I Hired an Online Trainer and Here's How It Has Been So Far

You all know that I HATE dieting. Yes. Bold, in all caps, and with feelings. I used to be obese for one simple reason: I love food. Food is comforting. Food makes me happy. And food just tastes so fucking good. I love food so much, I eat everything - no exceptions. Give me pineapples on pizza. Give me maple syrup on fried chicken. Cheetos with milk? I've never tried it, but LET'S GO!!!

It goes without saying, though, that the kind of love and obsession that I have with food is very unhealthy. And since I used to be a binge-eater, falling into that bad habit of binge-eating until I can't breathe was so easy for me to fall back into during quarantine, especially since I was at home the entire time with so many food options at my disposal.

Although I started quarantine with healthy goals and daily workouts, it didn't take long for me to become a lazy couch potato with a bottomless pit for a stomach. That's when I knew I needed to take action.

With gyms closed all over the Metro and my personal trainer at my usual gym MIA, I had to find someone who could deal with my specific needs. My "needs" were pretty straightforward: I needed someone who could give me a good workout plan and an effective nutrition plan, and who would reply to me and talk some sense to me whenever I craved for something unhealthy at any time of the day.

I found that person in Nick Ronquillo. In just 10 days, this is what I was able to achieve with his help:

Please take note that this was only 10 days in. (Will update this article after a month.) My mother, who sees me at home everyday, actually asked me if I purposefully stuck my stomach out in the photo on the left... The truth is, I was actually already sucking my gut in that photo as hard as possible sa lagay na yan. :p And, well, if my mom doesn't believe the photos, then they must be impressive.

Now I know it isn't as impressive as this 4-day progress photo after my former trainer put me on a diet:

However, I feel the need to point out that the diet that produced that 4-day progress was the worst fucking shit I had to go through that year. I was only on it for a week, yet I found myself questioning my decisions in life. I was also low on energy all the time. I was crying myself to sleep at night. I didn't talk to anyone because I was constantly cranky. And I swore at my trainer every single day.

That's not what Nick's diet plan is like. Nick gives a full, carefully thought out 5-meal plan that will keep you satiated all day long. Looking at it at first, I really thought I'd hate it and that I'd find myself craving for snacks and sweets early on; but that wasn't the case.

I got myself a food scale because Nick is very particular with the protein intake. :p

In fact, my biggest issue in the beginning was forcing myself to eat because I'd still be full by the time my next meal time came along. I don't find myself crying at night, either, because rice is part of the nutrition plan and I even get a generous serving of peanut butter at the end of the day, which I have been seeing as a kind of reward.

He's understanding, too. I had to bake for someone once and he allowed me to taste test it as needed. Last night, after an extremely bad day, I asked him if I could have some soju and he allowed it. I also get a cheat meal every week. Basically, I don't feel deprived or kawawa in any way like I did with my previous plan.

The workout plan isn't like the one I had at Prime, either. Although I loved how my trainer there trained me to death, it really wasn't fun when I tried adding a diet into the mix (which is also why I only did the diet for a week and then gave up on it and swore never to go on a diet again).

Nick's workout plan is hard but doable. He also gives you alternatives for certain workouts and asks you what kind of equipment you have at your disposal so that he can craft the perfect plan for you.

I also invested in more supplements and get this: I DRINK VITAMINS NOW. I used to scoff at vitamins and say I didn't need them because I hardly ever get sick anyway, but I stand corrected. It's probably not just the vitamins, but the healthy eating, the regular workouts, and the supplements combined with it; but I never feel groggy in the morning, no matter what time I go to bed. And my skin has never looked better!!!

Of course, it hasn't been all fun and games. The fat kid inside of me still gets envious when she smells delicious spare ribs cooking in the kitchen or sees people munching on Magnums. She still dreams of milk tea and thinks about Oreos, too. However, knowing that I have to check in with Nick every week to show him photos of my progress has honestly been enough motivation for me not to cheat on my diet.

Nick's reminders, reactions to my social media posts, and quick responses have been enough to keep me on track so far. And I'm happy I feel like I'm getting my money's worth. (Yes, I actually paid for his services. This is not a sponsored post.)

Nick's online coaching package starts at Php4,500 and includes a personal nutrition plan, weekly check-ins, modified workouts, supplementation, and 24/7 chat support. This will also depend on your personal goals and personal needs, of course, so I'd highly recommend you get in touch with him if you have any inquiries or need any clarifications. :) Just send him a DM on Instagram: @fit_nck

How have you been keeping fit during quarantine? :)