For years great health and being slender have been a sought after lifestyle by many. Celebrities sell diets and fads, and the media tell us that we need to be a size zero to look and feel great. Living an active and healthy lifestyle isn’t always as impossible as it may seem. Phil Catudal, celebrity personal trainer, author of a best-selling book Just Your Type, cancer survivor and father or three have given some insight and secrets to living a healthy lifestyle.
Phil’s origin story to health
Phil Catudal was born in Canada on August 5, 1988. As a young boy, he was diagnosed with leukaemia at age 3. When he was 12 years old, his father passed away, and soon after his brother had a tough 5 year battle with cancer. Catudal’s family made a mind shift to become more healthy and active – making the most of their time. The family educated themselves on how to obtain better health through exercise, physical activities and maintaining a balanced diet. Today, Catudal has become a well-known name in Hollywood for the great work he has managed to bestow on to others. His journey leading up to his popularity isn’t without many great challenges, as Catudal integrated both business and passion into one core significance.
Tell us, what’s does your basic daily diet consist of?
“It’s dependant on your body type, in my book I make a big point about finding your body type. Whether it is an endomorph, ectomorph or mesomorph, which will constitute what your daily diet, will consist of. For me, I keep it simple, high calorie and protein intake in the mornings, with a black coffee. I don’t normally snack during the day, so I’ll have a juice or protein bar,” Catudal says. In his book, he makes it very clear that there are no shortcuts or cheap ways of looking great. Rather ensure that your body can fully digest what you’re eating, or burn excess fat.
What foods do enjoy the most?
With so many different diets and trends on the market, it’s no surprise everyone is always trying something new. “I must say, once I realized that my body doesn’t do well with a lot of fatty foods such as butter, fish and oil – I quickly changed my habits. I tried the Keto diet, and it didn’t really benefit me,” he says. Things such as low sugar fruits, nuts, cherries and berries and obviously low or zero fat dairy products are all good – for now. The food you eat won’t help you get skinny, so it’s important to find a balance in the number of carbs or protein your taking in, and how much of it’s being used.
Would you recommend a vegan diet?
“If you’re an ethical vegan because you love the animals, it’s going to be somewhat harder and more time consuming to prep and see results. But, if you’re vegan because it’s a trend, you’ll definitely struggle to see a difference in your body. You simply can’t take it for its face value,” he exclaims. Catudal did accomplish to go full vegan for 6 months in 2019 but found that the change in diet made him consume more food during meals to make up for lost nutrients and vitamins.
How do you start being healthier?
It’s hard coming to terms with yourself when you feel that you aren’t in the best shape you’ve been. “My philosophy is that anyone can commit to a great lifestyle. Your body enjoys a good structure, so ensure to keep it well-structured with most things you do. Start with simple exercises, and work yourself up, keep moving, but balance it out with your dietary requirements,” says Catudal.
I hear celebrities like Miss Universe contestant Andrea Piecuch and TV star Bianca Banks from “Invite only Cabo” are big fans of your training philosophy, is that right?
“Well I don’t really disclose names of my clients since many in Hollywood and beyond trust me with their personal training. But yes, we also reach celebrities and ordinary people around the world thanks to my book being available on Amazon. Many people would have loved to work with me but they are just too far away – so books, video etc. are a great medium to overcome the constraints imposed by physical distance”.
Any final words?
“Exceptions don’t make rules,” he says. “There are many things in life you can do to better your lifestyle, fitness is one of them. I always tell my clients that I work for them if they commit to me. Let me guide you, rather than tell you,” shares Catudal.
Catudal makes the most out of his training sessions, sharing great insight with anyone. He doesn’t limit his access, as he ensures that his clients and anyone who’s interested can easily find him. Great health becomes attainable through those willing to share.
