How do you keep yourself healthy?

Afew years ago news about former President Corazon Aquino’s failing health shocked our nation. A few weeks ago news about former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s neck/spine complications awakened our country once again to the importance of good health and to the truth that sickness can hit anyone anytime — rich or poor, at any age and whatever status you hold in society. The importance of good health becomes more glaring, especially when it hits influential, powerful and even prayerful men and women whom we think might be spared from these problems. Health is wealth and it should always be first on our list. So how do you keep yourself healthy? Read on as health buffs share with us how they maintain their health.

Enchong Dee, actor

Staying healthy and active has already been a lifestyle for me. Before I entered showbiz, I’ve built a foundation of fitness purely by playing sports (swimming and running). Despite my busy schedule, I still try to hit the gym regularly. When I have the time, I also run around our village and go swimming. Plus, I don’t smoke and I don’t drink. Keeping a healthy diet is also a huge part of the equation. The trick is to go for foods with healthy fats and less carbs. Especially for us who work out often, I make sure I go for non-processed carbohydrates, such as fruit, to help rebuild muscles. To take in high fiber, I eat fruits and vegetables. They can really strengthen cardiovascular health, and their antioxidants aid muscle recovery.

Patrice Diaz, fashion designer

1) I go to bed early...usually between 9 and 10 p.m. 2) I’m now de-stressing, cleansing and detoxing. I’ve slowed down at work and learned to let go of things, people, and activities that have a negative impact on my life. I’ve embraced minimalism — living with less but with a new sense of clarity, awareness and appreciation. 3) Omega 3, salmon oil, CoQ 10, turmeric, and flaxseed. 4) I eat breakfast! 5) I don’t diet, but I “try” to avoid food that is not good for my blood type, and of course I watch my salt, sugar, and carb intake.

Meca Penson Prieto, housewife

For me, being healthy is more than just being physically and medically healthy. I have always looked at health in a very wholistic way. Even if you are in tiptop shape, if you are unhappy in life, you will get sick. So if I have to list down exactly how I stay healthy? 1) Eat the right food. 2) If you can’t exercise, walk or dance when you can. 3) Keep your weight at a good range. 4) Take vitamins. 5) Drink tons of water. 5) Sleep enough. 6) Choose to be happy. Be positive and be with the right company. Love yourself enough. Happiness is a choice and so is good health.

Tweetie de Leon Gonzalez, TV host, model

Physically, I stay active six days a week with alternating schedules of core training and squash while eating the right foods in right amounts; emotionally, I stay strongly connected to my children who keep me happy, grounded and young; and spiritually, I pray the rosary and have daily conversations with God to give thanks for everything my family and I enjoy and to ask for strength to go on each day and remain faithful in His path.

Robert Blancaflor, event designer, stylist and management

I eat smart; gym and TRX exercises at least five times a week; think young, mature and positive; drink lots of tea and no alcohol; enjoy good laughs with family and friends; beg off from stressful clients; enjoy my work; and everything else in moderation.

Kim Atienza, TV host

My running four times a week keeps my body very fit, my fat levels low and my brain stress-free. I discovered the joy of running after my health scare (stroke) last year; so far I’ve done three half- marathons and am preparing for my full marathon very soon. I love to run, all the benefits I get are just extra. Running is also my “practice” because when I run long alone is when I get to really be alone with the Lord.

Leica Carpo, triathlete

It’s actually a way of life for me. I try to eat everything in moderation (except dark chocolate). I hardly snack in between meals. I never miss having a big breakfast as this always starts my day right. I enjoy being outdoors; biking, running, swimming and lately even lifting weights. I don’t feel that my day is complete until I’ve gotten my heart rate up aerobically for at least an hour.

Bea Locsin, triathlete and NYU Stern Class of 2013 MBA student

Triathlon has made me more conscious of taking care of my health. What I put into my body becomes my fuel for training and racing so I try to stick to eating lots of veggies, fruits and drinking lots of water to stay properly hydrated. I avoid red meat, soda and fast foods as much as I can and I only take alcoholic beverages sporadically. Since I usually swim/bike/run early in the morning, I make sure to get six to eight hours of sleep. A good workout is one of the best ways to start my day!

David Chua, actor

I’ve always believed that while getting into shape may carry a hefty upfront cost of time, money and energy, it’s certainly a worthwhile investment. I always keep that in mind since I’m a person who goes to the gym regularly. I lift weights, run the treadmill and I also play basketball whenever I get the chance. I also take vitamins and other supplements to keep me fit and maintain a healthy diet because I think we can’t just rely on protein shakes to help us grow. But I never overdo it. Rest and exercise are equally as important.

Reema Chanco, host and sports enthusiast

I keep healthy by playing Ultimate at least once a week and doing strength and conditioning exercises like TRX suspension training and Power Plate vibration training three times a week. I should watch what I eat more but I just love candy and chocolates. Oops.

Albert Martinez, actor

Biking (20k) at least twice a week, no red meat and my “green soup” concoction (broccoli, ampalaya, spinach, carrots, malungay and sweet potato) for lunch and dinner,  all the nutrition I need to survive my hectic schedule... keeps me looking young, too.

Joseph Marco, actor

I really try to eat healthy to stay healthy. I never “stuff” myself, but I also make sure I don’t let myself get hungry. I’ve been staying away from rice for the last three years. When I miss it I go for grains that have protein. It’s important for me because I work out regularly. I also complement it with a high-protein diet. I’ve also gotten into running lately. It’s a new passion I enjoy doing a lot every time I have free time. I also sleep at least eight hours a day.