TV star Zoe Hardman chats body confidence and why she won’t have more kids

HEY, Zoe! Is this your usual choice of lunch?

Yes, I’m always starving after a workout.

I usually go for two poached eggs on wheat-free bread or rye with avocado and smoked salmon.

I’ve nailed the green juice: spinach, kale, cucumber, avocado, kiwi, banana and mint.

Yum! How conscious are you of what you eat?

I’m married to a sportsman [rugby player Paul Doran-Jones, 33], so I can’t get away with just carrots and houmous like I used to. We’re pretty on it at home.

It’s super-important for me to have all the right proteins.

I love oily fish, green veggies and sweet potatoes.

You haven’t always had a good relationship with food, have you?

No, god, I was really ill. Having anorexia in my 20s was hideous, but once I’d dealt with it I felt re-educated about food.

For the last eight years my intake has been good.

How did you find seeing your body change when you were pregnant with your children Luna, now two, and Kit, 12 months?

If there was going to be a time when I was going to panic, it would have been during my pregnancies.

When you’ve been anorexic, it’s hard not to freak out when you put pounds on. But I actually felt really zen – it was the ultimate acceptance.

What helped you with that acceptance?

I was told I wouldn’t have children naturally. The specialist said there were very few eggs left, so to fall pregnant naturally was all I’d wanted.

I had wobbles occasionally, but I just kept the end in sight and I’m now a much stronger person after all I’ve been through.

Do you feel confident now?

Yes, I have two amazing kids and feel like people should take me as I am.

Although my boobs aren’t what they used to be! I had a C cup and now I’ve got an A. But my husband fancies me more than ever.

Do you have advice for women who lack confidence?

This is why we started Made By Mammas [Zoe’s parenting podcast with Georgia Dayton]. It breaks my heart that there are women sitting at home not wanting to go out.

When you become a mum you can feel like nothing is for you any more, which is why it’s so important to do something for yourself. Otherwise you end up walking around in your leggings and hoodie and realise you haven’t spoken to anyone.

It’s not good for your soul.

You talk a lot about sex on your podcast…

It’s an important part of being a mother, and we’re not talking about it. After having a baby, the first time is going to feel like losing your virginity again, but it will get better.

Parents feel tired, but sex makes you feel energised. The more you have, the better you feel.

Would you like any more children?
No. Dozza has had a vasectomy. I’m so proud of him – it’s a big decision for a couple to make and I don’t take it lightly.

I didn’t want to take the Pill any more – I just wanted to get my body back to feeling normal again.

• Listen to the Made By Mammas podcast now at
• Thanks to Nathalie ()