Push Admin

Metro Body 2024: Alexa Ilacad on Discipline and Consistency

Her secret ingredient to success is committing to better choices

Article (news)

Janelle Roa Cabrera-Paraiso

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/3649a9e4-ce50-4fab-835c-49d9268cf558_metrobody_alexa_3 (1).jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Metro Body 2024: Alexa Ilacad "/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">On Alexa: Outfit by Maison Soriano</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p><strong><a href="https://metro.style/amp/people/celebrities/alexa-ilacad-self-love-body-positivity-metro-body/35499" target="_blank">Alexa Ilacad</a></strong> continues to wow her followers with her wisdom, and as a career-driven woman, she is determined to make the most of her life—her lifestyle included. Besides being intelligent and learned, Alexa also lets herself evolve through the experiences she takes on.</p><div><br/></div><p>Alexa is ecstatic to be part of <strong>Metro Body 2024</strong>, a body positivity campaign that celebrates each shape and size. Last year, she, too, was launched as one of the artists who represented the advocacy through the campaign, and as a reminder that she is doing great, she was tapped to be part of the feature again. </p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><p>An ally of self-acceptance, Alexa said, “I think it’s not just for this shoot, but I’m trying to make it my lifestyle—to move a lot. So I work out almost every day and my goal <em>talaga</em> for this year—for 2024—was to be more mindful of what I put into my body.”<br/></p><div><br/></div><p>“So even with the food that I eat, I’ve been trying to make better choices,” she shared in an exclusive sit-down talk with <strong>Metro.Style</strong>. “It’s more of a lifestyle change and it helps me when I have shoots like this... no crash dieting or anything. I just did what I’ve been trying to do.”</p><div><br/></div><p>As to how her shift in perspective surfaced, Alexa revealed that it was through<strong> KD Estrada</strong> that she realized why mindful eating is important. “Actually, it was also KD who influenced me with this, <em>kasi</em> he’s been very conscious with his meals, with the food—even the supplements that he would take. So <em>medyo nahahawa ako du’n</em>, and I think it’s paying off.”</p><div><br/></div><p>“Even with my snacking, I make sure the ingredients are good for the body, aren’t harmful in the long run,” the Kapamilya actress-singer added. “But of course, every now and then, I also let myself indulge <em>din naman</em>. You know, <em>tao lang tayo</em>. We want to enjoy life as well. So I’ve been trying to have complete meals with complete protein, with fiber, with carbs, with everything.”</p><div><br/></div><p>With registered nutritionist-dietitian <strong><a href="https://metro.style/wellness/nutrition/fascinating-women-2024-jo-sebastian/37747" target="_blank">Jo Sebastian</a></strong> as her new rockstar idol in terms of food, Alexa thinks intentionally. She believes that body changes are inevitable, and continues to love hers despite its limitations.</p><div><br/></div><p>“Honestly, she’s helped me a lot with how I view food, with my relationship with food. Her content has helped me a lot and she’s made me realize <em>na</em> it’s not bad <em>naman</em> to indulge. And there are times when <em>nasa lugar ka na wala kang</em> salad <em>na makakain</em>, <em>na</em> you have no other options. So it’s up to you on how to customize your meal [at] that moment.”</p><div><br/></div><p>In case you’re curious, whatever Alexa craves, she takes, too. “<em>Kung ano ’yung kine</em>-crave <em>ko nu’ng araw na ’yun</em>, I must have it. I also don’t believe that we should be restricting ourselves too much,” she told us.</p><div><br/></div><p>“’Cause with what I’ve noticed, the more I restrict myself—the more I don’t eat—the more I binge afterwards… Each of us, <em>iba-iba talaga ’yung</em> bodies <em>natin</em>. So what works for you might not work for me. And not eating does not work for me. I can’t function really well and I end up making more mistakes.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/75241266-f666-4488-a849-e57bb846bb5c_metrobody_alexa_1 (1).jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Metro Body 2024: Alexa Ilacad "/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>With better choices, Alexa is bound to be no less than her best. She is navigating her life with caution, and with it comes top results, too. She shared, “When I started working out consistently, I started seeing changes—little by little. And those small changes meant the world to me. And <em>talagang gaganahan ka</em> after, <em>e</em>…<em>Ngayon</em>, I cannot not work out. Not working out makes me sad <em>na</em>.”</p><div><br/></div><p>A <strong>Calisthenics</strong> enthusiast, Alexa considers the gym she goes to—<strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sparta_ph?igsh=MWsyZXQ0YWl0MTVmZQ%3D%3D" target="_blank">SPARTA</a></strong>—her second home, saying, “I really only became serious and consistent towards the end of last year. <em>Du’n ko siya minahal</em> and <em>in</em>-embrace <em>nang buong-buo</em>. Because I used to loathe working out. I would dread it. Make me do anything but work out. I don’t know why I really hated it.”</p><div><br/></div><p>“I really felt like ‘why, <em>bakit ko kailangang gumalaw</em>?’ ‘Why wasn’t I just more skinny?’ <em>Parang may ganu’n akong</em> mindset,” she spilled. “And now, I’ve also been shifting my mindset. So aside from making better choices, I’ve also been thinking better thoughts… I was not this person a couple of years ago. So <em>ang galing lang</em>. People really do change.”</p><div><br/></div><p>Meanwhile, while Alexa has tried to acclimatize herself to a truckload of sports in the past, she swears by what Calisthenics has brought to the table. She said, “I have tried soccer; I was a runner at one point in my life; I did pole dancing; I did so many activities just to find out what workout <em>ba talaga ’yung magugustuhan ko</em>.”</p><div><br/></div><p>She walked us through why she has grown to love what she is good at now—Calisthenics. “I like that it’s not the same thing every time. I think ’<em>yun ’yung problema sa’kin</em>. <em>Madali akong magsawa</em> when it comes to workout. So <em>kapag nagiging</em> repetitive <em>na po siya</em>, <em>parang</em> ‘ugh, <em>ito na naman</em>.’”</p><div><br/></div><p>Alexa thoughtfully added, “It’s also a choice that you have to make every day. It’s a commitment. ’Cause people say na ‘<em>minsan</em>, <em>wala kang</em> motivation.’ ‘You need motivation.’ No, you don’t need motivation; you need discipline.”</p><div><br/></div><p>When asked how she has come to accept the Alexa she is at present, she thought and paused. Finally, she replied, “I’ve come a long way… I’ve learned how to show it more appreciation and more love than before.”</p><div><br/></div><p>Alexa admits to not always being in sync with her body and self-image as well. She insists on having to adapt to her physical appearance, and hammers into her habits that her thoughts play a bigger part in her fitness journey. </p><div><br/></div><p>She feeds her mind and soul with mindful practices, and surrounds herself with people who have confidence in what she is capable of. “Progress is never linear <em>naman talaga</em>. [But] because I have a very good support system with me, I’m able to see my body in a better light,” Alexa concluded.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Alexa Ilacad is #fitnessgoals in the photo gallery below:</strong></div><div><br/></div><div class="article-content" itemProp="articleBody"><div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/dd3805b3-15a3-40ac-a7e7-7ed22034b2b1_alexa%20ilacad%20metro%20body%202024%20gallery.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/4d564b08-52d9-4677-b73f-daa29686c3fc_alexa2.jpg" alt="Metro Body 2024: Alexa Ilacad Drives Herself With Discipline" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/f649e451-11bb-4e1c-93f9-3ff6c1e426a4_alexa5.jpg" alt="Metro Body 2024: Alexa Ilacad Drives Herself With Discipline" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/d5a6a908-20cd-4904-9517-020fdb95ed49_alexa7.jpg" alt="Metro Body 2024: Alexa Ilacad Drives Herself With Discipline" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/fe80687d-7f63-4df4-a055-61551bd6d91f_alexa1.jpg" alt="Metro Body 2024: Alexa Ilacad Drives Herself With Discipline" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/dc56d26c-2b96-4560-971f-7a6ea385a069_alexa3.jpg" alt="Metro Body 2024: Alexa Ilacad Drives Herself With Discipline" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/f4f25906-474c-40ac-81dc-5f96ffb4f22e_alexa4.jpg" alt="Metro Body 2024: Alexa Ilacad Drives Herself With Discipline" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a12d83b8-84a9-445d-b3bb-05d404139aa6_alexa6.jpg" alt="Metro Body 2024: Alexa Ilacad Drives Herself With Discipline" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a70f7ab8-52c5-49e7-b40d-6b2ea76d3351_alexa8.jpg" alt="Metro Body 2024: Alexa Ilacad Drives Herself With Discipline" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/67f00845-e9e4-44b7-9cb4-e798916b4946_alexa9.jpg" alt="Metro Body 2024: Alexa Ilacad Drives Herself With Discipline" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/749c96d1-908c-4844-bda4-044bcd2fb686_alexa%20-%20seven%20barretto.jpg" alt="Metro Body 2024: Alexa Ilacad Drives Herself With Discipline" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div></div><div class="media-content slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>@alexailacad</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>@alexailacad</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>@alexailacad</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>@alexailacad</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>@alexailacad</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>@alexailacad</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>@alexailacad</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>@theboudoirdolls</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>@stephencapuchino</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Seven Barretto</cite></div></div></div></div></div><div><br/></div><p>Creative direction by <strong>Eugene David</strong></p><p>Editor-in-chief: <strong>Geolette Esguerra </strong></p><p>Sittings editors: <strong>Red Dimaandal </strong>and <strong>Grace Libero-Cruz</strong></p><p>Art director: <strong>Raff Colmenar</strong></p><p>Fashion associate: <strong>Carla Buyo</strong></p><p>Editorial assistant: <strong>Mika Yusay</strong></p><p>Makeup by <strong>Jake Galvez </strong></p><p>Hairstyling by <strong>July Vito</strong></p><p>Styling by <strong>Patty Yap</strong>, assisted by <strong>Xandra Puyat</strong></p><p>Videography by <strong>Florence Chee</strong> and <strong>Ara Tanagon</strong> of <strong>Spotlight Creatives Studio</strong></p><p>Photography assistants: <strong>Aaron Ongkingco</strong>, <strong>Warren Diotay</strong>, <strong>Julius Celis</strong>, and <strong>Chris Cantos</strong></p><p>Shot on location at <strong>VS Hotel Convention Center</strong></p><p>Special thanks to <strong>Star Magic</strong>, <strong>Laurenti Dyogi</strong>, <strong>Deejaye Cuadrado</strong>, <strong>Kaicy Ronda</strong>, <strong>Thess Gubi</strong>, <strong>Frances Joson</strong>, <strong>Revin Reyes</strong>, and <strong>Jarra Tiongson</strong></p><p>Gallery photos from <strong>@alexailacad</strong><br/></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/people/digital-covers/metro-body-2024-kim-chiu/37874" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Metro Body 2024: Kim Chiu Prefers Progress Over Perfection</a></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/people/celebrities/ria-atayde-metro-body-2023-star-magic-lahot-summer/35420" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Metro Body 2023: Ria Atayde Champions Body Positivity</a></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/people/celebrities/metro-body-star-magic-lahot-sexy-summer-part-1/35427" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">In Photos: Metro Body Special Featuring the Star Magic Artists (Part 1)</a></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/people/celebrities/metro-body-star-magic-lahot-sexy-summer-part-2/35430" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">In Photos: Metro Body Special Featuring the Star Magic Artists (Part 2)</a></div>