1 Up and at it – what is your morning routine?
Even though I work on the Cool FM Breakfast Show, believe it or not, I’m not a morning person at all. My alarm goes off at 6am and I can be quite grumpy and noisy getting ready (or so I’m told). I hate to admit it, but I check my phone pretty much straight away. In my job, it’s important to keep on top of what’s going on. I read emails, some overnight sports stories and maybe take a quick scan of news headlines before brushing my teeth, grabbing a shower and putting my contact lenses in for the day.
2 What might you eat in a typical working day for...
Breakfast? Coffee starts my day... every day. I usually stop at McDonald’s drive-thru for an Americano on my way into the office. I find it hard to eat breakfast first thing, so after the show finishes at 10am, I’ll have two poached eggs on wheaten bread with avocado.
Lunch? Lunch is something quick and easy while I’m out, maybe a halloumi wrap or chopped salad. I snack a lot on nuts and fruit.
Evening meal? I’ve recently discovered HelloFresh which has transformed dinnertime – I love it. The food and flavour combinations are amazing and directions easy to follow.
3 Is nutrition important to you?
Yes, I find myself having more energy and in a better mood when I eat healthily. With the amount of hiking I do, it’s important to fuel up with decent, nutritious food for energy and recovery. That doesn’t mean I deprive myself of a treat or two when catching up on Game of Thrones, though…
4 Best meal ever?
Anything Thai-related as it’s fresh, light and full of flavour. I’ve never been disappointed.
5 Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Pizza.
6 Have you ever been on a diet? If so, how did it go?
I’m not a fan of diets; you shouldn’t have to deprive yourself of your favourite foods and very few people who go on a diet keep the pounds off, long-term. Making smaller, long-term lifestyle changes, being more aware of portion sizes, regular exercise and eating less processed foods all go a long way, compared to 'dieting'.
7 Do you take health supplements?
I find supplements confusing – it’s hard to tell which products can positively impact your health and which are simply marketing jargon slapped on a fancy bottle. I’m a big believer in the idea that you can get all the nutrients you need from a healthy diet and lifestyle. I’m not a huge fan of fish, though, so I take Omega 3 supplements on a daily basis to try and make up for that.
8 How do you relax?
Spending time in the Mourne Mountains. I’m at my happiest when hiking or planning a hike. It gives me peace of mind and time to think about everything, or nothing at all. Away from the mountains, I love my box sets, Game of Thrones and nights out at the cinema.
9 Teetotal or tipple?
Teetotal. I find I have more energy, am more focused and get more done without alcohol.
10 Stairs or lift?
Lift – climbing the Mournes once a week is tough enough.
11 Do you have a daily exercise regime?
I do a mixture of strength training and cardio three times a week at the gym. I try and give myself a rest day in between sessions to recover and then I go hiking at the weekends.
12 Best tip for everyday fitness?
Set yourself realistic goals that you are likely to achieve. The first time I climbed Slieve Donard I didn’t make it all the way to the top. Don't let a setback set you back.
13 On a scale of one to 10, how fit do you think you are and how fit would you like to be?
I'd say about a seven. A few years ago I signed up to the Mourne Sevens Challenge, the ‘beep test’ and marathon of mountain climbing. It’s a gruelling 18-mile hike across all seven highest peaks of the Mournes in a day. It took me 12 hours to complete. I’m hoping I can get quicker at it and shave a few hours off my time this summer.
14 Have you tried, or would you try, alternative therapy?
Yes, I find reflexology really relaxing and I always sleep well for days after it.
15 Were school sports happy times or do you have a memory you would rather forget?
I don’t know why, but I hated PE in secondary school. I would always conveniently 'forget' my gear and it was always the subject I dreaded the most. It's strange, really, because I love sport and I enjoy keeping active now.
16 Best health/lifestyle advice you were ever given and would pass on to others?
Try not to compare yourself to others. Social media has created unrealistic expectations of our bodies. Someone’s Instagram feed is not their reality and is almost always not the full story.
17 Who inspires you or who would you try to emulate in terms of fitness / attitude to life?
Steven Gerrard. He was an incredible player and an incredible leader. He inspired Liverpool's amazing 3-0 Champions League comeback against AC Milan in Istanbul – a terrific role model.
18 What time do you normally get to bed and do you get enough sleep?
I make a point of trying to get seven to eight hours sleep a night, but with an early 6am wake-up call for the breakfast show, that can be challenging.
19 Would you say you have a healthy attitude towards your own mortality?
Death is a part of life – no-one gets out of this whole thing alive.
:: The Mourne International Walking Festival takes place from Friday June 28 to Sunday June 30. To book tickets or join Paulo on his mountain hike, check out http://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/MourneInternationalWalkingFestival
