Having recently released her first book Beat Your Bloat where she pens her struggles with IBS, Maeve Madden is a great example of how your health is your own hands. After being diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) in her final year at university and despite several high profile modelling contracts she’s battled IBS, adult acne, along with problems with weight, bloating and fibroid growth to come out the other side healthier than ever. Naturally, we wanted to out find just how she keeps herself well.
-How do you balance work vs social life?
I think it’s really important to schedule social activities outside of work, make sure you have dinner booked in with the girls or go for a sweaty work out in the gym. You should enjoy a digital detox every so often, get off your phone and laptop, this is so important!
-What do you do to unwind?
I absoultely love going to the cinema and shutting off for two hours whilst getting lost in the magical cinematic experience! I love going out for dinner and enjoying all the delicious foods! I also make sure to have my me time where I’ll put on my face and hair masks and relax!
-How do you stay motivated?
I get asked this one a lot but I’m very lucky that I don’t see health fitness as a chore, I see it as living a wellness lifestyle, therefore I’m constantly motivated!
-What is the wellness tip you swear by?
There are so many but my favourite tip must be: Because progress is progress no matter how small. I just think it’s so simple but powerful.
-What is your daily routine like?
Monday – Friday I wake up after eight hours of sleep and take my supplements and a large glass of lemon water. I make my matcha latte and eggocado toast (see recipe in my book!) and walk to the gym where I power through my daily workout routine and feel high on endorphins! I then have a scheduled work day, creating content and engaging in my social media!
-What do you eat on a daily basis?
I eat a variety of foods, enjoying lots of different cuisines. I love eating out but I also make sure that I can make the same recipes at home myself using whole-foods, lean meats, fish and high fats. I also enjoy munching on Kind Bars and Vegan Protein shakes.
-What tips would you give to someone wanting to live a more healthy lifestyle?
The best way to start is to set small weekly goals, which helps you achieve a more sustainable lifestyle.
-What is your exercise routine like?
When I’m training at the gym I use a mix of equipment and enjoy functional exercises, high intensity workouts and weight training. However, with a busy schedule and travelling I use my FIIT app, the boutique studio fitness app brings the best personal trainers in the UK including myself to your own living room. From live cardio, Strength, mobility and yoga training, I believe FIIT is having a really positive impact on how people can manage their wellness.
-What do you do on rest days?
Having PCOS, I believe it’s important to aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day, whether its taking your dog for a walk, hitting up boxing class, or crushing some weights at the gym. Exercise not only promotes good health and awesome endorphins but for those suffering with PCOS it improves our bodies sensitivity to insulin.
-What are the three beauty items you swear by?
I absolutely swear by the following!
1. Benefit Gimme Brow + Volumizing Eyebrow Gel (£20.50, benefitcosmetics.com)
2. La Mer SPF Protection Fluid – I always make sure I wear SPF on my face every day, even in the winter (£80, cremedelamer.co.uk)
3. Tom Ford Santal Blush Eau de Parfum as it’s the the perfect Summer smell! (£158, John Lewis)
- Beat Your Bloat (Kyle Books), £14.99. On sale now, available from amazon.co.uk
