Bernard Dunne on diet & lifestyle

1. Do you have breakfast? If so, what do you have?
I have eggs every morning, 2 to 3 eggs, scrambled or boiled with toast, brown grainy bread that my wife Pamela gets.

2. What are your snacks throughout the day?
I try to encourage people not to cut out all snacks. A healthy diet is about getting a good balance. Right now I’m having a cup of tea with jam buns. As long as you’re active you can have the odd treat, my advice is all in moderation. I was just out playing with the kids, even activities like that, which you might not consider, are all counted.

3. Any tips for keeping a balanced diet when out and about for a day with work?
When I was training I would always bring snacks with me… easy snacks you can keep in your bag like rice cakes or fruit.

4. If you could change one thing about your eating habits what would it be?
My mother! She can be the ruin of me; she gives me portions that would feed about ten people.

5. What food do you find gives you the most energy?
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for me, I really enjoy it. The three eggs I have kick start my day!

6. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given regarding your diet?
Keep it simple, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, it’s about keeping it balanced. I don’t believe in these faddy diets.
I feel the same with regards to exercise. Keep it simple don’t run a marathon and destroy yourself out right, just like food don’t cut everything out, build it up in small steps day by day and go with what feels right for you. It’s all about balance.

7. What’s your daily exercise routine like?
I’m not overly strict on myself; I do what time allows me depending on the day, as every day is different. I train three times a day. I started my day today by boxing training with some of my friends. I was coaching them to keep active and then I blasted 30 minutes by myself.
I’m not overly strict on myself. When I was boxing competitively I would train or run a lot on my own. Running really clears my head. I go into a thinking zone, which really clears my head and relaxes me. I don’t run long distances- I break it with interval training.

8. How much water do you drink every day?
A lot. I’d encourage people to keep water at their desk and sip at it throughout the day. Not only is it good for your skin, it also helps performance and recovery in exercise.

9. How do you stay focussed on your exercise routine?
I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to keep your exercise routine simple. Don’t put pressure on yourself thinking you can exercise every day. Stuff comes up; things you won’t have planned, which eat into your time. If you break your pattern it’s hard to get back on track so try picking times which work best. Say you work irregular hours - maybe look at exercising before work in case you get caught late in the office.

10. When it comes to diet and exercise, what’s the most important thing people should do first in the morning? And before going to bed?
Getting out of bed is the hardest part, but once your feet hit the ground you are up and
awake, so that’s the best advice to start your day - get your feet on the ground!
In the evenings you need to unwind, relax and have time to yourself.

11. Best advice on changing food or exercise habits?
Set yourself realistic targets. Take small steps and remember life throws things at you so don’t be too hard on yourself. Making one small change is one step in the right direction.