My Life In Health - Lisa Riley

Following her 12-stone weight loss, the actress talks about her honest approach to food and exercise and how her new look has changed her career forever.

- Jo Dunbar

Honesty is the best policy when it comes to losing weight.

I tried so many diets but they didn’t work. I was looking for a quick fix but in the end it comes down to what you put in your body and portion control – you need to be honest with yourself. I’m now the healthiest I’ve ever been.

I fit exercise around my working day.

I often do a 40-minute spin class first thing in the morning and I try to do an evening class, such as Zumba, whenever I can. I love how I feel after exercise and the camaraderie in the gym. I no longer feel self-conscious when getting changed either.

I’ve just finished filming a BBC drama and worked some 16-hour days, but I still found time to go for a walk – even if it was just laps of the car park.