A couple of months ago, celebrity host Raymond Guttierez, made social media waves with his dramatic weight loss. With the help of famous blogger Erwan Heussaff who acted as his lifestyle coach, Guttierez lost a whopping 65 pounds in 90 days. In an interview, he stated, “The reason that it took me so long to do this is because of the many excuses in my head. I don’t know how to cook. My kitchen is practically a dressing room. I go to the gym but I’m always on my phone. These are the excuses I usually say to the people around me.”

If you, like Raymond, wish to achieve a healthier lifestyle but are having a hard time getting over your own excuses, allow us to help you a lending hand. If any of the items on our “Bakit List” sounds familiar, then we’re happy to tell you that you can do something about it.

1. I want to eat healthier but I can’t. Bakit?
Common Excuse #1:Because healthy food is expensive.
Solution:: The secret to affordable healthy eating is making your own food. The groceries and wet markets are teeming with fruits and vegetables that you can snack on. If you want to prepare fancier meals, you don’t need to spend money on cookbooks; the internet is filled with recipes and tutorial videos you can follow.
Common Excuse #2:Because I don’t have time to prepare my own food.
Solution:To save time, make one-dish meals instead of several meals.
Acccording to Nutritionist Zenaida Cayabyab, ideal one-dish meals should contain a balanced proportion of the recommended daily allowances from each of the major food groups. She shared to us a nutritious recipe that is easy to make and is surely affordable.

“Munggo is good source of protein. If you add it with vegetables, it’s already a complete meal. In cooking ginisang munggo, you’ll only need munggo, tinapa, alugbati or ampalaya or kalabasa which can all be bought at the palengke for less than one hundred pesos— and this is good for six persons already.”

2. I want to have a healthy lifestyle but I can’t do it. Bakit?
Common Excuse: Because it’s too much effort.
Solution:Changing your lifestyle is not a one-time, big-time overhaul. Don’t overwhelm yourself with all the things you need to address in a short span of time. Implement changes gradually, starting with the easiest—your diet. Fitness Instructor Ernel Chavez suggests, ”Eat more fruits and vegetables and as much as possible, only eat meat especially beef once a week.”

Going to the gym at least three times a week is ideal, but if this isn’t doable, Chavez has this suggestion: “Do at least a 30-minute cardio everyday, may it be jogging or walking.” Incorporate the workout in your daily routine in practical ways. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you brought a car, park in the slot farthest from the office. To boost your energy, make sure to get enough sleep.

3. I want to eat less but I can’t. Bakit?
Common Excuse: Because I get hungry easily.

Solution:Cayabyab suggests getting a plate divided into four portions. Distribute the fruit, vegetables, grains and meat among the sections. Fruit and vegetables are rich in fiber, which helps you feel full more quickly. This is also a smart way of eating healthier, and making sure you’re getting enough nutrients with each meal.

4. I want to go the gym but I can’t. Bakit?
Common Excuse: Because I’m too busy.
Solution: Chavez says, “Some people are afraid to go to the gym because they think they will have to stay long there. But really what’s important for beginners is only 30 to 45 minutes of exercise and an hour for those who are not. ” To save on time, choose a gym nearest to your office or house. Take stock of your activities and note which of these can be cut down to make time for the gym.

Chavez says, “Some people are afraid to go to the gym because they think they will have to stay long there. But really what’s important for beginners is only 30 to 45 minutes of exercise and an hour for those who are not. ” To save on time, choose a gym nearest to your office or house. Take stock of your activities and note which of these can be cut down to make time for the gym.

By Panahon TV Interns Shelly Chan and Rosselle Manuel