Keeping fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a surefire way to feel your best, but how do the celeb lot do it? Is it a fancy juice plan? A PT to the stars? Sauteed kale that's been whipped up by a personal chef? Or do they have plenty of wellness tips that the rest of us could steal to help us on our own wellbeing journey? Believe it or not, it's often the latter. We speak to celebrities and influencers to find out exactly how they stay fit, look after themselves inside and out and ultimately feel great.
This week, it's all about Jessica Hayes, the hilarious flame-haired hottie who stole our hearts in season one of Love Island (and then went on to win the show!). She's now a proud mum to two-year-old son Presley and after a 'difficult' break-up with ex-fiancé Dan Lawry, has found love again and looks very happy on the 'gram. We love to see it.
Jess has recently partnered up with Muscle Food, an online food retailer that is known for its high protein snacks and food and is the star's secret sauce for helping her live a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
In an exclusive interview with Closer Online, Jess Hayes chats productive morning routines, fitness tips and her favourite DIY snack for sweet cravings...
When did you start your fitness journey?
I had been through a break-up and hit rock bottom. I think in relationships, you can get really comfortable and motherhood took over. I never even looked in the mirror properly. Then I went through a difficult break-up and really looked at myself. I was 12 and a half stone and the heaviest I had ever been. I don't want to put numbers on it, but I was technically overweight and I didn't feel healthy or good at all. So I wanted to do something and make myself feel good again.
What does a typical week in workouts look like?
I try to do two personal training sessions a week when my son is at nursery and then sometimes do home workouts in-between. But you know what? If there are some weeks I can't go because of work commitments or if life gets in the way, I try not to beat myself up about it. I just work out when I can.
What are your favourite healthy meals right now?
I love the meal kits from Muscle Food - they are so handy for dinner and lunchtime. They've also got Prepped Potsthat you can put in the microwave which is super easy. That's the great thing about Muscle Food, everything is already done for you. I do love cooking too. I love cooking pasta, I swear I was Italian in another life!
What products are always in your gym bag?
If I haven't eaten before the gym, I'll always pack a protein bar. I love the Grenade ones, they're really good. I like to take water, protein bars, headphones and maybe make-up wipes to cleanse after.
I don't tend to wear a full face of make-up to the gym, but I love wearing tinted moisturiser to feel a little fresher.
What's a fitness tip you wish you learned two years ago?
I would say consistency is really important. Sometimes you can be working hard and not see results, but it can take a while, so it's important to be patient and consistent with it. Also not to be so strict. You can still enjoy life! I think with everything, it's about balance and moderation. Eat the wine, eat the pasta - it's more important to aim for balance.
I also find having a PT is so helpful as you have to be there at a certain time and show up, whereas if it's not booked in, you can sometimes get into a habit of not going and before you know it, weeks have gone by.
What's your ultimate morning routine for a productive day?
As soon as I get up, my son is running around and having his milk and I will tidy anything from the night before or do the washing. Then I'll get ready for nursery and change into gym clothes and drop him off. I'll grab a coffee from Starbucks and I'll head straight to the gym. Sometimes I like to do a bit of meditation before I leave the house. I have a gratitude journal as well which I love to do. I write down all the things I'm grateful for, big or small and it really starts the day off in a positive way. I read it back when I'm stressed and think, "You know what, my life's alright!"
Quickfire round:
Go-to gym wear brand? Gymshark.
Favourite healthy snack? Frozen grapes - the candy floss ones are a game changer. If you wash the grapes, sprinkle on some jelly crystals and then freeze them, they taste like Haribo sweets! They're so good if you fancy something sweet.
Usual bedtime routine? I want to be in bed by 10 pm as my son gets me up at 5:30 am.
Something that’s always in your fridge? We always have Diet Coke and I love avocados, too.
Quote you live by? Everything happens for a reason and everything is temporary.
Jess has been following MuscleFood's Goal Getters Super Slimmer plan. Find out more here. You can use the exclusive code CLOSER15X3 for £15 off your 1st, 2nd & 3rd Goal Getter boxes,here.