1 Up and at it - what is your morning routine?
My morning kicks off with a light wake-up exercise and then I'll head to the bathroom to shower and begin my skincare routine. The days when men think this is something reserved for the 'feminine' are over. Skincare is for everyone.
2 What might you eat in a typical working day for...
Breakfast? At least three eggs accompanied by a protein and fresh fruit smoothie with some raw fruit on the side.
Lunch? Grilled chicken wrap.
Dinner? Fresh fish with salad or veggies. Salmon is a favourite at the moment.
3 Is nutrition important to you – do you take health supplements?
Nutrition is something I prioritise as I want to build a good foundation for health as I grow older. I take multivitamins, cod liver oil, skincare gummies and other fitness supplements.
4 Ever been on a diet – if so, how did it go?
For me, diet is just about what you eat, so I suppose I'm always on a diet. I think it's important to change habits and explore new ways of eating that suit and benefit how you feel. Dieting for fitness purposes isn't really my thing; it's about how you live your life sustainably, not about a short-term fix.
5 Weekend treat?
It has to be a Nando's if I'm having a treat.
6 How do you keep physically and mentally fit?
I think they're part and parcel of the same thing. My physical activities care for my mental health and the mental activities I do help me care for my physical fitness. Going to the gym regularly helps me build and sustain healthy muscles and releases those famous endorphins, but then, mentally, it's positive for me to have a routine and something I'm constantly working at. Aside from the gym, I love swimming, boxing and, of course, I couldn't forget – baking.
7 Best tip for everyday fitness?
Consistency is key and so my best tip for everyday fitness would be to try to do 30 minutes of exercise each day – whether that's walking or a full workout.
8 Were you a fan of schools sports/PE or do you have a memory from those days that you would rather forget?
When I was at school, I genuinely dreaded PE. I found it so boring, especially football which was always forced on me and other boys. Apart from athletics, which I enjoyed, it was trampolining that appealed most to me, but that was seemingly reserved for the girls. I do not miss school PE one bit and I'm glad I've established a positive relationship with sport and fitness since.
9 Teetotal or tipple?
I'm not teetotal but I do watch how much I consume. My favourite tipple has to be cranberry and vodka.
10 Stairs or lift?
I like taking the stairs – it's a great way to get in some extra exercise.
11 What book are you currently reading? Happy Sexy Millionaire by Steven Bartlett.
12 Best Netflix? Stranger Things. I really hope they bring out a new series soon. It's been too good.
13 Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself over the pandemic?
You know, it was the fact that baking is one of my saving graces. Like you might remember, baking became something everyone did to cope with the mental and emotional strain of lockdown and I realised how it was a therapy for me. There was one really special moment over the pandemic when I started a bake-along class on Instagram for people to join in, online. There was a little girl with autism who joined in with the class and it became so apparent that the sensory element of baking really helped her. I loved doing those classes and realising the potential baking had to help people.
14 Any new skills or hobbies?
Recently, I've taken up the guitar. I'm still a beginner, but it's been fun, creating nice sounds with an instrument. I've also taken up pole dancing classes which is great from a fitness point of view.
15 How do you relax?
Relaxing for me is now a luxury, just like holidays, and I do both at the same time.
16 What are your goals for 2023?
My goals for 2023 are all secret. I like to keep my aspirations to myself. One goal I am able to share, though, is the launch of an initiative to help those on the autistic spectrum through baking – it's called 'Baking on the Spectrum'. I expect it to go live in the summer. It's all about delving into the sensory element of baking to help support autistic people cope with challenging noises and atmospheres.
17 What time do you get to bed and do you think you get enough sleep?
My routine around bedtime and sleep needs a huge overhaul. I'm working on this with my life coach at the moment. I'm a real 'night owl' and so often I'll stay awake baking, especially in the lead-up to a big project deadline. I definitely am more focused when I have a good sleep and I know how important sleep is, so hopefully I'll be able to give a more positive answer to this question in the future.
18 Biggest gripe or regret?
I found it so hard at school. My biggest regret would be not having the knowledge that I could ignore the bullies if I was brave.
19 Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
Absolutely. I used to be a bit of a house-husband, but now I'm really passionate about what I do and about building a career for myself.
20 Has coronavirus – or any health epiphany or life event – changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
I lost my friend to suicide and that hugely influenced my attitude to life. I appreciate how important life is and how necessary it is to give love to the people around me.
:: For more information on Sandro Farmhouse's charity campaign, visit bakingonthespectrum.com
