Rafael Rosell

In line with the publication’s 110th Anniversary, I’ve decided to ask (yes, 110!) staunch wellness advocates from various fields to share a secret or two of how they maintain a healthy lifestyle. Beginning today, until the next few weeks, personalities in their respective fields will impart, and hopefully persuade you, to adapt a better way of living.  Read on.

“I have a banana (for potassium and magnesium); oatmeal (fiber) and fish oil tablets (for good cholesterol) every morning. The banana is advice from my chiropractor for good muscles; the oatmeal and fish oil tablets advice from my mother as it’s from her side of the family that I get my tendency to have high cholesterol - despite all the exercise I do with my ballet. Have been doing this for the last year and it seems to be working. My cholesterol levels are all normal.  --Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, prima ballerina

“I drink lots of water, more than eight glasses a day. I also take vitamin C everyday and I run at least every other day. Have a big BREAKFAST!!” --Matteo Guidicelli, car racer/model/ actor

“Change up your routine - Muscles need to be shocked constantly to continue growing, so I regularly change up my workout routine. I vary the weight, number of reps, or exercises done." --Isabel Oli, actress

“No eating after 6 p.m. Less rice and more fruits.” --Iwa Moto, actress

“It’s never too late to start getting fit, so don’t make it as an excuse :-)  This is your own personal journey, so don’t compare yourself to others. It’s more important to be healthy than thin, what’s important is you are strong, and not frail, thin is just a body size.” --Jill Ngo, belly dance instructor

“It’s not about eating less, or NOT eating at all, but eating right. I eat everything – chicharon, sisig, and anything fried. But I endeavor to eat vegetables with every meal. And I don’t binge-eat.” --Ivan Mayrina, TV host

“Bawal ang beef. Puro chicken at fish lang. Stop eating four hours bago matulog. No soda.” --Sam Milby, actor

“Walking has been proven to be very good for the heart and the whole body. When I walk, I also reflect and meditate so that my mind will be clear.  A good diet complements my daily walking." --Dr. Claudine Roura, Cosmetic Surgeon

“I try to simulate basketball movement in our exercises so in the case of treadmill for 15 minutes, two minutes could be high speed then one minute of slow and so on.  The treadmill including warm-ups is around 30 minutes. Our gym focuses on the core muscles or the abdomen since some injuries like back problems are attributed to that. During the PBA season, our gym time take around 1 hour for all exercises while during lull, it could be as long as three sets.” --Olsen Racela, San Miguel Beer guard

“Eat natural quality foods. Anything white for example to me is not natural. For example, white rice, pasta, white bread. Go for foods that do not go through too much processing like brown rice. Learn what your body can and cannot take. If you have food allergies just avoid it. Reactive foods make you feel fat!  Eat more greens and good quality protein. Cook foods quickly. The longer food is placed on intense heat the more toxins it creates. You do not want that in your body!

"Laugh often and enjoy the company of people who love you dearly. And if you can, make love as often as you can! And if that’s not possible have some good quality dark chocs around! (at least 70% dark).” --Plinky Recto, wellness advocate

“I realized there’s no better substitute than home-cooked food - clean, fresh and grease-free.  Fish, vegetables and fruits constitute my daily meals.  Sweet potato and bananas are now staples in my diet.  Dessert is limited to fruits and yogurts.  I had lost 6 lbs in one week!  Our church-wide fasting once a week also maintains my balance in getting the right food for the soul.” --Joyce Socao-Alumno, Department of Tourism Sports & Wellness consultant, and Medical Tourism staunch advocate

“Our practices everyday with the San Miguel Beer team already focus on the whole body so there is no need for me to do something individually. There are also no limitations in terms of food.” --Chris Calaguio, San Miguel Beer guard

“I do meditation practices of various schools.  It helps he focus my mind and enhances my intuition about my body and the world around me. I also do aerobic exercise, Chi Gong and Yoga practice for a balance of strength and balance.  Also important is taking the proper nutritional supplements like Fitline because we are more than what we eat, we are what we absorb into our bodies.” --Claudine Mangasin, Life and Wellness Coach and Energy Medicine Practitioner

“I drink green tea in the morning before breakfast and peppermint tea before going to sleep. I also drink two liters of water everyday and I do Capoeira.” --Rafael Rosell, actor

“At forty-something, I’ve finally come to terms with my body. I don’t expect to ever sport the “emaciated” look or ever fit a size 6 dress, not that I ever have, but, a few things I’ve picked up over the last couple of years to try to keep my weight in check include, saying NO to BINGE eating. As I often tell my patients, eat frequently but in small amounts. Rice is great, but it’s truly the source of added pounds and girth, so keep the amount in check.” --Dr. Ma. Adelaida Iboleon-Dy, PHA director

“Fruit juice every day!” --Rhian Ramos, actress