Being a Healthy Hero

As the 100th issue of Healthy Magazine has hit the shops, I can finally tell you all about my day at the styled photoshoot last November.

Available in Holland & Barrett now!

I arrived at the photoshoot in Shoreditch very early, coffee in hand, was greeted by the clothes, hair and make up stylists, who set to work on covering an enormous pimple on my chin, painting my nails with the most amazing dark purple OPI polish ever, making my hair big and asking me what style of clothes I like to wear. I was given dresses to try on, so many beautiful shoes were laid out looking at me, it was like being in shopping paradise! The winning combo was a Phase Eight wrap-over dress and suede shoeboots by Chinese Laundry.

Then I was sent out to meet the photographer where was placed into the studio set and told how they'd like me to stand and sit. I have new respect for models - point your toes, put one foot out front, push your knee in to the side, push your tush out when you lean back, tilt your head slightly, chin down, eyes up and SMILE. Wow. I did love having my clothes and make up adjusted every time I moved, I asked all  the stylists to come to my next meeting with me - they'd be great fashion power army to make me look fabulous at all times!

I sat down to have my interview with the editor, Jane, who was lovely to talk to as well as be interviewed by. We ended up talking a lot about fashion (handbags seemed a popular subject that day - the other girls who were being styled seemed to be hot on this topic too).

I stayed for the rest of the day, meeting and watching the other Healthy Heroes having their photos taken, chatting with people from the magazine, we all had an amazing lunch together and before I knew it, it was time to hand back my Phase Eight dress (which I had fallen in love with) and go back home to my non-model life.

A few days later, the creative director emailed me some photos - hello glamorous! 

I was so wowed by these photos that I was almost disappointed that I had to wait almost 4 months to show them to people! But the Healthy Hero feature was going to be in the February/March issue  - which came out last weekend! 

I'm perched on the 'S'

If you buy the magazine you'll see Phil from Skinny Latte Strikes Back in there and Laura from Keeping Healthy Getting Stylish featured too, as they were at the shoot the day before me (so I didn't get to meet them, booooooes!)

It was nice reading back the little interview, and reading the others makes me realise how a lot of Heroes have a similar philosophy in life when it comes to being healthy - that it should never be a chore; it should be something you bring into your life to make it better and happier. It's a great article to read, I hope lots of people read it and feel inspired to get out there and make 2013 an amazing year.

I'm really glad this story published when it did; as I've just re-started Weight Watchers I've been trying to sort my head out in regards to my weight and self-image. As much as I want to lose a little weight, it's made me realise that it's a purely for a self-improvement aspect now - no longer something I have to do for the sake of staying alive. I'm not 5 stones heavier any more and I won't be ever again, now I can just focus on being healthy, active, happy and awesome.

To me, that's what being a Healthy Hero is all about. 

And yes, of course I bought the dress. ;)

You can read my other Healthy Hero posts here and here, and the issue of Healthy Magazine with me in it will be in Holland & Barrett stores throughout February and March. I cannot thank the entire team enough for the photoshoot  - it really was one of the most amazing days of my life so far.