Life

How to stay healthy in winter

We're all at risk of ailments during winter, which can dampen even the most festive of spirits. A host of celebrities reveal their personal health tips to help you keep well

VICTORIA PENDLETON (34) - Olympic gold-medal winning track cyclist "In the winter, I'm very aware of keeping my immune system healthy, so I ensure I eat vitamin-enriched foods, take multi-vitamins and fish oil supplements. "I've kitted out the garage at home as a gym so I can work out there whatever the weather, although after years as a competitive athlete, it doesn't bother me if I get cold and wet training outdoors. "Every morning, I do a three kilometre power walk with my dogs, followed by a 40-minute run, or a work-out on my Pilates Reformer machine, a luxury treat I bought myself. On my Christmas list is a punch bag so I can do some boxing! I don't feel right if I don't work out."

TOP TIPS: Use a hand sanitiser gel so you avoid picking up germs. "I'm a fan of natural remedies and have never taken any over-the-counter remedy for colds. I rely on rest and a remedy of a hot drink made with water, a dollop of Manuka honey and a squirt of lemon." 2015 HEALTH RESOLUTION: "To take courses in yoga and pilates because they're so good for mental as well as physical wellbeing, and to take my final exam so I'm a qualified personal trainer."

HAPPY FACTOR: "I'm very content, but want to work out which direction to follow, so I have the most impact. I love so many things, from personal training to TV and writing work, as well as all my cycling interests, so it's hard to choose which way to go."

JENNIE BOND (64) - TV presenter, journalist and former BBC Royal correspondent "Summer and winter, my daily routine in the morning is putting on my favourite music and doing just 10 minutes exercise - a mix of pilates and strength work. I'd never go to a gym - far too boring. I work on the 'use it or lose it' principal - unless you make a bit of effort to keep supple and flexible, it's all too easy to seize up as you get older. "This year I amazed myself by taking up running and enjoying it. I now run - slowly but steadily - a couple of times a week and have even done a 10-kilometre run."

TOP TIPS: "Eat grapes - I get through a large carton of red grapes every day and I'm convinced they help keep me healthy. I was once told by a doctor that there's something under the skin of red grapes which is protective. I also take an Omega-3 fish oil supplement and have oily fish twice a week. It seems to work because all I can say is I'm 64 and ridiculously healthy." 2015 HEALTH RESOLUTION: "Taking up weekly swimming despite the fact I hate what it does to my hair!"

HAPPY FACTOR: "We've had a sad year with a death and illness in the family, so better health for everyone is all I hope for. We had to cancel holidays because of all the problems, so I'm

looking forward to several trips to exotic, hot places with my husband."

JODIE KIDD (36) - Model and TV personality "Winter is a tricky time for health and I'm a great believer in healthy juices made from raw vegetables to improve vitamin intake and help the body fight off bugs. "Keeping the body as alkaline as possible is key, so it's better able to resist illness. Our diet at home includes lots of vegetables and wholegrains rather than processed foods, and we take HoneyGar, a blend of cider vinegar and honey. It all helps to put less stress on the body, which is especially important at busy and sometimes fraught times such as Christmas."

TOP TIPS: "If I feel under the weather, I take Propolis, a compound produced by bees to help boost the immune system. I also swear by a daily booster dose of vitamin C, in a preparation, Emergen-C." 2015 HEALTH RESOLUTION: "Every new year, I make and break a promise to myself to go to the gym! So I'll aim to just keep on with my normal health regime."

HAPPY FACTOR: "Life's wonderful already - I got married in the summer and my son, Indio [three] is a constant joy. I just want to keep working at balancing my life and enjoying work and family."

GABBY LOGAN (41) - TV and sport presenter "Winter's challenging because when it's dark and cold outside, all you want to do is stay home and comfort eat. "I'm very conscious of staying fit so I can juggle all my commitments - work and family - so I try to stick to a routine throughout the year incorporating at least an hour's exercise every day.

I like cycling outdoors but if the weather's too bad I go on the cross-trainer in my garage.

I do a workout as early as I can so it's out of the way and it gives me energy for the day. It's so much part of my life that I feel odd if I don't do it." 2015 HEALTH RESOLUTION: "Making more time for a run, a round of golf, or reading will help me relax and refocus."

HAPPY FACTOR: "A good work/life balance is key, so remembering that while goals and work are important, spending time and having fun with family and my children [twins Reuben and Lois, nine] is vital for my happiness."

CHESKA HULL (28) - star of reality TV show, Made In Chelsea "I've just lost one and a half stone and I'm a size 10, so this winter is going to be about celebrating my new figure by wearing 'wow' dresses which I feel really sexy in. "I'm recently single, so it's exciting to be able to show my figure off and maybe snatch up a man again," she says. "I'm also doing a lot of swimming, personal training and walking my dog and that combined with a healthy diet is making me feel better about myself as a whole."

TOP TIPS: "Drink lots of water to flush out toxins and swap unhealthy foods for healthy choices - for example, avocado instead of ice-cream and nuts instead of crisps." 2015 HEALTH RESOLUTION: "Eat more vegetables and protein and avoid eating carbs late in the day."

HAPPY FACTOR: "The best piece of advice I've ever been given is, 'Be yourself'. It's about aiming to be natural because when you're happy within yourself you'll be your most comfortable and at ease with life."

MELANIE CHISHOLM (40) - Singer, songwriter and formerly Sporty Spice member of the Spice Girls "This year I've been plagued by small, niggly injuries which have stopped me taking part in triathlons which I really enjoy. "So this winter I'm taking it easy so I'm fighting fit for next year. "As a single mother it's important I stay healthy as I have a busy life working and looking after my daughter, Scarlet [five]. "I'm interested in healthy eating anyway. Vegetable soups are my speciality, which we both I love, and I include as many superfoods into our daily diet as possible. I'm keen to show Scarlet from an early age that healthy foods are tasty and I let her help me cook."

TOP TIPS: "Lack of sunshine can leave us deficient in vitamin D. "If you feel particularly tired or lacking energy, it's worth asking a doctor to test you to see if you need a supplement." 2015 HEALTH RESOLUTION: "Eating only vegetarian foods three days a week."

HAPPY FACTOR: "Watching my daughter grow up and writing songs for my new album, due out next year."