'I try not to think about my weight'
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special|Issue 4 2020
Helen Lederer on extreme dieting and finding a balance
GEORGIA FARQUHARSON
'I try not to think about my weight'

Helen focuses on what she has achieved

Helen Lederer describes her diet in two words: very sporadic. The 65-year-old comedian’s love of nuts and wine means she’s had a complicated relationship with her weight over the years.

By her own admission, Helen has two settings – ‘on a complete regime’ or ‘in denial’ – and her inability to find a middle ground often leaves her feeling frustrated. ‘I would like to not be as large as I am, but I try not to worry about it all the time,’ she admits, ‘because I’ve clearly not managed to change it.’

Nevertheless, Helen values being healthy and recently signed up to an all-female gym in a bid to get fit.

Here she reveals how it’s going and why she doesn’t sweat the small stuff.

Mind and body

Back in 2012, Helen successfully shed the pounds, but it was under ‘extreme circumstances’. And surviving on just 400 calories a day wasn’t healthy or sustainable. ‘My only memory of being sort of not fat is when I was on a powdered food diet,’ she admits.

This story is from the Issue 4 2020 edition of Woman's Own Lifestyle Special.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Issue 4 2020 edition of Woman's Own Lifestyle Special.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMAN'S OWN LIFESTYLE SPECIALView All
Are You Feeling Overstretched?
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Are You Feeling Overstretched?

It could be showing on your face. Emotional overload hits us all at some point and, in the past year, we’ve had plenty. Here’s how to cope...

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 6, 2021
Could 60 Be The New 40, And 70 The New 50?
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Could 60 Be The New 40, And 70 The New 50?

Could 60 be the new 40, and 70 the new 50? These stars in their swimwear reveal how they look so good – however many birthdays they’ve had!

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 6, 2021
How To...Get The Most Out Of Your Face Mask
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

How To...Get The Most Out Of Your Face Mask

They’re the secret weapon that your face has long been crying out for. Get the low-down on the smart new skin-genius masks!

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 6, 2021
ME, ME, ME TIME!
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

ME, ME, ME TIME!

We all love a bit of self-care and these stars are no different…

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 6, 2021
Your Complete Guide To Macros
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Your Complete Guide To Macros

They’ve become a buzzword for health and fitness gurus, but what are they? What role do they play in our nutrition? And how much attention should we pay to them?

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 1, 2020
‘My holiday pics helped me lose 12 STONE'
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

‘My holiday pics helped me lose 12 STONE'

After a major wake-up call, Kate Wood, 36, overhauled her diet, got fit and now runs virtual marathons

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 1, 2020
‘I try to set an example to MY GIRLS'
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

‘I try to set an example to MY GIRLS'

Angela Griffin reveals why eating healthily is important when you have teenage daughters…

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 1, 2020
Slimming soups
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Slimming soups

From restorative broth to creamy chicken soup, these hearty and healthy bowls are just what you need on a cold winter’s eve

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 1, 2020
Should you trust your SCALES?
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Should you trust your SCALES?

Weighing yourself may not be as helpful as you think. Now there are savvier ways to track progress

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 1, 2020
Natural ways to survive the menopause
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Natural ways to survive the menopause

Feel 10 years younger with these natural ways to ease symptoms

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 8, 2020