With a top daily TV job and three children under ten, it’s not surprising that Alex Jones sometimes needs an energy boost. And as she approaches 50, The One Show presenter is starting to make some subtle tweaks.

‘The big birthday itself isn’t my inspiration,’ says Alex, who lives in Windsor with her husband, Charlie, and children Annie, five, Kit, seven and Teddy, nine.

‘It’s more about being healthy for my kids: I chose to have a family late in life, and I want to be fit and flexible to enjoy it. They’re the main reason to stay alive. But if the treadmill stops, I’ll go flying into the wall.’

Omega-3s for brain health

To keep her body and brain working to the max, Alex takes a daily multivitamin containing Omega-3 – these supplements are available from major retailers for as little as 18p a pop. ‘I can’t afford for my brain to fail,’ she says. ‘I also take magnesium for my migraines, which can creep up on me by the end of the week. It also helps with my sleep.’

She also understands the importance of regular health checks, vital as we hit midlife and beyond. 'Get all the checks, including cholesterol,' says Alex. 'Find a good GP who you like. It's really important.'

The joys of whole food

Otherwise, Alex relies on a fresh and healthy meals, as whipped up by her husband Charlie, a former chef. ‘I don’t restrict myself, but my diet is geared towards eating healthily,’ she says. ‘My mum was a great cook. I was always desperate for a Findus Crispy Pancake, but it was not happening. Mum made us spag bol, lasagnes and quiches. “You never let us have Coke,” we used to complain – it was all orange and lemon barley water and maybe a 10p mix of sweets when we went on a walk.’

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Alex eats a lot of fish and grilled veg, as well as Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. ‘We like the Bold Bean Company and Charlie does a great butter bean puttanesca,’ she says.

‘I get up at six with the children and don't get home till 8.45, so I need to eat healthily: I couldn’t sustain the number of things I need to do on a bad diet.’

Alex (Jones) was the special guest host for Benecol's 'Live More' event, a celebration aimed at mid-lifers designed to champion positive ageing, reinvention and living well for longer