TV presenter and director of media company Screenbox Haslinda Ali, 36, never used to exercise. She tells Elaine Young how her love of fitness developed

You launched a workout video last year, but never used to work out?
I started exercising and being active only two-and-a-half years ago, after I had my second daughter Qasrina (to join sister Qistina, now five). I never dreamed I would actually be able to launch a workout video in a million years.

My trainer helped me to plan a workout video that's suitable for beginners. It's a very good one-hour workout.

So how do you work out now?
I do a cardiovascular workout three times a week (cross-trainer or dance classes in the gym) and, twice a week, I do weight training with a personal trainer.

What was the turning point that got you trimming your weight from your post-birth 76kg to your current 56kg?
After I gave birth to my second daughter, I was in bad shape. Even before she was conceived, I was overweight by 10kg! I felt so unfit and unhealthy, and I was 34 with two small children. I was afraid I could not keep up with my kids.

Even walking drained me and I felt my heart beating as if I was running a marathon!

How hard was it for you to get in shape?
It took a lot of discipline and hard work at the gym! Initially it felt like a chore, but after a while, I felt good about myself and looked better and better. Also, after a good workout, I feel so energetic and think so positively. I love that feeling!

What or who inspires you?
I inspire myself. Other people cannot inspire you to do this for yourself. You must want to make a change. It's a change of lifestyle and there is no turning back. Trust me. I told myself, this is a personal challenge that I must ensure success in. If I can be good at my career and business, why can't I control what I do to my body? My personal trainer Nazarudin is a great motivator. He pushes me beyond what I think I can do and has shaped my positive attitude towards exercise and diet.

How do you kick-start your day?
A power breakfast! I eat a breakfast of almost 500 calories before 8am every day. It includes salmon or tuna sandwiches, home-made burgers, cereal, low-fat milk, freshly-squeezed orange juice and two egg whites. After that, I am off to the gym!

And how do you typically end a day?
After work, I go to my mum's - the children are there - and have dinner with them by 7pm. An early, light dinner is important to keeping in shape.

How do you nourish your body - any foods off limits these days?
I don't eat sweet desserts like cakes but I do indulge once a fortnight. I avoid deep-fried food, unless I get a craving for my favourite curry puffs. Also, I don't take carbonated drinks at all. I drink plain water or freshly-squeezed orange juice.

How do you nourish your spiritual side?
I love reading and I also love meeting up with good friends for a laugh. The key to having a healthy life is a healthy body and mind. Don't let the small things get to you!

What do you do to relax?
I love being outdoors with my girls, especially at the beach. We build sand castles and bask in the sun. Weekends are very precious and I spend as much time with them as possible by either going to the zoo, the pool or for a bike
ride with them. It's the time when we all bond as a family.

If you had three wishes to improve your health, what would they be?
I wish I had started exercising earlier. I wish I had started eating healthy earlier. I wish for continued health - physically and mentally - till I am 80!

Any vices to speak of?
I love eating cheesecake and durian and drinking coffee - are those vices? Oh yes, and I must have my nasi lemak for breakfast on Sundays.

Any health problems?
So far I have had no health problems. One cannot take anything for granted these days, so we must do what we can to keep healthy.

What's the best piece of advice you have been given that you follow?
The best piece of health advice is from my trainer, who says 40 per cent is about exercise and 60 per cent is food. Spiritually, the best advice is from my mum, who told me to always be humble and remember my roots.

How surprised were you when the Singapore Sports Council asked you to be its campaign ambassador?
I was surprised initially because I am so new at this. But when I came to know of the campaign's motto, I could totally relate to it! I looked so different two years ago, but with sports and exercise, I have a new lease of life. I have never felt better or more fit in my life and am ready to embrace whatever life brings. I am glad to say that though my "enlightenment" came later in life, it is never too late to start. You have only one life and one body. Take care of it and live your life to the fullest!