By June Cheong

What do you do to keep fit?

I've always been a sports junkie and I've pretty much played every sport at one time or another. Over the last two to three years, my passion has been wakeboarding. I wakeboard three to four times a week at East Coast Park. I also play tennis once a week whenever possible, usually with my friend Kasper with whom I have a Federer-Nadal type rivalry going on.

What is your secret to looking so fabulous?

It really has to be sports. My main passion is wakeboarding which I do at least three times a week so that I'm able to ride at a competitive level. I play tennis for recreation. Together, they keep me in shape. Wakeboarding is amazing for developing strength and toning the body. You literally use every part of your body from your legs, arms and chest to your core muscles.

The first time you try it, you will probably get pretty sore but it gets easier. Tennis also keeps me in shape because of all the running involved.

Has there ever been a time when you were not fit and fab?

Definitely. When I have an injury that prevents me from exercising, I tend to put on weight. Exercise is crucial to getting back in shape. I have never been able to lose weight through dieting as I love food way too much.

What is your diet like?

Pretty varied as I am a food lover. I have lived all over the world so I have a good appreciation of food from diverse cultures. I try to have a good mixture of protein and carbohydrates - both are necessary to give me the energy I need to ride and let my muscles recover. I always insist on a big breakfast, usually with eggs and bread or rice to start the day.

What are your indulgences?

I really have to fight my craving for bad foods such as pizzas, burgers and sweets. As I exercise enough, I know I can get away with eating bad foods but it is best to cut down on them as they will give you health problems later in life.

Do you count your calories?

I have never gone so far as counting calories, although I know this is a good method to really track how much you are eating. If I put on weight, I exercise more and cut back on food.

Do you take supplements?

I do. I take fish oil, glucosamine, vitamin C and lauricidin (a natural lipid with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties). The fish oil and glucosamine keep my joints nice and mobile and the vitamin C and lauricidin are for general health and to boost my immune system.

What is your sleep routine like?

Pretty standard, I guess. I like to unwind in bed for an hour with my girlfriend watching TV just before bed. Usually I get about seven hours of sleep which is enough for me to recharge. Anything less and I can get pretty grumpy.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

I think it is important to like your job but it is also important to have passions outside of work. I quote my dad on this one: 'Work to live, don't live to work'.

What do you do to relax?

I wakeboard. It is my passion and no matter what kind of day I am having, when I strap on my board and am riding with just the sound of my board cutting though the water, I can forget my problems and just relax and have fun. It is addictive but also a very positive outlet for people of any age. I can't recommend it enough. Watching a good DVD at home with my girlfriend ranks pretty high up there too.

What are the three most important things in your life?

That is a tough question but my girlfriend Kim, my family and good friends, and wakeboarding. I have to add a fourth though, which is my work as it supports the first three.

Would you go for plastic surgery?

No way. I have watched that reality TV series on plastic surgery Dr 90210 and it scares me. Plus, I don't have any issues with myself that I think need addressing with plastic surgery.

Do you think you are sexy?

Ha ha, this is a loaded question. I would like to say yes, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to nab my gorgeous girlfriend.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.