For the past two years, Q-Radio host Yasmin Zemmoura (Yazz) has been on a journey to become a solo mom. Yazz has documented the ups and downs of her IVF journey and cut them into short episodes for her own podcast. Worth Every Shot aims not only to tell Yazz’s personal story, but also to open up the discussion of fertility to others. Upcoming episodes will feature interviews with fertility experts and people going through their own fertility journeys.
o Do you exercise regularly and if so, what?
Now I’m going to be honest here and say I’m definitely not getting as much as I should. I’m more interested in eating healthy than actually working up a sweat, but I should probably be doing both! I’m always trying to find an exercise that I fall head over heels in love with, I’ve been involved with roller skating and anything dance related before. I used to go to a dance class in Belfast city center which was fabulous. The teacher taught us dance moves and I felt like I was in a music video and felt like I was also learning a new skill, but sadly those classes stopped running. I also enjoy going for a walk, especially on a cold crisp day, so I don’t have an excuse at the moment because we’re getting a lot of those days right now. Last year I managed to ride 100 miles for charity in September and I loved it! I felt great. Also, I have a new watch that will count my steps, which will certainly encourage me to get off the couch, get into my sneakers and release those endorphins!
What was the worst illness you had?
Luckily I’m pretty healthy apart from gallstones. I’ve had about 16 gallstone attacks in my life and for the last 16 years the little critters have been living in my gallbladder. The seizures average one a year which is an absolute blessing as I don’t want more than that, having one is the worst pain I have ever felt! I have read that some women with gallstones who have also been fortunate enough to have babies have equated the pain with labor and some men with gallstones would describe the attacks as the worst pain they have ever felt, I belong to the latter Camp!
How healthy is your diet?
It’s so much better than before. I spent my 20’s and some of my 30’s doing fad diets, from the cabbage soup diet to the three day diet where I just ate a batch of eggs and grapefruit! My diet is so much better since joining Slimming World. Now I know it’s not for everyone because some people love counting calories etc but Slimming World really works for me because the formula they give you to work really suits my appetite and way of eating. In other words, I don’t like feeling too restricted. I lost three and a half stone on Slimming World but since coming out of lockdown quite a bit has crept back in but because it’s not a fad diet I’m not back where I started.
Any bad habits?
My main focus at the moment is to be a little more relaxed about eating and drinking on the weekends. I would love to go back to the way of thinking I had when I first started at Slimming World, back then I strictly followed the plan, I even counted my drinks!
Do you take supplements?
I’m on my way to becoming a solo mom of choice and am undergoing IVF, which I documented on my Worth Every Shot podcast. Therefore, the number one supplement I take to support my journey is folic acid.
How do you take a break?
I love a bit of comfort TV, live music, spending time with good friends and chilling alone with a good book. I actually really enjoy my own company and being with friends. I like the best of both worlds. Oh, and I also love to dine out and try new restaurants.
how well do you sleep
You should ask my mom that question – she keeps talking about how bad I sleep. She’s probably right, mothers usually are. I’m a night owl, which doesn’t work so well when you have to get up for work at half past five! I think I average five hours a night, I’m just lucky that I’ve always been able to get by on very little sleep.
Are you worried about getting older?
The only time I really realized I was getting older was when I started my IVF journey and relied on my egg quality and reminded myself that they are the same age as me! I was a little over two months premature when I was born, so I shortened her age by nine weeks just to make me feel better.
What is your favorite product that makes you feel healthy?
Probably flavored water because it keeps me on track and helps me get a good amount of water on a daily basis and gives me a bit more energy. I don’t have a great skincare or makeup routine, so I don’t necessarily stick with the same product or be loyal to anyone.
