Deborah Hutton: 50 and fab!

Foxtel presenter and media personality Deborah Hutton, 49, talks to Bonnie Cleaver about her battle with skin cancer and new approach to diet and exercise.

I've recently had surgery for skin cancer. I first suspected something was wrong late last year, when what looked like a little pimple came up on my top lip, but reacted differently to a normal blemish. I was a bit concerned, then it disappeared and was a case of 'out of sight, out of mind'.

Then, early this year a numb patch developed in that area. A friend whose husband is a dermatologist, insisted I see him immediately. He took two biopsies and told me I had two cancers on my top lip and they were a good centimetre apart.

The whole experience prompted me to change my diet considerably. Soon after my diagnosis, I visited a chiropractor who does kinesiology. He told me that my body was very acidic and put me on an alkalinising diet, which meant cutting out gluten, wheat, caffeine, alcohol, dairy and acidic foods like tomato, mustards and vinegars. I wanted my body to be healthy enough to heal well after surgery.

I've been eating this way for five months now and it's changed everything from my sleep patterns to my ability to think clearly. My weight has also stabilised for the first time in years. It's one of the best things I've ever done, and I'm building it into my lifestyle going forward.

My exercise routine has also changed. I've always been a gym junkie, but in the last year I've started including Pilates. It requires a different mental approach to just working up a sweat. I found it really challenging at first, but I'm now a Pilates fan and my body is better for it. I feel stronger not just in my legs but my core, too. I do Pilates twice a week, gym training twice and on Fridays I play golf.

About a year ago I was a bit dubious about turning 50, but as I'm approaching it and friends are crossing the line, I'm feeling better about it. Talk to me on the night of my birthday [this December] and I'll probably be drowning myself in margaritas, but I think 'it is what it is'. As long as you've got your health and your family around you, you're doing well. It comes down to having a positive attitude.

My mum is my inspiration — she's 74, studying at university, travelling the world by herself and volunteering at community events. She'll be the last one to put her feet up and take it easy.

For the full story, see the August issue of Good Health. Subscribe to 12 issues of Good Health for just $59.95 (that's a 28% saving on the retail price) and receive a Yes to Cucumbers Skin Care Pack, valued at $31.90.