Parenting Q&A with Tamzin Outhwaite

Tamzin Outhwaite, 44, has been a regular face on our TV screens since playing Mel in EastEnders back in the day. I admit I was super jealous - her character was married to Steve Owen played by Martin Kemp *swoon*. Tamzin has two daughters and I caught up with her to find out how she juggles that tricky work/life balance and what advice she has for mums.

Tamzin Outhwaite

It must be difficult when filming to juggle work and family life.  What advice do you have for busy working mums?

My advice would be to not feel guilty; we all know we’re working hard for our kids as well as for ourselves. It’s important to enjoy the time you have with them as it’s very precious. For instance, when I have time off I will hang out with the kids and make sure we do lots of different things. I also really treasure our time together in the mornings before they head off to school.

How has your diet and exercise regime changed since becoming a mum?

I don’t worry about what everybody says as much. I just do what’s right for my body, so I don’t run as much as I did as I find it can affect my knees. I do much more yoga now (particularly hot yoga) and it feels like it works better for my body.  My body has changed a lot over the years and I have been all different shapes and sizes. I was probably in the best shape ever on my 40th birthday!

How do you try and promote a healthy lifestyle to your children?

I try extremely hard to make sure we have good, healthy food in the house and marry up what they both like without having too much sugar. My fridge is quite healthy so I do allow a Friday treat because if it’s once a week it doesn’t feel so bad. When I grew up we didn’t have sweets, crisps or chocolate as they simply weren’t in the house- my lunch box was the one with the peeled carrots and cucumbers!

What three tips would you give to a new mum who wants to make healthier choices?

Don’t give yourself a hard time; we can all get very stressed as a new mum and I think when we stress ourselves out, our kids can pick up on it. Try and let it happen naturally, but if you have good food in the fridge and not too much rubbish around the house then it helps a lot.

How do you start your day? 

My kids wake at 6am and that’s always a really lovely time with them. Often, I will put on some music and the three of us will dance around the kitchen as they really love music and dancing. Then we will have some porridge and Cherry Good juice for breakfast. I like Cherry Good Light but the kids will have Cherry Good Original as it’s a little sweeter.

What advice did your mum give you when it comes to looking after yourself that you will pass on to your own children?

My mum is very good at eating non-processed, fresh food. She also juices her vegetables, which I think is a lovely thing to do and she eats a lot of pulses.  My mum also avoids eating white bread, white pasta or white rice. She’s extremely healthy and almost completely organic so I try and follow her example and adapt it to fit in with my lifestyle.

Big thanks to Cherry Good juice for organising this Q&A! cherrygood.com

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