HOW I DECIDED TO LOSE WEIGHT

Social media has placed us on a pedestal where we must live absolute perfect lives. Apart of which is having a perfect body curved and slim body for women and a fit and muscular body structure for men. At some point in our lives, we were also fooled into thinking that we must have perfectly shaped bodies to be able to fit in society. Back then, I was consumed by the toxicity of social media, I would feel bad about myself whenever I pass by a mirror. I hated my body because I did not look as good as the models and celebrities that I see whenever I scroll through Instagram. I wanted to lose weight, but I did not want to lose weight with the mindset of needing to lose weight for that perfect Instagram photo. I did not want to lose weight just because social media tells me that I must have a slim and curved body. When I decided to shed off some weight, I had to change my mindset. I often told myself that I must set my intention that I should lose weight because I felt like I was not healthy anymore, both physically and mentally.

This photo was taken around 2019.

Prior to the onset of the pandemic, I had face to face classes. Honestly, temptation was everywhere. I would eat whatever I want. I would eat ngohiong almost everyday or this food called ginabot or as Tagalogs refer to as chicharron bulaklak, which is deep fried pork mesentery. I would also drink milktea almost everyday and honestly looking back, that lifestyle was so unhealthy. I was not happy anymore with what I was consuming on a day-to-day basis.

My friends and I used to enjoy eating ginabot. We would eat this almost everyday. This is what it looks like. We usually eat at "Pungko-Pungko sa Fuente".

We also enjoyed eating out such as visiting new food places during our breaks.

Luckily, during the lockdown, I found friends who encouraged me to live an active and healthy lifestyle. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude once again to @asasiklause for encouraging me to jog with him and my other friends almost every day. He also encouraged me to be conscious about the food that I consume everyday and with that I am proud to say that I have been a pollotarian for more than a year already. I do not consume red meat or pork products anymore and nowadays I only eat chicken, fish, seafood, vegetables, and the like. I know it would be difficult for me to transition right away into becoming a vegetarian, but I know small progress is still progress. And for the past year, I could see that I feel healthier both mentally and physically. Just this year, I also decided to go back to the gym and continue with my fitness journey

Me, @asasiklause and our other neighbors taking a selfie after jogging

Where I am at mostly during the weekends or Friday nights.

This is me taking a mirror selfie after a 5-km run.

At the gym with my bestfriend. He decided to join me on that day.

I just want to remind all of you that it’s okay to treat yourself by eating what you have been craving for or drinking milktea and the like. There is nothing wrong with it if you are happy and as long as you consume it in moderation. Day by day, we are not getting any younger thus we must prioritize our health and well-being. We are all shaped differently, and we have different body types. Let us not let social media fool us into thinking that we must have slim, curved, and toned bodies. As long as we are healthy, then we will be alright.

This was taken this year and I could say that I am much healthier and happier. But I do not restrict myself from eating what I want. Do not feel guilty for treating yourself. Apparently, this photo was taken minutes before I devoured my oh so favorite Pad Thai.

How have you been taking care of your health lately?