Spy: Millie takes on Shortland St's Frankie Adams

Millie Elder-Holmes will go up against Frankie Adams in the Fight For Life charity boxing bout. Photo / William Booth/www.photosport.co.nz, Greg Bowker

It's just over a month until Millie Elder-Holmes goes up against Shortland St actress Frankie Adams in the Fight For Life charity boxing bout.

The 26-year-old bravely took on the challenge after the death of her boyfriend, Connor Morris, who was killed in a confrontation outside a party in West Auckland on August 3. Elder-Holmes held her partner of six years as he lay dying.

She's nervous about the December 6 bout in Hamilton, but is giving herself the best possible chance by throwing herself into a super-healthy eating and training regime, which she promotes on her lifestyle and wellness social media pages, Clean Eatz NZ.

Elder-Holmes, who has just had an image of mythical snake-haired gorgon Medusa tattooed across her midriff, tells Spy that although she has always made time for working out, the biggest benefit of the regime is to her health. "My overall feeling of wellbeing and strength, knowing that I'm fuelling my body with all the good stuff it needs to function well, and also getting fitter, is extremely gratifying.

"I find most motivation from my and Connor's family, my close friends and my trainer. I also find a lot of motivation from the followers of my Clean Eatz NZ Facebook page."

The healthy living and mental wellbeing advocate has advice for those taking up training for the first time.

"Anyone trying to improve their health and fitness - just the idea of change, it is a great start. I would clear your pantry and fridge of any processed/packaged foods and get back to basics.

"I often say eat how your grandmother would've eaten: introduce some type of fitness three times a week, just 30-40 minutes of exercise. Take before measurements or jot down what you do in your gym sessions so you can compare how far you progress, and make small short-term goals."

However the bout turns out, Elder-Holmes has post-fight plans, saying she will "relax, enjoy summer, have some quality time with friends and family and plan out my goals for next year".

And Spy says good luck to her: she deserves it!