Cat Deeley is celebrating her 50th birthday, a milestone that has many surprised given her enduring youthful appearance after three decades in the public eye. The former 'SMTV Live' host views aging not with apprehension, but as a "privilege" that allows for continued life experiences. "The fact that you're here and enjoying life – gaining experiences while being happy and healthy. Wow. That, to me, is amazing," Deeley told Grazia, adding, "We all get older, if we're lucky – I'm backing my health with science."
Deeley’s approach to maintaining her well-being focuses on four key pillars: yoga, walking, tennis, and a Mediterranean diet. She emphasizes that these are not about punishing workouts but rather integrated, enjoyable activities.
A Routine Rooted in Simplicity
During her time in Los Angeles, Deeley incorporated a daily 20-minute hike into her routine, finding it beneficial for her mental health. "It makes all the difference," she stated. Now back in the UK, the demands of her role on 'This Morning' and the weather present challenges to daily walks. Consequently, she has shifted her focus to yoga, which she has practiced for two decades.
"I've been doing yoga for 20 years and I truly love it," Deeley shared. "It switches off my brain and helps me breathe." She notes that despite her long practice, her flexibility is comparable to the average person, but the practice leaves her feeling good and centered. "Even though I've been practising for so long, I'm no more bendy than the average person, but it makes me feel good and I never regret taking just 45 minutes for myself," she said. The concentration required for yoga, she explained, helps quiet a racing mind: "Yoga really works for me because you have to concentrate on your breathing and your movement at the same time, so it stops my brain from going a million miles an hour."
Deeley also advocates for finding personal routines that suit an individual, advising others to "quiet the external voices." She expressed skepticism towards overly complicated, time-consuming, and expensive fitness regimes, suggesting they are often designed for failure. "We're pushed these different regimes that are incredibly complicated, incredibly time-consuming, and incredibly expensive, but fundamentally we're set up to fail – because you can't do it all," she remarked.
Family and Diet
Tennis is a favorite weekend activity with her two children, Milo and James. She previously shared a video of herself playing tennis with her sons, calling it their "new family obsession." Deeley also enjoys walking and previously went on daily hikes while living in Los Angeles.
Her dietary approach is largely Mediterranean, focusing on fruits, vegetables, and protein, though she admits to enjoying "a little bit of everything – predominantly fruits and vegetables and a bit of protein – but I love French bread, red wine and a coffee." She encourages listening to one's body rather than adhering to restrictive food trends. "Like fitness, diet is about finding what works for you, and that way you can do it on a regular basis," she stated. "If you listen to everything on food, it's like, “well now you can't eat potatoes”, and “have you heard about eggs?” “don't have dairy” – and then you look at what's actually in some oat milks and that’s not good!
Deeley begins her day with a pre-made juice cleanse consisting of celery, cucumber, lemon, and ginger. "I think you need to listen to your body. Pay attention and see what makes your skin better, see what makes you feel better, see what gives you a better night's sleep…" she advised.