Gabb Birkin has endured an unexpected health crisis just days before the highly anticipated Star Magic Hot Summer 2024 event.
After adhering to a stringent dry fasting regimen as part of her intense preparations, she reveals being on the brink of passing out.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) talks to the Pinoy Big Brother alum on May 15, 2024, at the summer event brought by ABS-CBN's talent management, Star Magic,
Read: Highlights of Star Magic Hot Summer 2024 party
RISKS OF UNREGULATED STRICT DIET
The Star Magic Hot Summer, known for its bikini-themed celebration, has prompted participating celebrities to spend months toning their bodies to look their best at the event.
Feeling the pressure to quickly trim down a couple of kilos, the competitve Gabb has taken extreme measures, leading to her health scare.
She relates, "Ang preparations namin sa event namin ay sobrang dami namin pinagdaanan.
"Lalo na ngayon dahil naging strict ako sa 24 hours no food and water intake."
Recognizing the severity of her condition, Gabb has decided to break her fast: "Nabali ko lang nung bandang huli kasi nahihilo na ako, nauuhaw na ako, sobrang dehydrated na ako.
"Baka kasi mag-collapse ako, so nag-provide sila sa akin yung tubig, yung chocolate before the show."
Typically, she engages in fasting for as long as she can, consuming minimal-to-no-water and zero substantial meals.
"Fasting buong araw. Tapos kung kakayanin ko pong tumikim, titikim. Pero hindi to have like a meal talaga," she elaborates.
She adds, "Kung may tubig po, sip lang."
Her intense routine sees her drop two kilograms in just two days—a drastic and unhealthy weight loss.
"Yung timbang ko kunyari, 58 kilograms po ako noon. Tapos hindi po ako kumain ng dalawang araw, nag 56 kg po ako. Ganun po talaga as in," she expresses.
"Tapos pinapagalitan na po ako ng mama ko, ng papa ko kasi hindi po ako kumakain kahit pinapakain ako nila po."
The fasting and intense workout schedule eventually took a toll on her body, with her saying: "Natutuyuan po ako ng pawis, which is a big no-no.
"Pero nagasakit po ako kaya kumain po. Kaya parang kahapon lang po ako nagkaroon ng fasting na 24 hours. Pero usually dalawang araw."
Asked if she sought professional help before undergoing such restrictive diet, she discloses it was her decision to dry-fast by herself.
"Ako lang po, which is huwag pong tularan," she reminds.
Read: Anji Salvacion, Kobie Brown hailed "fan favorite hotties" at Star Magic Hot Summer 2024
GABB EASES ON FOOD RESTRICTIONS
Despite the setback, Gabb remains committed to achieving her fitness goals, mindful of the valuable lessons from her experience.
She cautions, "Yung lesson po sa two-day fasting, huwag na huwag niyo po siyang gagawin kasi delikado po siya lalo na kung mainit pa tapos, ay naku!
"Baka pupulutin ka na lang sa sahig. Ano lang, try to not be too hard on yourself. Yun lang naman.
"It's okay to be disciplined sa mga tini-take mong food, pero don't forget to treat yourself din a day lang ng cheat day."
She emphasizes the importance of not being too hard on oneself and allowing for cheat days.
Reflecting on her motivations, Gabb admits, "Siguro I'm being too hard. Desperate po ko at may tendency po ko i-compare ko yung sarili ko sa ibang tao, which is hindi naman po naiiwasan.
"Pero as much as possible talaga dapat malaki yung tiwala mo sa self mo talaga."
At present, Gabb is recovering well and plans to be less strict with herself after the event.
"Ngayon naman po okay na po. Sabihin ko lang, iniisip ko lang tapusin ko lang muna itong event na ito then hindi na ako masyadong magiging hard sa self ko," she says.
In preparation for future events, Gabb intends to still maintain discipline while also ensuring she does not compromise her health.
"...Nandun pa rin yung discipline para ma-hit ko pa rin yung goal ko na po."
She happily updates, "Pero ako, papunta na ako dun sa dream body. Konting kembot na lang."
READ MORE:
- Doug Kramer flexes "best shape" at 40; loses 24 lbs. in 3 months
- Yassi Pressman reveals little changes in diet, lifestyle to achieve target bod
- Kiko Pangilinan achieves desired weight: "Nagkaroon na ulit ako ng leeg"
- Here's how Claudine Barretto lost 84 pounds in 2 months
- Anji Salvacion shares how all these “bawal” helped her lose 20 pounds