How model Claire Dolotina lost 25 pounds and won her job back

Even for naturally tall and trim girls, like 25-year-old runway model Claire Dolotina, unhealthy food choices and a sedentary lifestyle can take a serious toll on one’s body. Her career hit a roadblock when she started packing on unwanted pounds and she had to turn her lifestyle around. Today, more than just for her looks, Claire enjoys sports and exercise as an integral part of her regular routine. As a result, she is happier, healthier, and hotter than ever.

Claire, who is described by fellow gym-goers as very disciplined and hardworking, is featured as one of the success stories in a forthcoming issue of Shape Philippines.  More than a just runway model, she is also a role model who sets a stellar example of leading a fit and active lifestyle.

STAR: How did your modeling career start?

CLAIRE DOLOTINA: In 4th year college, one of my classmates who modeled asked if I was interested in modeling because I had the height and the figure. I agreed to try it out. She introduced me to her agent and I started getting some projects. I really enjoyed modeling and wanted to sustain it after college. I do mostly runway modeling. I’m fortunate to have walked for designers like Xernan Orticio, Puey Quinones, Jerome Salaya Ang, and Yako Reyes.

What caused you to start getting out of shape?

I was so busy with work and was so stressed that I really didn’t watch what I ate anymore. When my office mates would invite me to eat out, I would always say yes, “sige, go lang,” and I ate a lot of junk food.

How did you get on the road back to fitness?

I got less and less projects and my agent eventually told me I had to lose weight. I enrolled in a gym in 2013 and started working out, but even after one year, I didn’t see any improvement. I didn’t know that it was because of my bad eating habits. I didn’t give up anyway and kept working out regularly. I was still determined to go back to my old figure.

What finally worked for you?

I eventually moved to another branch of the same gym chain. One day, while I was working out there, I saw one of the trainers, Bench Ortiz, coaching MJ Lastimosa. I said to myself, “Wow, he’s training a beauty queen. Maybe he can help me, too.” At first, I was shy to approach him so my boyfriend was the one who approached Bench and inquired for me. Bench agreed to train me and when I told him that I used to model, he almost didn’t believe me. He asked me what I ate and said I had to be more disciplined with my diet.

I signed up for a diet delivery program, starting with 1,600 calories per day. It was never enough in the beginning. Even though I already had my packaged food, I would still buy extra. It was difficult to cut down on my food, but I always remembered why I had to do it. Modeling was my passion. I couldn’t just give up. Eventually, I got used to the controlled calorie diet and moved to the 1,200-calorie program. I didn’t lose weight from working out until I changed my diet.

Along with that, I worked out harder. I trained twice a week with my personal trainer and spent every Saturday doing activities such as Zumba classes and badminton. 

Did the hard work pay off?

Definitely. I’m back modeling. I lost 25 pounds in four months, and I’m leaner than I was in college and fitter than I’ve ever been.

What are your top three tips to achieving your fitness goals?

First, eat healthy, but that doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself. Being on a 1,200-diet delivery program taught me the discipline of portion control. You can eat what you want, but you have to be mindful of how much.

There are days you will be lazy to work out, but I remind myself of my goal and the reason that I am doing this. I want to model again. It takes a lot of discipline to eat clean and live healthy so you have to remind yourself of your goals and priorities.

Finally, don’t be afraid to seek help. Bench really helped me a lot. Even if we’re not together, I text him to ask for advice. Don’t be shy to ask for help. I really trust him because he knows and shares my goals.

How has exercise helped change your life?

If you have a fitness goal, you can’t just eat healthy and work out when you feel like it. It has to be a lifestyle. More than the results, I enjoyed the process of making healthier food decisions and being more active. Until now, I continue my workout routine and spend Saturdays doing sports.

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Do you also have a success story like Claire? Share your journey so others may get inspired to move and be active. Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph or mylenedayrit@gmail.