‘I love pancakes with bacon!’ Strictly Come Dancing pro Karen Clifton on her guilty food pleasure

Strictly Come Dancing pro dancer Karen Clifton, 35, has an impressive dancer’s bod. We caught up with her to find out how she stays in such great shape!

KAREN’S STATS
HEIGHT: 5ft 6in
WEIGHT: 8st 7lb
SIZE: 8

Hey Karen! We’ve seen you dance on Strictly, but how else do you like to keep fit?

I love doing exercises at home. I exercise every day to keep myself in tune and keep injuries at bay. I do Pilates three times a week when I need to change
it up – it challenges my muscles and my mind.

What’s your favourite body part?

My back. I love having a defined, muscular back. I get to show it off when I wear backless gowns.

Is there a body part you struggle to keep in shape?

If I don’t work out or dance for a while, my bum starts to get a bit saggy. I have to make sure that I do my squats and lunges to keep everything where it belongs!

Can you share your best bum move?

Single leg squats – lower yourself as close to the floor on one leg as possible without letting it touch the floor while the opposite leg is extended in front of you.

Do you have a guilty food pleasure?

Pancakes with bacon! I love bacon – I eat it twice a week, but only for breakfast.

Any health apps you love?

I use Headspace. It’s for meditating and helps me clear my mind. If I’m anxious before a performance it helps me keep calm.

Do you take any supplements?

I don’t, as I try to eat food with vitamins in, although my mum tells me I should. I guess I’m still a kid that doesn’t listen to her mum!
Tickets for the Kevin And Karen Dance live show are available from kevinandkarendance.com

Karen’s food diary

Now’s expert sports nutritionist Ollie Frost gives his verdict on her daily diet…

Breakfast

Three scoops of Greek yogurt with granola, and a coffee. (312 cals)

Ollie says: Greek yogurt is superior to normal yogurt as it contains probiotics. It’s also lower in lactose and has twice the protein content. Top this with some mixed berries for additional fibre and vitamin and mineral support.

Lunch

A bowl of quinoa with avocado, tomatoes and kale. (366 cals)

Ollie says: Quinoa contains many important vitamins and minerals, one being iron. Iron helps metabolise proteins and plays a role in the production of haemoglobin and red blood cells. It’s also high in protein.

Dinner

Sautéed salmon with spinach and a side of green beans and roasted potatoes. (505 cals)

Ollie says: Research suggests that omega-3, found in salmon, may help protect against Alzheimer’s and dementia. Potatoes contain carbs, which aid recovery.
Snacks

Fruit, strips of chicken, and carrot and pepper sticks. (360 cals)

Ollie says Snacking on protein will keep you feeling fullness and prevent poor diet decisions later on.

Total Cals 1,543 (GDA 2,000)
Ollie’s verdict: Karen’s diet is well balanced between protein, carbohydrates and   fats. This will leave her body feeling energised and satisfied. Eating single-ingredient, whole foods for the majority of the time will nourish your body to good health.

Follow Ollie on Twitter @Ollie_frost