Health scan lifestyle Q&A

Jessica Harrington, horse trainer

Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?

I take a lot of exercise, I’m out in the morning and I ride probably three horses every day for about 45 minutes each, and then I’m around the yard and going here and there, so I wouldn’t sit down for very long at any stage.

How often do you exercise?

If I’m not riding, I’d walk out to the gallops and watch the horses. If my daughter is riding in events, I walk the cross-country courses. I go skiing every year with a whole lot of girls and ski myself to death. I had been very good since coming back from skiing when I decided I wouldn’t drink for February, but then I had two great wins last weekend and I broke out. White wine, plenty of it.

Do you get your five a day?

Yes. I never eat pre-packed foods or ready-meals – I do a lot of cooking myself. I don’t buy packet soup or tinned soup; I make all my own soups. I cook dinner every night and I would have meat or fish and veg. I just don’t buy fast foods at all.

I’m not a breakfast person, but now I make myself eat a bowl of cereal but I don’t use any milk, so I put fruit juice on it. I hate milk. I’ve never liked it. Not even in tea or coffee.

A glass of milk for me to drink would be absolute hell.

Do you worry?

Yes, I do worry. It’s mostly about the horses. I do a lot of huffing and puffing when I’m uptight about the horses.

What do you do to relax?

I love gardening – flowers, and I have my little vegetable boxes as well. My main relaxation is sitting on my tractor and mowing the grass. That’s great – no can get hold of me because I can’t hear my phone.

What’s your unhealthiest habit?

I probably drink too much coffee, about four or five cups a day of full strength, ground instant coffee. Strong, black and no sugar. I love chocolate. I’m an addict. If I buy a bar of chocolate, I have to eat the whole thing in one go.