Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2025 Annabelle Mae McDonnell talks about the lifestyle choices that help her feel stage-ready.
Talking to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on September 29, 2025, at the official launch of Skin 101's newest wellness treatment—Emsella—by BTL Aeshetics, Annabelle reveals her self-care secrets for staying confident under the spotlight.
Read: Annabelle McDonnell addresses gown sabotage at Miss Globe 2025
fitness goals
Just days before her flight to Albania, where the Miss Globe 2025 coronation took place earlier today, October 16 (Philippine time), the 25-year-old contender dropped by her hometown to host the Miss Iligan pageant, which coincided with the fiesta season.
With a laugh, she admitted that food temptations have always been part of her journey.
“Yes, I just recently came from hosting Miss Iligan. That’s my hometown, and we’re known for our really great lechon...so I had to go back immediately to Manila not just for training, but to avoid all the lechon back home."
She confessed with a laugh: “But yes, I have eaten just a little bit. Just a little bit and then I gaslight myself by saying it’s protein.”
While she can joke about her cravings, Annabelle emphasized that healthy living is never about harsh restriction.
“I think restriction is something that will hurt you in the long run because having a healthy diet and having a fit body—it’s more about consistency rather than going on a crash diet.
“So, I’ve been guided by nutritionists and my fitness coaches, Coach Angelo Mendez and Coach Noel, from Gold’s Gym.
“I’m very grateful for them for helping me work on my body and, at the same time, they’ve been giving me advice with how to go about my diet each and every day.”
Read: Pageant veterans, nagwagi sa Binibining Pilipinas 2025
Following Paleo Principles
Annabelle said she has been following the paleo diet, explaining that, "if it didn’t exist a hundred years ago, then I probably shouldn’t have it in my body. That’s like the general rule of thumb.”
Mayo Clinic defines it as an eating plan based on foods humans might have eaten during the Paleolithic Era, or around 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago.
It excludes grains, legumes, dairy products, refined sugar, salt, and processed foods.
It is more into "unprocessed foods" like lean meats, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
The pageant darling added: “There are so many trends and it’s very hard to keep up, and I find it so depressive to count calories.
“So, as long as it’s whole foods, and I have a grasp on what portion size my meat should be, and how many grams of protein I should hit per day, I think that will make everything easier.
“I can still enjoy what I’m eating. So, less carbs and more protein on a daily basis, but a lot of fiber also.”
For her, diet should be more about fuel: “It’s more about building a sustainable routine than depriving yourself.”