Kelly Holmes on diet and fitness

In the Beijing Olympic year , we grilled Kelly Holmes on her figure, her fitness and her favourite foods

Do you have a fitness regime you currently stick to?

Kelly Holmes: I exercise regularly, but I do a variety of different things nowadays. I play squash, I get on my bike, go for the odd run, and I do Pilates.

Do you still follow a strict diet now you've retired from athletics?

Kelly Holmes: I've never really followed a strict diet. I've always been quite balanced. I used to look at what I ate in terms of energy and alertness when I was competing and I've kind of kept to those principles - eating in moderation, eating a good breakfast. I know about the benefits of fruit and vegetables, carbohydrates and proteins but equally, I know that if I eat the odd bad thing it's not going to do me any harm.

What's your typical breakfast and how does it compare to when you were competing?

Kelly Holmes: When I was competing I tended to eat little and often. Nowadays, breakfast is definitely my most important meal of the day because I tend to be so busy throughout the day I sometimes don't get a proper chance to eat. I'd typically have Bran Flakes or Special K, fruit - I like my berries - orange juice, and sometimes toast.

What is your favourite food indulgence?

Kelly Holmes: Thai, Chinese, chocolate! I do love chocolate but I know when I've had enough and when I need to start exercising a bit more and I know to eat it in moderation and have it like a treat. I generally eat healthily and exercise as well, so it's fine. It's those who have sedentary lifestyles, that don't eat healthily and only eat junk that have got the problems - health-wise and body image wise. I'm quite happy with my body image so I don't mind having the odd chocolate bar.

Are you a good cook and do you have a favourite recipe you can share with our readers?

Kelly Holmes: I have started cooking more. I'm growing my own vegetables in my garden so I often eat them. I love fish. So a typical meal would be fish stuffed with vegetables, garlic and spices.