We love a bit of self-care and all this time at home has really given us an excuse to look after ourselves inside and out. Each week, we'll be asking the celeb lot to share their Sunday self-care routines, because taking care of yourself is more important than ever.
This week it's all about Emily Atack, the actress who shot to fame as Charlotte Hinchcliffe in The Inbetweeneers and has since starred on all our favourite shows including I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here and Celebrity Juice.
The telly star chats exclusively to heat about her passion for cooking, body confidence and her relationship with social media. We are all ears.
On embracing lockdown
Of course the last year has been difficult for us all, but Emily has used this as an excuse to cut down on her drinking and to really focus on her kitchen skills.
“Not many positives have come out of lockdown but for me, with the pubs and restaurants shut, it has meant I have not be drinking or eating as much as normally I am dining out all the time. In the first lockdown, I did knock back more wine than usual like a lot of people did but then I was determined to keep myself in check, eat healthily and not rely on any takeaways.”
The actress explains her passion for cooking home-made food, sourcing fresh ingredients and getting creative in the kitchen.
"I am generally a bit of a scatty person but I love cooking, as much as I love food, so quick easy recipes are right up my street. I have been working withElmlea on a campaign and have discovered a love of not only chocolate muffins but my favourite food ever, cauliflower cheese!”
Such is Emily’s passion for cooking, she is up for the task of making Easter day menu for her sister and mother, who are in her family bubble.
“I am always up for a challenge as that is when I really come alive, so entertaining for my family is so special. I miss dinner parties and going out so much as I just love food. In fact, during lockdown I have found escapism through scrolling through Instagram and looking at food pictures.”
On staying positive
"I’m generally an upbeat person and am lucky enough to be surrounded by family and good friends who keep me grounded.” And if she wants to have a laugh, there’s always episodes of Celebrity Juice she can flick through! “That and Netflix has been amazing during lockdown,” she laughs. “I’m a huge fan of After Life and Normal people and I am always up for a big cosy rom-com.”
The TV star also swears by any travel shows for the ultimate relaxation, adding: “Pictures and footage of beaches have been wonderful during this year as a form of escapism.”
On body confidence
"Even during lockdown I made sure I put make-up on, just to make myself feel good. I mean, you never know….a visit to my local Tesco and I could bump into someone like Brad Pitt! And I also ensured I did not sit around all day in my pyjamas. I called my dressing gown a depressing gown and felt it was very important for my mental health to get dressed each day to give me some form of structure.”
On skincare
Emily swears by Tropics skincare for giving her skin a natural finish. “I never really understood or took seriously skincare until I hit my thirties and then realised the right routine would benefit me in so many ways,” she tells heat. “I love the brand as because it is natural and cruelty-free it just feels as though I am feeding my skin with goodness.”
On keeping herself entertained
"I like nothing better than watching soppy films as I am a huge romantic at heart. I’d also like to try to find the time to read more as well,” laughs Emily, who is the author of Are We There Yet? To indignity . . . and beyond!
On her biggest health tip
"One thing I do now is drink water. I never used to drink as much as I do now. Two litres a day and I may be needing the toilet more but my skin has never been better.”
On her relationship with social media
Emily admits she has a love/hate relationship with it.
“It is a double-edged sword. I have learnt to ignore the negative side of it and just focus on the good. I love looking at upbeat and funny content and pictures of food and beaches. I have done a lot of that the past year.”
Elmlea has partnered with Emily Atack to create a series of easy Easter recipes which are perfect for prepping for the long Easter weekend, freeing up time for you to spend with family and less time stressing about the Easter feast! Find more delicious and easy Easter recipes here____.
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Fun things you can do that doesn't involve a screen:
Hinch your home: whack out The Pink Stuff, some rubber gloves and your favourite podcast and make your flat SHINE a la Mrs Hinch. Pre-lockdown us would be shaking.
Try a new recipe: whether you fancy whipping up a lasagne or some healthy protein pancakes, now is the perfect time to cook something you love.
Make a vision board: manifestation is all the rage and honestly? We're here for it. Dream big and plot your goals for 2021 and beyond.