Beauty queen Samantha Panlilio is so slim that she could look stunning even in a simple sack.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) couldn’t resist asking about her diet.
Laughing, she replied, “Di ko na kailangan mag-diet kasi stress na stress na ako. It just comes out naturally na at this point.”
Managing her family’s businesses and preparing for the Midterm elections, she effortlessly sheds pounds.
However, when she feels the need to stay in shape, she has a go-to method.
“The best thing for me is fasting,” she shared.
“My usual routine is fasting on Mondays. I stop eating Sunday at 6 p.m. and won’t eat again until Tuesday at 2 p.m."
PEP asked: No food at all?
“Just water.”
From her description, it seems she practices water fasting, where only water is consumed for 24 to 72 hours.
BENEFITS OF WATER FASTING
For Sam (her nickname), water fasting isn’t just about staying in shape.
“Yes, because it’s been proven that it helps your mind and the way you think as well. There are a lot of health benefits to it.”
According to Healthline.com, here are some key benefits:
1. Detoxification
Water fasting can help flush out toxins from your body.
2. Autophagy
This process breaks down and recycles old cells, potentially protecting the body against cancer.
3. Lower Blood Pressure
A study found that individuals who water fasted for “an average of 17 days under medical supervision experienced reduced systolic blood pressure, along with improved levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and reduced inflammation.”
4. Improved Insulin and Leptin Sensitivity
A study found that individuals who water fasted for “an average of 17 days under medical supervision experienced reduced systolic blood pressure, along with improved levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and reduced inflammation.”
5. Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
An experiment showed that fasting for just 24 hours significantly lowered triglyceride levels in 30 healthy adults, reducing their risk of heart disease.
WHAT TO DO AFTER WATER FASTING
Most health experts recommend gradually reintroducing food after a water fast to avoid shocking your digestive system.
Sam, who has tried it a couple of times, shared that she can eat “anything” in the four days following her fast.
However, she cautioned, “Because you fast, your tummy gets smaller, so you don’t feel as hungry.”
For her, it's a “win-win” since it also helps her maintain portion control and moderation in her diet.
She emphasized the importance of consulting a doctor before trying water fasting:
“Check with your physician if that diet works for you. But personally, it’s the one that works for me.”
SAMANTHA PANLILIO’S FITNESS ROUTINE
Her fitness routine seamlessly integrates into her daily lifestyle.
The businesswoman starts her day as early as 5 a.m., engaging in golf, Muay Thai, or Padel—a four-player racket sport—with her closest friends.
After that, “I go to work.”
Sam is the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Friday’s, a luxury resort in Puerto Galera and Boracay, with another location soon to open in Siargao.
Her busy day doesn’t end there.
At home, she devotes time for her passion projects and upcoming business ventures, including a furniture line imported from Morocco.
She’s also the founder of PAK (Pangarap At Kalinga) Foundation, which focuses on helping underserved youth through sustainable programs in education, healthcare, and livelihood.
During this interview, which was held on September 25, 2024, Sam announced her plan of entering politics.
Read: Samantha Panlilio to enter politics as party-list nominee
With all these responsibilities, where does love fit into her life?
“There’s a lot on my plate. There's love everywhere,” she said with a smile.
PEP asked: So no relationship? Not dating?
“With everything I’m doing right now, I need to have a clear path and mindset.
“And at the end of the day, I can always go to my dog, LadyPan.”
