Walking the walk: Connie Sison's 'Pinoy MD' lifestyle makeover

If you're a mom who thought gaining weight and losing “me time” are inevitable consequences of motherhood, then you better take a leaf from GMA-7 host Connie Sison's book. In July this year, the “Pinoy MD” host agreed to go through the show’s special health and wellness makeover program, where she was challenged to shed 22 pounds off her post-baby weight and have a healthier lifestyle within 90 days.

The changes in Connie's weight after only months of regular workouts and healthy eating are remarkable — as of September, she already lost 8 pounds. But she admits that altering her lifestyle wasn't easy at first. She had to give up some of her habits and felt pressured to accomplish the goals of the program. "Very excited talaga ako na ma-lose ‘yung 22 pounds, although kahit sino naman sigurong malagay sa pwesto ko, nakaka-pressure. Pero I am committing 100 percent," she says.



To ensure that her wellness makeover would be safe, effective and appropriate for her age and body, Dr. Oyie Balburias, the show’s resident internist, made Connie go through several physical examinations. These include checking her blood pressure and undergoing x-rays, pap smears, ultrasounds and stress and respiratory tests. "There are certain areas kasi na hindi pantay na we need to focus on that," Dr. Balburias explains.

Once they have determined Connie's current physical state, she was allowed to proceed to her training. Connie goes straight to the gym after her hosting duties for “Unang Hirit.” Her workout consists of cardiovascular activities like sparring and kickboxing. She also hired a personal trainer who goes to her house weekly to supervise her Rip 60 fitness sessions.

Connie admits that the additional training was done to keep her workout exciting and diverse. "It feels good na may ginagawa ka about your weight problem," she says. "And this is one way of feeling na eto na 'to, totoo na 'to. You are in control of losing your weight talaga."

A healthy lifestyle cannot be called "healthy" without eating the right food so Connie also made sure that she watches what she eats. Contrary to what other people do, Connie doesn't skip meals and makes sure that she eats six small meals a day. Sunday is also her official “cheat day” in which she eats whatever she likes.

"Maganda na sinusulit mo ‘yung kinakain mo," Connie advises. She says that it's better to eat healthy and filling food than to eat tasty junk food. Aside from sticking to a low-carb and high-fiber diet, Connie made use of a phone application that automatically computes the number of calories she consumes in a day.

Did she encounter difficulties with the makeover? "Malaki ang adjustments," Connie admits, revealing that she feels bad whenever she overeats and makes up for it by working out with much more intensity. The results of the makeover keep her motivated: "Mas mabilis na akong nakakakilos. 'Di na sluggish."



The 90 day-timeline is almost over and she has already accomplished most of the makeover's goals, but Connie promises that her lifestyle change won’t end with the program. "May pressure pa rin. Of course, in the long run, I'm not here to do it for only three months," she says.

When asked if she has new goals in mind, Connie immediately answers, "Continue with the lifestyle change. Parang mas gusto ko pa ring pumayat kaysa doon. I'll make sure to go to the gym."

Connie also has some advice for moms who want to have a healthier lifestyle: "Sa umpisa lang mahirap yan eh. Dati I've given up on it… Tabain kami eh... Kailangan natin to make a decision. They have to incorporate sa schedule nila… If you're going to the gym, kailangan naka-incorporate, set any time, have that mindset."

"Kinausap ko ang sarili ko nang masinsinan. Ayoko kung magkasakit ako dahil lang nagpabaya ako," Connie shares. "Magkaroon ka ng goal at persevere. Pag 'di ka mag-persevere, walang mangyayari." — Lara Gonzales/CM, GMA News