Alexandra Burke in Bathing Suit Says "We are So Grateful"
Strictly Come Dancing star Alexandra Burke is pregnant with baby number two, and thrilled to share the news with fans. Burke, 34, shared a reel of herself dancing in jeans and a white bathing suit top with husband Darren Randolph, her baby bump on full display. "We are so grateful for the beautiful messages we have received about our exciting news. Thank you all so much for your kind words and well wishes. Xx ❤️," she captioned the post. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Burke stays in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!
Six Small Meals a Day
Burke overhauled her health regimen due to concern about diabetes running in her family. "I started eating six small meals a day: porridge for breakfast, soup for lunch, a dinner of chicken or fish, with salad, and fruit and nut snack in between," she says. "I suddenly had so much energy from eating regularly." Experts say smaller meals can be beneficial, especially for athletes. "Mini-meals can aid in satisfying the appetite, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and providing nutrients to the body throughout the day," according to Cleveland Clinic.
Working Out Five Times a Week
Burke was so inspired by the results of her dietary changes, she started working out too. "Healthy eating encouraged me to kick-start my gym routine," she says. "I now work out five or six times a week, and my training schedule never changes, not even when I'm on holiday… Two years later, I'm three dress sizes smaller and two stone [28 lbs] lighter, and I've built up muscle. It's been a slow process but the rewards are for the long term."
Living With IBS
Burke says she has learned to be open about her struggles with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). "I just didn't talk about it," she says. "It's just such a taboo subject which it doesn't need to be, but I just didn't bring it up. And then, finally, I went to my GP and she suggested this amazing product called Symprove [a probiotic supplement] and I started taking that and it's been my life-changing friend."
Anxiety Issues
Burke says by dealing with her IBS, she also dealt with anxiety issues. "Anxiety played a massive part in it all," she says. "It's something that I was too shy and too ashamed to speak about, which you shouldn't be really. Those are symptoms that you don't naturally want to talk about. I feel like it's a good time to talk about it because people are going through this every single day."
Making Time For Self-Care
Burke says making time every day for self-care is key. "Find an hour a day for yourself and find a sport or exercise that you absolutely love and do your thing!" she says. "It doesn't matter if it's a gym workout, running, walking, swimming, yoga, or a dance workout at home – once you find that thing you love you'll always look forward to it. I've never regretted a workout, not once. The feeling afterwards and during the day is all worth it, it really does pump those endorphins around your body."
