Jenny Kavanagh - Cleo in RTÉ's Fair City- tells Patricia Westonabout her McDonald's addiction
Are you health conscious?
I enjoy the odd binge out on all the unhealthy stuff. McDonald's is a very weak point for me. I watched that documentary Supersize Me and went off it for about six months but then fell in love again - it's like an addictive drug! Dessert is also my favourite part of dinner, so I guess I eat all the wrong things.
Do you exercise?
I don't think I exercise enough. I'm a member of a gym but I just don't know where the exercise machines are. However, I love to swim and sit in the sauna. I'm probably a bit lazy when it comes to exercise. I like walking. I will go for a walk if I'm bothered about something or even just to unwind. It's a great way to clear your head.
Do you worry about your appearance?
I think in my job you kind of have to. I mean I don't fret about it or worry too much. Everyone has good and bad days. I like to get dolled up and go out or spend ages getting my make-up the way I want it. But I also have the ponytail, no make-up and tracksuit days, or the days where I'm almost in tears because there's a spot on my chin.
What would you eat in a typical day?
Cereal, tea and toast for breakfast, and maybe yoghurt. Lunch is varied depending where I am in the country or what's on the menu in the RTÉ canteen. I love paninis and salads. For dinner I love pasta or meat and spuds. Snacks would be crisps, popcorn and chocolate.
Do you use alternative medicines?
I used Bach's Rescue Remedy for my Leaving Cert and I use Manuka honey every night before vocal warm-ups to make sure I coat my throat.
Jenny co-stars with her Fair City colleagues in Ray Cooney's farce Caught in the net, on tour until August 18th. Log onto www.maskproductions.ie or tel: 01-410061 for more information.
Patricia Weston's exercise prescription:
Jenny admits that the only exercise she gets is swimming and sitting in the sauna but there are great benefits to be gained from water exercise. Water exercise is a gentle way to work your joints and muscles. It's also safe for people of all ages, pregnant women and particularly good for arthritis sufferers. Immersing your body in warm water raises your body temperature, causing your blood vessels to dilate and increases circulation.
As well as swimming laps you should try to get in some toning in the water to improve flexibility and muscle strength:
Perform underwater swings by extending your arms directly in front of you with your elbows slightly bent. Swing your arms from one side to the other to strengthen the arms and back. Do this for a count of 10 and repeat three times.
Then bend at the elbows pushing your chest out as you squeeze your shoulder blades together. Push your arms forward as you straighten out your elbows. Repeat for 12 counts and complete three times.
March in the water on the spot to tone and strengthen your legs. March for 10 seconds, then raise your knees to chest level for another count of 10.
Perform jumping jacks in the water to work your leg muscles. Begin with your legs together then bend your knees and jump out to the sides and return to the starting position. Repeat for 15 counts, three times.