Annabel Meggeson
Beautista Columnist
Annabel Meggeson is the former beauty director of RedMagazine and Healthista’s Beautista columnist. Annabel’s columns appear every Friday and feature honest, refreshing coverage of the best anti-ageing treatments, products worth their pricetag, beauty bargains that deliver results and seasonal trend updates. Don’t miss it.
Q&A's
What does being healthy mean to you - really?
Who was it that said your body’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own? Being healthy means enjoying and taking care of that instrument in equal measure.
One bit of advice you want to give to all Healthista readers?
Don’t listen to advice! In your heart you know what you need. Health fads are to be firmly ignored while you focus on what makes you happy.
Sometimes, of course, that includes embracing a supplement or making a smoothie or following a vegan recipe that’s absolutely right for you. But it also means just sticking with the things that have always seen you through (assuming they’re healthy).
I’m not about to swap baked potatoes for quinoa or become vegetarian for the sake of it. I’m confident about the choices I make. I guess it’s that whole ‘you do you’ thing.
That said, everybody needs a great pair of trainers. Having a great pair of trainers is like having fitness at your fingertips (or toes in this case). Just lace them up and walk, run, stretch, go.
One thing you do daily that you wouldn't be healthy without?
I don’t snack. At least not very much. I spent several years overeating and it made me miserable. Being honest with myself about when I’m eating for hunger and when I’m eating for any other reason (that includes eating for sheer pleasure, as well as out of boredom, stress, etc), has changed my life.
What will you be bringing to the Healthista Collective?
Many, many years of experience in the beauty industry. I was a beauty director for glossy magazines and have seen and heard it all. I know how to build a skincare routine, buy perfume, nice up your hair, get the best out of your make-up.
I know what products work and which ones are a waste of time. I’m also up to date with the latest tweakments (ie injectables, lasers and other doctor-led treatments performed in-clinic with the aim of anti-ageing). They’re a hot topic of debate right now – me and my beauty colleagues discuss them endlessly, in awe of their power; mindful of their limitations.
I’m also a Londoner who loves all the cultural stuff the city has to offer and a mum of four teenagers, so I’ll be bringing a bit of that in, too. You might find something on the best-loved backstage cleansers or how to give a 13 year old a facial.
30 second beauty secret?
If you can spend 30 seconds a day massaging in some face oil, your skin will be bouncier for longer.
The Healthista Expert Collective
Abigail James
Facialist
abigailjames1Abigail James is one of the most well respected skincare and wellbeing experts within the UK. Skin expert and author of 'Love Your Skin'
Alice Hart-Davis
Anti-Ageing Specialist
alicehartdavisAlice Hart Davis is a British journalist who writes about beauty and cosmetic procedures.
Charlotte Dormon
Healthy Lifestyle
healthyloveslondonTracking down the best places, products and experiences to give your health and wellness some extra Va Va Voom
Sarah Lindsay
Personal Trainer
roarfitnessgirlA three-time Olympian, Sarah Lindsay is a personal trainer like no other.
Dr Larisa Corda
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
drlarisacordaDr Larisa Corda is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist MBBS BSc MRCOG.
Dr Heather McKee
Health Behaviour Change Specialist
Dr Heather McKee is a health behaviour change specialist and keynote speaker. She supports people to build healthy habits that last and believes that living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be cruel or punishing.
Finola Burrell
Physiotherapist
finolaphysioFinola Burrell is a physiotherapist based in London who is passionate about giving people the knowledge and tools to help them lead the life they want, without pain or injury stopping them.
Dr Gemma Newman
Medical Doctor
plantpowerdoctorDr Gemma Newman has worked in medicine for 15 years and is the Senior Partner at a family medical practice where she has worked for 10 years.
Georgie Wolfinden
Founder of The Agent's Secret
theagentssecretGeorgie Wolfinden is a brand, trends and marketing expert. She began her career in London with MTV working to launch MTV Europe going on to support their creative department to compile sell out book ‘Sneaker Size isn’t everything’.
Kate Moyle
Relationship Therapist
katemoyletherapyAs a CORST accredited Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist, I specialise in working with those that are struggling with difficulties with their sex lives and sexuality, including many in their twenties and thirties who are impacted by the stresses of modern life.
Maude Hirst
Meditation Teacher
maudehirstMaude is a born and bred East Londoner. She's an actor, writer, and yoga teacher best known for her role as Helga in the hit TV show 'Vikings'.
Rick Hay
Fitness Nutritionist
rickhayukRick Hay is an Anti Ageing and Fitness Nutritionist with many years clinical experience in nutrition, naturopathy, botanical medicine and iridology.
Rosie Stockley
Women's Fitness Specialist
mamawellukRosie is a personal trainer focusing on pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. She is passionate about helping women feel strong and fit at any life stage and using movement to support them both mentally and physically. She is the founder of The Mamawell Method for pregnancy & postpartum and Club Mamawell for all women.
Una Jefford
Aesthetic & Dermatology Specialist
dermalhealthukÚna Jefford is an Aesthetic and Dermatology specialist with prescribing and skin surgery qualifications.