We can all agree that Aiko Melendez is probably the hottest pirate we’ve ever seen, as she played the mighty and fierce Matadora in the 2018 fantasy-drama series Bagani, which was her last television appearance in ABS-CBN.
But, in spite of it, we have been updated about her life in-and-out of showbiz, especially those who are following her on social media and her YouTube channel. And among her most interesting posts in recent years was her weight-loss journey that really impressed and inspired many.
Those who were able to follow her career would know that Aiko started out as a child star in the early ‘80s, thus, she’s among the local celebrities whose growth and evolution as an individual and an actress we’ve witnessed through the years. And that includes her delightful physical transformation that truly wowed us and got many people so curious.
It was in 2016 when she initially talked about her fitness journey by posting her workout routines on Instagram. She also shared her main reason and motivation for doing it.
“What made me do this? Im loving myself more now.. I did this before i turned 40. What could be a better gift to yourself than loving it?.. I didnt do it for anybody else its for ME ME ME.. And the reward was for ME too, [sic]” she stated.
Then she continued, “One day i got tired of people calling me Fat and Ugly but i sincerely thank those people, i needed those actually to wake up from this nightmare.. Being fit and healthy is a choice that you make. Especially when you live in a world full of judgement. Its never too late.. With prayers and goal you too can do it. [sic]”
During that time, she had received a lot of wonderful comments from her followers and showbiz colleagues and friends who noticed her youthful and radiant glow, such as Megastar Sharon Cuneta who said, “Sis, umandar ang clock pabalik? Super youthful and beautiful!”
In 2020, Aiko chronicled in one of her vlogs the sacrifices, challenges, procedures, and measures that she did in order to attain her target body. That included a low-calorie diet, in which she strictly adhered to the 500-calorie per day limit on her first month.
With the amount of wonderful comments and inquiries that she’d been receiving with regards to her dramatic weight loss, the actress-politician decided to share her secrets through an IG post.
According to her, she firmly observed the 16:8 intermittent fasting, which means eating only during an 8-hour daily window and fasting for the remaining 16 hours, as well as a keto-vegetarian diet plan with no carbohydrates. Taking cacao drinks in an empty stomach first thing in the morning and fat burner supplements also helped, as well as following the workout programs of fitness influencer Chloe Ting. Besides, she detoxified and drank plenty of water, too, and didn’t forget to do proper skin care to achieve the haggard-free weight loss.
On that same post, she reminded everyone to love and take care of themselves, as well as to be comfortable in the body that they have. She also went to reiterate, “But the most Important thing when you want to lose weight is “DISCIPLINE” MOTIVATION and GOAL. Without those you will fail.”
Were you also impressed and inspired by Aiko Melendez’s fitness journey, Kapamilya?