 Man of substance
Brains-and-brawns Marc Nelson talks about health and fitness. By Katherine Olaguera
There are a lot of things people don't know about Marc Nelson. He studied in Australia and graduated with a Science degree in Human Geography, a course similar to Social Anthropology. He has taught gymnastics, sold hi-fi audio-video equipment, tutored Bulgarians in English and worked as a bartender, concierge and newspaper boy.
Nelson says he's between the ages of 15 and 50. He lives in a condo unit. Alone. He does his own cooking, cleaning and grocery. His laundry he sends to the Laundromat. He says that's the way he was brought up. The multi-racial hunk is an exotic mix of English, Scottish, Burmese, Thai and Chinese. Literally a man of the world, he has lived in Sydney, Tanzania, Kenya, Tasmania, Hong Kong, Canada, the U.S. and the Philippines.
The Sports Unlimited host and Bench model writes a weekly advice column for the Philippine Star. In a recent chat with HealthToday, Nelson shows he's got the brains and the brawn to defy the beefcake stereotype.
How was it like growing up and constantly moving from country to country?
Oh, I loved it. The best education I could recommend to anyone.
Tell us how you got in to show business.
I started with commercial and ramp modeling before gradually going into TV. My first gig was a 5-minute segment on the old Alas Singko y Medya called Fitness Plus with Joey Mead, who was really the one who brought me into ABS-CBN. After that came Keep on Dancing and Sports Unlimited.
Were you already into modeling before you came to the Philippines?
Never even thought about it until I came here. I was planning to stay in the country for a month or 2, primarily to dive and move on to England and get a job there.
When did you first get into sports?
I've been into sports ever since I was a kid. My parents are very active sailors and scuba divers. I was already diving with them at age 10.
Do you have Filipino blood?
No, I don't have a drop of Filipino blood. But that's okay; it's a common mistake. Everyone thinks I'm part-Filipino and I'm glad. I feel very much at home here. The Philippines is my home now.
Tell us about your diet.
I'm not really on a diet. I watch what I eat, but I do eat
junk food from time to time. I avoid eating rice as much
as possible. Instead, I eat pasta, potato, kamote [sweet
potato] or oatmeal. For breakfast, I usually eat granola.
I go for small, frequent meals. I don't drink alcohol or sodas.
I don't smoke.
"I think Filipinos need to cut down on their rice--they eat way too much rice."
When did you start going to the gym?
About 4 years ago. I was with Keep on Dancing at that time
and had a lot of free time. I had always wanted to go to the
gym seriously. I used to be skinny. I worked out really hard,
three to four times a week, and put on a lot of mass and then trimmed it down. I liked the feeling of being fitter and healthier.
Teenagers today seem to have a distorted idea of what is fit and healthy.
There are many people who think that Calista Flockhart has a great figure in the same way they used to think that about Kate Moss. But people have different body types. There are people who are naturally skinny but that doesn't mean everyone can be as thin as they are. I think Calista Flockhart is a very attractive lady and I like girls that are slim. But then there's slim and then there's killing-yourself-anorexic.
What health advice can you give to young people?
I think you have to have a well-balanced diet. It's stuff that people hear all the time: balanced diet and exercise. If you're trying to lose weight or get into better shape, don't just focus on your diet. Eat healthy and exercise.
What can you say about fad diets?
If you starve your body, you'll lose weight but eventually you'll gain it back very quickly, particularly if you binge-eat. If you cut out carbohydrates completely, you won't have any energy. You'll be listless, irritable, not a pleasant person to hang around with. It's OK to take some carbs, as long as you're taking the right kind of carbs.
 I think more people should be getting more protein especially if they're living an active lifestyle. If they want to build up their muscles, they need protein. But they still need carbs for energy. I think Filipinos need to cut down on their rice-they eat way too much rice.
Have you ever lost control of your diet?
No, I've never really gone crazy with my diet. Last night I had schnitzel and mashed potato for dinner, a couple of days before I had pizza and burger. But I limit my junk food intake. Everything in moderation.
What are the benefits of living a healthy, active lifestyle?
I feel a lot more confident about myself, about my appearance. It's also nice to know that I've got the dedication to actually keep it going. I feel healthier and have the strength and endurance to do pretty much anything. HT
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