White Hat

I realized after seeing photos of my circa 2007 self that not only have i grown fatter (yey!), I've also lost the abs I worked so hard on to gain. It's not even funny anymore. I have to keep a mental check to keep sucking my tummy in. When I used to work myself out to death at the gym every day, I'd push myself to do 600 crunches for middle and upper abs and 200 each for obliques. It was painful, but it was the kind of pain that felt really good. So with that gone, I've become determined to get it back - and try to keep the weight I gained. Juan said I should do some cardio, lift, and eat more meat than usual. Others said I should just run. I say, I should cut down on fatty stuff and (maybe) do cardio and lift. So that means, lessening sweets and going for more healthy but still yummy alternatives, like White Hat. White Hat in Mall of Asia lets health conscious folk enjoy the good stuff without the guilt. The concept is pretty simple. You choose either the regular or large serving, and select from a variety of toppings. They've got all sorts of fruit, chocolates, cheesecake, sprinkles, and cereal. No, piling up on all that doesn't mean it'll defeat the purpose of going healthy. It's 98% fat free Italian yogurt! I had mine with spoon fulls of mandarin oranges, peaches, strawberry, and mango bits. It was light and yet very filling.

White Hat's store is located on the second floor of the Entertainment mall.

It's right across Nike and Speedo. The easiest way is to go up the stairs or escalator near the SM Science Discovery Center. White Hat is also located near the Mall of Asia cinemas, near the exit facing the bay (Ocean Drive).

Website: www.thewhitehat.com.ph

No pain, no gain

For some strange reason, I did not gain any weight in the last two weeks despite my constant chomping and drinking anything and everything in sight. But this morning I realized my slim fit jeans aren't so slim fit anymore. They now fit like leggings. I doubt it could have been the laundry detergent my sister used when she laundered my jeans in Melbourne. And it very well couldn't be caused by the cold weather. Suddenly feeling all fat, I was contemplating on signing up again at the gym after a two year hiatus. I used to be a regular at the gym, going every single day after work for an hour and a half. I absolutely loved sweating at the gym (and only at the gym) because I felt that if I didn't sweat amongst people who did, I'd look weird. Back then, I was bordering being obsessed with the lateral raise and upper back machine because they were one of the few machines that targeted a lot of body parts in one workout so I'd make it a point to use them each time, even if I didn't need to. I mentioned my plans to my sister then she said not to bother. "The gym at the new condo is nice. It's complete and it even has this guy who can help you," she said. "It's near the pool in the fourth floor." I suddenly gleamed with delight. Now the money I was willing to spend for a full year membership can go to my September 2009 Canada-San Diego Trip Fund. Coincidentally, this fitness guy peeked at my Multiply photos. When I checked his page out, it had videos and tips on working out. This one is for the ladies (obviously) but it can't hurt to try it out too.