MANILA, Philippines – Healthy food choices and eating habits are crucial in an active lifestyle.

Athletes James and Phil Younghusband and actress Iza Calzado know and practice this.

The 3 celebrities are the new ambassadors of Kenny Rogers Roasters, introduced last October in an event at their new branch in Matalino Street, Quezon City.

“When we’re coaching kids, we want to pass on the message of a healthy lifestyle,” says James. The star athlete brothers have been busy with their football academy where they teach football to kids below 6 years old. 

The best way to preach, according to James, is through practice.

“It makes a huge difference. If you eat well in the morning, it improves your performance in a game,” continues his brother, Philip.

For Iza, health and fitness takes on a more personal note. She recalls struggling with obesity in high school and the unhealthy eating habits that led to radical weight gains and losses. 

“I starved myself. I’d lose 10 pounds then gain it again, which isn’t healthy,” she recalls. “Then I started reading up more about [eating healthy]. I realized I can’t keep doing the short cuts. I started eating better and making the right choices.”

From being voted the ‘Teddy Bear’ of her high school batch at 220 pounds, present-day Iza is not shy to show off her slim figure at 130 pounds. But to reach her present level of fitness, she maintains a lifestyle that would make some of us weep from the discipline and perseverance it requires.

She does crossfitness training in the mornings, yoga in the afternoon and jogging at night. She has also tried newer forms of exercise such as core kinesis. 

Eager to share her success and experience with other people facing eating disorders and weight problems, Iza is set to host “Biggest Loser: Pinoy Edition,” a reality show in which obese contestants compete to become the fittest of the group. 

Phil, James and Iza, roasted

Their health regimen and eating habits weren’t the only topics on the table.

One by one, the ambassadors were “roasted,” with close friends revealing little-known quirks through a video presentation and speeches.

During the “roasting,” Phil sang the national anthem and a cheesy Filipino love song, James danced Psy’s “Gangnam Style” and Iza struck some model poses.

Here are some choice bits of juicy facts from the “roasting”:

Did you know that Phil….

• Always needs to have a mirror around and takes the longest to get ready? Who knew he had a vain streak?
• Can’t wink?
• Makes Powerpoint presentations a lot?
• Likes to sing?
• Is incredibly cheesy? He tweets sweet lines to girlfriend Angel Locsin.

Did you know that James…

• Is picky about Filipino food?
• Once jogged from EDSA to Rockwell Center then dried his sweaty shirt using the mall’s bathroom dryer?
• Lined up at 7 AM to catch “The Dark Knight Rises”? He’s crazy about Christopher Nolan films.
• Would’ve gone into graphic design and media if not for football?

Did you know that Iza…

• Wants to be a Gossip Girl?
• Has tried pole-dancing?
• Brings a pack of nuts and dried fruits everywhere she goes?
• Does sit-ups while she’s waiting, sometimes in the unlikeliest of places?
• Is known by her friends to pull off the “puppy eyes” tactic when asking for something?

The 3 imbibe healthy living and eating in other aspects of their lives. Iza’s close friend Divine Lee attests that Iza is the ultimate poster child of fitness. 

“Palagi siyang nangungulit to eat healthy even among our friends. Pati sa relief drive, siya lang naghahanap ng healthy food to donate (She’s always insisting that her friends eat healthy. Even in the relief drive, she was the only one looking for healthy food to donate),” says Divine.

James believes there are other facets of healthy living aside from keeping fit and eating right.

“It’s also about the people you surround yourself with, if they lead healthy lifestyles or if they smoke. It’s also good to listen to music to calm you down.” – Rappler.com