WORK HARD. PLAY HARD: Zahra together with Fitness Trainers - Marvin (Left Photo)
and Igor (Middle Photo) of Slimmers World Makati, Arnaiz Ave.
did have one sure dream that I’ve wanted since I was
ten. This was literally my answer in the Q&A portion
during the Miss World PH 2013 competition. I’ve always wanted to work for the United Nations. Traveling
and helping people? That’s my ultimate dream.”
With her work, we cannot deny that schedule
is sometimes hectic and full. So, how does she manage her time? “I keep track of what I do by having a
planner and try to schedule everything. When I say
everything I mean EVERYTHING. Schedule when to
wake up and what I will be doing throughout the day.
I evaluate my priorities and get them finished ASAP
because procrastinating just makes things worse. I
learn how to say “No” to certain things. I make sure
that all my plans coincide with each other. For example, if I have a meeting already in Makati on Monday,
I try to set all my meetings in Makati on that same day
so that I won’t have to fight traffic,” the Miss World
2nd Princess said.
Your work is very challenging, how do you
maintain your physical physique? “I try as much as
possible to work out at least 3x a week. There are seasons where I can’t work out because of my profession
and I maintain my physique by eating healthy so that I
won’t have much of a hard time at the gym when I get
back.” Do you have any fave workout? “I love squats,
leg workouts, and cardio. I just love it.” Is there any
workout routine that you find it very challenging?
“There are many, however I have to admit that I seriously hate pushups, burpees, and planking. Those are
the three worst workouts ever invented! But you gotta
do what you gotta do.”
What types of food do you eat? Do you have
any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at
all? Can you share them with us? “I don’t have meal
plans because I tried to do that but it’s really hard for
me because I’m always outside. I just have rules: If
it’s white, don’t bite. I.e. white sugar, white rice, white
bread, you get the idea. No fried food, fatty food, oily
food and junk food. No soft drinks or any high in sugar
drinks. Avoid sweets, but if you’re really craving (especially for women) then indulge a little to avoid binge
eating. Snack on fruits and veggies instead of chips
and cookies. GO HEALTHY and find things that work
for you. I eat basically anything so if I just follow these
rules then I’ll be fine,” Zahra advised enthusiastically.
Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there
someone who influenced you? “I’ve always been into
sports since I was younger so being fit and healthy has
always been a part of me since I was 10 and started
getting active. The person who first influenced me
though, and is basically the person in my head when
I work out, would be Uncle Mo. He used to be a body
builder and when I was a 2-year-old toddler, he would
bring me to the gym with him. We were very close and
as I grew up he taught me how to eat right, how to
work out, and the importance of fitness and health in
life.” What food or drinks you can’t resist and why?
“Honestly, I can’t resist GOOD food especially if it’s
something that I don’t usually eat every day. I don’t
have a favorite so everything is a temptation to me.
When it comes to drinks, I’m a big fan of Mango Juice
and Chocolate Milk. Mango is my favorite fruit and
chocolate milk just makes my life better especially on
a stressful day.”Tell us 5 characteristics of you that
fans don’t know? “I didn’t know how to put on makeup on my own until 2013, I prefer chucks over heels
and gym clothes over gowns, I don’t drink or smoke at
all, I very seldom go to the clubs. I’ve only been to the
clubs probably 6X in my life and I’ve been single since
birth.”
Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym
etiquettes? “Although sometimes I am guilty of it, I
don’t like when people complain a lot in the gym. Just
do your workout and get it over with. Also, I hate it
when guys just leave the weights just anywhere. Seriously, you should put them back in the rack where you
found it. Lastly, I don’t like it when guys start checking girls out, or worse, checking themselves out too
much.” What are your final messages to your fans
that constantly follow you or at least look up to you?
“Never let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do.”
Wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in
10 years? “By that time I’ll be 32, so I’d probably be
married and pregnant with my second child, but still a
workingwoman who happens to be a business mogul
in Asia and a personality in the Philippines,” she said
optimistically.
Do you have any final fitness and workout
messages or reminders that you wanted to share to
the readers and to everybody? “Be patient and don’t
stop. It’s only hard in the beginning, so you have to
find ways to keep yourself motivated because once you
start seeing results it’ll become addictive and a way
of life. Don’t wait for people to help you or support
you. Remember you’re doing this for yourself and no
one else. If you don’t like a certain workout or certain
diets, then ask for some help and find something that
works for you because there are so many ways these
days that can help you make fitness and workout fun.
Don’t set impossible goals like 10lbs in a week unless
you have a ruthless trainer and you work out every day
for 4 hours like in the biggest loser. Give yourself a
little credit. DISCIPLINE IS KEY. Enough said.”
FITNESS REVELATION:
Major transformations of Zahra Saldua