Nana Al Haleq, fitness model, coach, and TV host

Strength to this 31-year-old fitness addict doesn’t just mean physical strength—it’s also mental health, attitude towards life, and emotional stability. When Nana was in her early 20s, she suffered from depression as a result of feeling lost after graduating from university. She took a leap of faith and devoted herself to fitness—and it saved her life. “Fitness helped me discover my true self, unlock my true potential, and regain my self confidence,” she says.

Day On A Plate
“I have a delicious blend of leafy greens, flax and chia seeds, carrot, and wheatgrass to kick off the day. Between breakfast and lunch, I drink an iced Americano and eat four egg whites, fish, and more greens. I have two meals for lunch. My first lunch is around 12pm and the second around 4pm. I usually have 300g of fish, cooked Asian-style with 150g of brown rice and raw greens for both. Come dinner time, I eat 250g of organic grass-fed tenderloin steak or fish, and the same sides. Snacks are usually some form of berries. I like blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. Sometimes, I take nuts on a low-carb day.”

Workout Routine
“I exercise five to six times a week and my preferred ‘torture method’ would be weightlifting. My daily workout between 2.30 to 4.30pm is like my self-therapy session. I feel zen and relaxed even though the workout is intense. I love incorporating resistance bands in my workouts because it’s portable and serves a lot of purpose. I can use it for stretching and to work on my muscles. I’m also slowly picking up on yoga and I’m planning on taking pilates to help rehabilitate my injuries and improve my balance.”

Preventative Measures
“I believe whole foods prevent diseases, that’s why I consume a lot of power green powders such as wheatgrass, spirulina, beetroot, and broccoli. A majority of my protein intake comes from fish and red meat and I avoid food that I am intolerant to, like chicken and eggs. Getting to know which foods your body is intolerant to is important as it can prevent you from getting sick. I consume vitamins and minerals that my diet may lack such as vitamins D and B, magnesium, and l-carnitine.”