‘My body received a wakup call’: Home And Away star Ada Nicodemou on her secret health battle

A medical issue stopped Home And Away star Ada Nicodemou in her tracks. Here, she explains how it changed the way she thinks about her body.

A year-and-a-half ago, I woke up at 5am, ready for one of my usual gruelling exercise sessions.

While getting dressed, I sneezed, and that’s when it happened – I herniated a disc.

What followed was an operation and a long recovery process. All this time later, I still don’t have feeling in my left foot. But as difficult as this journey has been, it’s changed the way I think about exercise, as well as life.

I’ll admit it: like many people, I’ve been swept up by popular health trends and fads. If Gwyneth Paltrow says to dry brush, I’m game.

If Jennifer Aniston tries a new workout, I’ll look into it. We’re constantly bombarded by what celebrities and influencers are doing to stay fit, but the truth is, what works for one person doesn’t always work for another.

‘It forced me to slow down!’ Ada Nicodemou has revealed a secret health issue in her latest column for Stellar. Picture: Getty Images

A few years ago, I did a fitness challenge where I followed a strict keto diet, exercised obsessively, and counted every single calorie.

While I achieved the results I wanted, I wasn’t happy or enjoying the process. I remember hearing that liver was a good source of protein and was extremely healthy, but I had to draw the line there. That’s when I started to realise that maybe extreme approaches weren’t the answer.

Then came my injury, which forced me to slow down. I had to come to terms with the fact I couldn’t push my body the way I used to. It was a wake-up call, physically and emotionally.

I started to think about exercise differently, realising that health isn’t about extremes.

On the day I did a photo shoot following my injury, I remember feeling uncomfortable

and unhappy with the way I looked.

But that experience helped me accept that health is more than appearance.

Now, I focus on what makes me feel good: Pilates, walks, light weight training, and a more balanced approach. Instead of chasing a perfect body, I’m being kind to myself and listening to what my body needs.

Listen to the latest episode of the Stellar podcast, Something To Talk About:

Picture: Sam Bisso for Stellar

Sometimes that’s a workout, sometimes it’s rest. And for a little extra incidental exercise, I take the stairs instead of the elevator – just my small way of staying active.

Life is about balance. I love a good workout, but I also love my food. And, yes, I enjoy a wine or cocktail with the girls. I try not to restrict what I eat because for me, being happy and healthy means not obsessing over every calorie.

Beyond exercise and diet, I’ve found small daily habits that help me feel grounded. When I can, I meditate for 10 minutes; just a short, guided session.

My son Johnas and I also practice GEM, which stands for Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness – it’s a practice we picked up during Covid, inspired by mental health program The Resilience Project, and it’s been such a positive change. We try to reflect on what we’re grateful for, show empathy towards others, and focus on staying mindful.

Ada Nicodemou and her boyfriend, Home And Away co-star James Stewart, at the Logies earlier this year. Picture: Getty Images

Another big part of my new wellness epiphany has been finding time for things that make me laugh and feel good. I’ve started watching and reading more uplifting and positive content – something that puts a smile on my face.

The pressure to follow every new trend is real, especially when social media constantly shows us the “perfect” way to live. But I’ve learnt there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes

to wellness.

We need to discover what works for us; whether it’s Pilates, running, or even a mindful walk through the neighbourhood, it’s about finding something you actually enjoy – and sticking with it.

Consistency is key. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that makes you feel good. If you hate spin class, skip it!

Go for a walk, enjoy the fresh air. Or, let’s be real, sometimes the best workout involves lifting a remote control and binge-watching your favourite show. Like I said: balance.

Listen to the latest episode of the Stellar podcast, Something To Talk About:

Ada Nicodemou is an author and an actor on Home And Away on the Seven Network. Her new children’s book Mia Megastar 3 (Penguin, $14.99) is out now.

For more from Stellar and the podcast, Something To Talk About, click here. Read Ada’s full column in the latest issue of Stellar, out via the Sunday Herald Sun (VIC), Sunday Telegraph (NSW), The Sunday Mail (QLD) and Sunday Mail (SA).