LIFESTYLE-Magazine-Winter-2016

efore landing her dream job on Emmerdale nearly two years ago, the super-fit soap star took a college course in nutrition before engaging on a fitness campaign. In fact as a teenager Gemma’s future was a toss-up between fitness and fame . . . Gemma tells LIFE : STYLE magazine: “Funnily enough at school I had wanted to do nutrition and sports therapy, so when the opportunity arose aer I lemy role on Hollyoaks - I signed up for a course. “It was really interesting to do and nice to educate myself on what is good for your body and what isn’t.” Gemma adds: “Because I work long hours I have to maintain training and eating well because otherwise I feel so sluggish and tired. “If I eat bad food – I feel bad. I love to eat fruit and vegetables, drink water and keep my body fuelled as opposed to geing by on loads of sugar highs now and again.” Gemma admits she hasn’t always been the paragon of health she is today.

“I always wanted to be in good shape but I didn’t have the knowledge,” she says. “ Where I used to think it fine to have a chippy tea twice a week and then burn it off in the gym, I didn’t realise howmuch it affected my performance when working out. “Now I know if I have a chicken breast, veg and loads of water and then go to the gym, I’m properly fuelled and can perform so much beer.” Gemma, who was born in Bury, has proved a massive hit as Emmerdale’s Carly Hope – daughter of café owner Bob – andMarlon Dingle’s nanny turned girlfriend.

She adds: “I tend to take healthy food in with me at 7amwhen I start for a long shi. I am a foodie and eat more now than I ever did – but eat the right stuff and exercise. “The recipe I am sharing with LIFE : STYLE magazine does contain fats like almond milk and buer – but they’re good fats like avocado. I eat one of those every morning. “I hope your readers enjoy my healthy version of almond chicken satay!”

Method • Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium high heat until hot • Sprinkle the chicken with one teaspoon of salt, ¾teaspoon of pepper and the Cajun spices, then add to the pan • Cook, turning occasionally until browned on all sides for about 6minutes • Stir in the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes • Stir in the almond milk, almond buer, ¼cup of water and½ teaspoon of salt, and bring to a simmer • Season and serve the chicken over fluffy basmati rice, sprinkled with chilli and coriander

Ingredients • 2 tbsp. coconut oil • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into ¾ inch pieces • Salt, finely ground black pepper and Cajun spices to taste

• 2 tbsp. finely chopped ginger • 1 tbsp. finely chopped garlic • 14oz almond milk • 1/3 cup of almond buer • Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Left: Actress Gemma loves healthy food. Above: My healthy almond chicken satay contains good fats like avocado.

L I F E : STY L E W I NT E R 2 0 1 6 3 9