Janine Gutierrez

For someone who has always been lean and apparently in good health, Janine Gutierrez surprises with her revelation that she’s been watching her food intake.

It turns out that Janine has this fondness for junk food, recalling that growing up she would even snack on ketchup, a favorite condiment.

She laughingly recounts, “Dati pinapapak ko pa yung ketchup, yun yung baon ko sa bulsa ko. Yung ketchup ng fast food, yun yung pinapapak ko sa school at saka yung French fries, iyan talaga yung guilty pleasure ko dati.”

JANINE GUTIERREZ CHANGES EATING HABITS

At the press conference launching her as the brand ambassador for the healthcare provider Kairos Health Medical Group, the actress talks about her resolve to focus more on her well-being.

Janine says, “Naramdaman ko recently na hindi talaga puwede ang extremes sa kahit ano.”

She underscores that taking small steps such as changing one’s eating habits can make a big difference to one’s health.

“This year lang, this year lang talaga ko natuto mag-balance, na kung paano talaga dapat kumain ng mabuti.

“How much gulay yung kailangan yung kasama sa pagkain mo, how much protein— really taking care of yourself, [taking] supplements, and [undergoing] checkups.

“Like parang I was able to figure out how to eat nutritiously, even if, di ba, minsan sa taping o sa mga events natin, nandiyan na yung mga pagpipilian mo, di ba?

“So parang having that knowledge lang na you have to eat like at least two servings of grains a day or whatever your preference is, yun talaga nakatulong sa akin.”

JANINE GUTIERREZ’S FAMILY FITNESS JOURNEY

Janine also stays active to keep fit and burn extra calories. What’s more, she has encouraged her family to join her on the fitness journey.

Here they are in the photo below: (front, from left to right) Janine with Jessica, (back, from left to right) Diego, Maxine, and their dad Ramon Christopher.

Janine Gutierrez

Shares the Lavender Fields star, “Yung ginagawa namin ng pamilya ko is nagte-tennis kami together kapag may oras, or sila, naglalakad-lakad lang sila sa bahay.

“Parang those little things na bonding, sabay na rin siya na healthy activity.”

Janine, the eldest of four siblings, is the daughter of actors Lotlot de Leon and Ramon Christopher, who married in 1989 and separated in 2010.

The hift in Janine’s lifestyle has already produced great results, and she has noticed the difference.

“Naramdaman ko talaga na it has affected my energy na parang I have more energy to work efficiently. Tapos parang mas malinaw rin yung mental health,” Janine beams.

She adds, “So, it’s really all about the little things and pag may nararamdaman kang odd or kahit konti or may may konti kang karamdaman, ipa-check up mo agad kasi the only way to really get better is to see what the problem is.”

However, Janine clarifies she’s not a fan of strict diet methods, but believes in the concept of moderation to stay healthy and fit.

She tells PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), “Sobrang strict diet lang naman ako kapag meron akong pinaghahandaan na shoot na kailangan talaga sobrang fit.

“Pero on a normal day, hindi naman ako masyadong strict.”

Janine is still prone to giving in to her cravings, particularly fast food items, especially her all-time favorite French fries.

“As long as naba-balance. Puwede pa rin talaga kumain ng mga cheat meals,” smiles Janine.

“So, natutunan ko recently na kailangan talaga more gulay. Kulang pala ako sa gulay talaga at sa tubig.”

TAKE IT FROM LOLA PILITA

Janine doesn’t have to look far to find her fitness inspiration.

In fact, her grandmother Pilita Corrales—popularly known as “Asia’s Queen of Songs”—recently celebrated her 87th birthday on August 22, the same day of this interview.

Janine comments that her lola is doing great, health-wise and so much else.

Janine is convinced that Pilita’s secret to staying in good shape despite her age lies in her active lifestyle and positive attitude.

She muses, “I guess she is always very active. Palaging naglalakad and then the singing.

“Yung mahal niya talaga ginagawa niya. Malaking bagay din yun kasi it keeps you hard working and positive.

“And I guess the love in her life din, na madami siyang minamahal at madaming nagmamahal sa kanya.”