Six months ago we spoke to TV presenter Laura Hamilton as she embarked on a health and fitness regime following the arrival of her daughter Tahlia. We caught up with her to find out whether she's reached the goals she set herself and how she feels in comparison to when she started. She points out however that it's not the end- but the beginning of a new journey.
Laura Hamilton
Now you're at the end of your new fitness and eating regime, how do you feel in yourself?
It's funny that you say you think I'm at the end- I actually feel that I'm at the start. I have got down to 8 stone 13 and to see an 8 on the scales is what I wanted but I actually want to be as fit as I can be. Rather than it being an end, as John Beeby says; once you get to your goal weight that's when you can work on tone.
So I guess I have finished one process and am starting the next.
Will you continue to exercise with the same intensity?
When it comes to fitness, John reminded me that before I got married I could run a 5K in about 25 minutes, which was a big thing for me because I'd never been able to really run. Hr said once I got back to being able to do that then I would be back to my previous fitness level. I want to continue with my fitness because I want to maintain it. With food, I am probably going to ease up and not be so hard on myself over eating. I will just be more aware of what I am eating.
A piece was posted about you in the Mail online on Thursday which was very complimentary of your new post baby body so how did that make you feel?
I was quite surprised at how complimentary it was. It was nice to read that about my appearance from someone else's point of view. When I was showing my husband my bikinis before we want on holiday he said 'you've done so well'. He told me that I was putting him to shame because even when I was on holiday I went to the gym three times! Seeing the number 8 on the scales really encouraged me - however high it was. I'm not skinny and I have never been skinny and I will never be. I am an athletic build so that's what I want to continue with and tone up.
Why is it important to you to pass on the message that it took time and effort and a strong mind-set to get to where you are now?
You see people posting photos and you see people in the press 2/3 weeks after having a baby but look like they have never even been pregnant. How many women are lucky enough to experience that or are like that? How normal is it? Is it a genetic thing? It never was for me- it has taken 7 months. Even with a caesarean I had to wait for 3 months afterwards to start exercising. In a few people's minds I have done it quite quickly but being on television has added pressure to do it. If it had taken me another few months to do it, it would still have been an amazing achievement. However long it takes if you set a goal in your own mind and you are happy that is all that matters.
I've heard that it was a struggle to juggle everything with your new fitness regime, so has it got easier as you've got into new habits or is it still a big push for you to do the exercise and eat a strict diet?
It still is! It's six o clock in the morning over here in America, I have just got out of the shower with my son because he wanted to shower too! This week my little girl started sitting up so she is playing with building blocks. I have built a tent for Rocco between the two beds with sheets and I have got to do my make up and get ready for work. Factor into that filming and working out at night! I went to the gym last night when the children were in bed.
On my Instagram account you can see that on the weekend I went for a 7 mile bike ride. I had Rocco on a trailer on the back and Tahlia on a carrier on my front. Rocco loved it because we were going on an adventure and I was still exercising! Tahlia didn't really have a clue because she's at the front but the things that she saw were still good for stimulating her.
I am juggling fitness around being a parent and trying to go to the gym. If I am staying at a hotel that has a gym I will go. I think it's a struggle for any parent because when you have children you put your children first.
Why do you think the media likes to suggest that baby weight just effortlessly drops off celebrities?
I don't know- I really don't know. I would think that is unrealistic for the majority of people. The worst thing you see are the comments on the online publications that people write about you. It's hard not to read that. I don't know why the media put that pressure on but I don't think it's particularly fair. It's not fair for people in the industry whose weight doesn't just fall off either.
You mentioned last time we spoke that you felt uncomfortable seeing yourself on screen just after you had Tahlia, so do you feel more at ease seeing yourself on TV now?
My boss text me last week whilst watching a recently filmed episode of A Place in the Sun in Cyprus. He last came out and filmed on location with me in July or August time.
I must have looked different as he asked me if I'd been on some extreme diet since we filmed last because he said I looked incredible.
That was nice, and although I now see a difference when I stand on the scales, and some definition in my stomach muscles, when people say it, it really makes you feel better.
There is more pressure on women to be bikini ready while on holiday so how confident did you feel on the beach on your recent trip to the Maldives?
I had some really good fitting bikinis and that makes a massive difference- some that are really supportive for the bigger bust, like one a red Gossard bikini I got from Simply Beach online. Its important to wear a bikini that you feel comfortable in.
There were photos that my husband took of me and I thought my legs looked awful. He said 'don't be ridiculous- you look great', but when you see them yourself, especially when you work in the media industry- you become critical.
What's next for you?
I am going to continue to work out with John my personal trainer as much as I can when I am in the country. I have been doing the 5:2 diet, where you fast for 2 days and eat normally for 5 says. I am not doing that anymore and just cutting back on carbs and not eating so much bread or pasta.
It's really hard at the moment because I am filming in America and the portions of food are enormous. I think that is part of a diet as well- portion control. I am going to continue with the fitness regime and try and get more tone rather than weight loss.
Other than that I am filming A Place in the Sun and have a few little projects in the pipeline too, so watch this space!
Laura is an ambassador for children's charity Dreams Come True and is supporting their Christmas appeal which is aiming to fulfill 25 dreams for children and young people with serious and life-limiting conditions by raising £50,000.
To help make these dreams come true you can donate at:
www.dreamscometrue.uk.com/christmas
or Text HOHO24£5 to 70070.
Laura Hamilton presents "A Place in the Sun - Winter Sun", which returns to our screens on January 4th, every weekday at 2.10 pm on Channel 4 and on Mondays from January 11th at 9pm on More 4.
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