Chito Samontina’s weight loss transformation offers profound lessons when viewed through the lens of “Back to Nature”—a philosophy emphasizing natural, holistic, and sustainable living. Here’s how his journey aligns with these principles and what we can learn:
1. Embrace Whole, Unprocessed Foods
-Chito’s Approach: Reduced reliance on processed junk food, sugary drinks, and excessive rice—staples in many Filipino diets.
– Back to Nature Lesson:
– Prioritize Whole Foods (fresh vegetables, fruits) over packaged/processed items.
– Example: Swap instant noodles for sinigang with fresh fish and kangkong.
2. Move Naturally
-Chito’s Approach:Used walking and home workouts—no expensive equipment or extreme routines.
-Back to Nature Lesson:
-Reconnect with natural movement: walking, jogging, or swimming.
3. Listen to Your Body’s Rhythms
-Chito’s Approach: Gradual progress, not crash diets.
-Back to Nature Lesson:
– Eat when hungry, stop when full—honor natural hunger cues.
– Sleep and wake with daylight cycles for better metabolism.
4. Reduce Reliance on Artificial Shortcuts
-Chito’s Approach: No surgery or fad supplements.
-Back to Nature Lesson:
– Avoid quick fixes (weight-loss pills, extreme diets).
– Trust time-tested methods: herbal teas, fruits and vegetables, less carbs, no sugary drinks or desserts.
5. Mental Health = Physical Health
-Chito’s Approach: Keeping a successful social media career is stressful, but he balanced it with discipline.
-Back to Nature Lesson:
– Stress management through nature immersion (forest bathing, beach walks).
– Cut off from social media.
-Sunlight and vitamin D—critical for mood and metabolism.
Key Takeaway:
Chito’s success mirrors what our ancestors knew: Health is holistic. By returning to natural eating, movement, and mindfulness—rather than fighting our biology with artificial solutions—we achieve sustainable wellness.
Want a “Back to Nature” weight-loss plan? Try this:
-Breakfast: Ginataang bilo-bilo(healthy coconut milk stew with root crops).
-Activity: 30-minute morning walk under sunlight.
-Mindset:”Lakas ng loob, not lipo!” (Inner strength over shortcuts).
Top 5 Filipino Herbs for Weight Loss
1. Malunggay (Moringa)
-How it helps:
– High in fiber (curbs cravings) and chlorogenic acid (slows sugar absorption).
– Rich in iron (boosts energy for exercise).
– How to use:
– Brew dried leaves as tea (drink before meals).
2. Pandan (Screwpine)
-How it helps:
– Acts as a natural appetite suppressant (studies show its aroma reduces hunger).
– Lowers blood sugar spikes after meals.
-How to use:
– Boil leaves to make pandan water (drink instead of soda).
– Cook brown rice with pandan for fragrance (makes healthy food more appealing).
3. Luya (Ginger)
-How it helps:
-Thermogenic effect (burns fat by raising body heat).
– Reduces bloating (hindi kabag-friendly!).
-How to use:
-Salabat tea (boil sliced ginger, add calamansi).
4. Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa)
-How it helps:
– Contains corosolic acid, which improves insulin sensitivity (reduces fat storage).
– Acts as a natural diuretic (pang-flush ng excess water).
-How to use:
– Steep dried leaves in hot water (drink 1x/day).
-Warning:Avoid if on diabetes meds (consult doctor).
5. Tanglad (Lemongrass)
-How it helps:
-Detoxifies liver (improves fat metabolism).
– Reduces stress-induced cravings (pang-relax ng gutom).
-How to use:
-Tanglad tea (boil with turmeric for extra fat-burning).
– Use as base for sinigang instead of artificial mixes.
Traditional “Pampapayat” Concoctions
1. “Overnight Fat Flush” Drink:
-1 glass buko water + 1 tbsp grated luya + 1 calamansi (drink before bed).
2.Pre-Meal Appetite Control:
-1 cup pandan tea + 1 tsp honey(sip 15 mins before eating).
3.Post-Meal Digestion Aid:
-Salabat + 1 pinch cayenne pepper (boosts calorie burn).
⚠️ Important Notes:
-No magic bullets:These herbs support weight loss but won’t work without diet/exercise.
-Allergies:Test small amounts first (e.g., ginger may irritate ulcers).
– Quality matters:Use fresh or properly dried herbs (avoid stale/chemically treated).
