British actress Jacqueline Jossa’s health and weight loss regimen is still going strong, especially as the EastEnders star has figured out one of the best ways to stay accountable: Working out with a friend! Jossa, 31, shared a picture of herself wearing black gym gear, posing next to a pal. “Having someone to gym with has changed EVERYTHING for me. I really love and appreciate you @brooker_lucy the giggles and fun ay!” she captioned the post. Here’s how the star continues to live her best, healthiest life.
Jossa’s best fitness advice is to find a workout you truly enjoy. “Running around after kids can be enough exercise as it is!” she told Closer. “I love going on walks with the dogs. Now the weather is a little warmer, I look forward to swimming again. My top tip would be to find something you love, because if you want to do it, you’ll make time for it. I’ve recently got into Zumba and love it, so at the moment that is a staple in my diary. I try to plan ahead and book the classes a week in advance so I know I’m committed to it.”
Jossa lost weight by watching her calories and portion control. “It varies, but breakfast is usually porridge with berries and lunch is a salad and a protein shake or yogurt,” she told Closer. “For dinner I like to do something family-friendly, like spaghetti Bolognese for a quick midweek meal, or chicken fajitas with sliced veggies. If I feel peckish later, I’ll snack on olives or some chocolate.”
Jossa tries to make time for herself to recharge and have enough energy for her children. “For me, I like to build in time during the day when the kids are at school or at the weekends if they’re at a party or with family friends to indulge in a bit of ‘me time’,” she told Closer. “I think it’s important to find ways to make time for yourself when you’re busy. Fairly often I’m away with work and, although I miss the family, sometimes a night in a hotel room with a bubble bath all to yourself feels like a right treat!”
Jossa enjoys cooking at home with her family. “I love tapas-style food so I’d do sizzling garlic prawns to start with,” she told Closer. “Steak and chips with a side salad for main and then, for dessert, I’d serve gooey warm chocolate brownies with a scoop of ice cream.”
Jossa’s fitness hack of working out with a friend is a great way to stay accountable while still having fun. “When you work out with a partner, you’re likely to feel more motivated,” says the CDC. “When you and your buddy encourage each other, you’ll work harder (and get better results!). And there’s nothin wrong with a little friendly competition.”