressed in a trash bag.

But I do recommend a good skin routine. I spend way too much time wearing heavy make-up for work, so I take extra care to clean my skin well.

Has there ever been a time when you were not fit and fab?

After living in Melbourne, Australia during my university days, I gained 10kg and my activity levels were at an all-time low.

Coming back to Singapore was a huge shock. Everyone was at least three sizes smaller than I was.

At first I took short cuts, did fad diets and took random slimming pills. Nothing was sustainable or useful.

That was when I decided to take on a healthy lifestyle and found a sustainable way, with a good diet and exercise regimen, to keep fit.

What is your diet like?

I aspire to eat clean on a daily basis, so I try to eat unprocessed and unrefined foods for each meal.

I like starting my day with eggs, but I also take great joy in having a steak for breakfast on some days.

Lunch, typically, is a salad. Dinner is almost always with my family and I love to cook. I enjoy whipping up simple dishes which have lots of protein and vegetables in them.

One of my new favourites is a recipe that I picked up from chef Irene Jansen while filming On The Go!

It is a really yummy red beef and tomato curry that I can throw together in less than half an hour.

What are your indulgences?

Peanut butter and jam sandwiches, chocolate and anything sweet, which makes keeping in shape a little more challenging.

My willpower is tested on a daily basis, but I always try to keep my goal in mind and tell myself that short-term satisfaction doesn't beat the long-term achievement.

That said, I don't believe in depriving myself totally. I'll treat myself to the odd dessert.

What do you do to relax and how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

I'm lucky to have a very flexible work schedule, so I have the option to take days off just to chill by the beach or work out.

I spend a fair amount of time at the Wave House Sentosa flow riding. It's a great way to let go and just focus on riding. Working out is also a form of relaxation for me, and I'll occasionally do a boxing class to vent my frustration.

The one other thing I love doing is reading. I could happily lie in bed and just read for the entire day.

What are the three most important things in your life?

My family - my husband, mother, father and sister mean the world to me. They come above all else.

My health - I have a pretty clean bill of health and that enables me to do so many other things.

The sun - if I don't see the sun for a few days, I get pretty down. I need my dose of vitamin D. It keeps me happy. It's a good thing I live in "Sunnypore".

Would you go for plastic surgery and why?

I'd love to say a flat out "no", because I believe that "au naturale" is best. However, I think there are some circumstances where plastic surgery is necessary.

I'd never get my nose done or have implants in my cheeks, but if I lost my breasts after a mastectomy or for whatever reason, then I would go get them done.

Do you think you're sexy?

No. I don't think I'm sexy at all. I'm probably your girl next door, the tomboy you grew up with, the girl who is too loud.

That said, sexy is being a state of mind, so I guess I could be if I put my mind to it. But, honestly, I'd much rather be the girl next door.

wanching@sph.com.sg

BIO BOX

Ms Kelly Latimer

Age: 28

Height: 1.64m

Weight: 56kg

The TV host was unhappy with her weight and knew that she had to change her way of life or she would regret it later.

About 11/2 years ago, she started posting her fitness journey on Instagram and now has more than 2,000 followers who she encourages to stay fit.

She is also hosting a six-episode series - On The Go! - with chef Irene Jansen on the Asian Food Channel, which will air on April 3. They will share tips on how to whip up nutritious dishes under 24 minutes.

Ms Latimer was born in Britain to an English father and a Singaporean Chinese mother and spent her early years in Warwickshire. She is now a permanent resident here.

When she was 13, her family emigrated to Singapore. She returned here in 2010 after receiving a degree in communications from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. That year, she hosted the SEA Games in Laos in preparation for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games held in Singapore.

Since then, she has hosted many TV lifestyle and sports programmes.

She recently started blogging on www.getsweat.com, where she will soon be posting all her workouts with videos to help others who are struggling to find something that works.

Her husband, Mr Justin Loi, who works in finance and is a PR here, works out with her on Saturdays. She said: "It is so much fun and a great way to motivate each other."

This article was first published on Feb 26 , 2015.
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