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Ana Feleo recently went viral for losing a massive 72 lbs. "Ashamed to post this," she admitted in the caption that accompanied a collage of her before-and-after photos, but the actress decided to share it anyway "to remind myself of all the hard work I've put in to fight for my health — mentally, physically, and emotionally."
Speaking to GMA News Online, the acting facilitator said she didn't just lose 72 lbs just like that.
"I’ve always struggled with weight," she said on email. "I was born heavy, and my Dad and I loved to eat. The few times I was successful in losing some pounds, I couldn’t sustain it and end up gaining back all the weight and even more."
It was an offer for a dream job, that got Ana to start taking care of herself seriously. "I started my weight loss journey back in March 2024. A good 14 months ago."
And 14 months later, she's now down to clothing size between 8-10, from a size 18-20.
Below she shares her weight loss journey. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What made you decide it was time to lose weight?
In January 2024, I got an offer to sing/play the title role of Tosca in Puccini's opera, scheduled for February 2025.
In an opera, you usually sing with a full orchestra, and in this production, we had a 61-piece orchestra.
Singers are not amplified, which means we rely solely on our vocal technique and body strength.
I reached out to my vocal coach to set up a regular vocal training schedule but on my first day of training, reality hit me hard. I felt completely out of shape, especially for a role as demanding as Tosca.
I knew I had to work on my vocal technique, but what shocked me even more was how little control I had over my body. I was short of breath, struggling to manage the muscles needed to produce and support my sound.
Sustaining my notes was almost impossible. I felt like I was all over the place. It was humiliating and personally discouraging.
I realized that if I wanted to regain control over my body and voice, I needed to shed some pounds.
I didn't want to take the easy way out, back down, and just give up on my dream role. I understood it deserved nothing less. This was my motivation and my leverage.
Could you tell us about your diet?
In February 2024, I weight between 216-220lbs. Even now, saying that makes me feel a bit ashamed, as I realize how far I had let myself go.
At the start, it was just me on my own. I began by cutting out snacks and replacing some carbs with leafy greens. I switched my daily caramel macchiato to a non-fat latte, and started giving away my secret stash of chips and other sweet treats.
But by November, as vocal training and rehearsals for the opera became more demanding, I hit a plateau.
So what did you do?
A friend suggested I see a weight management doctor, who introduced me to the concept of calorie deficit. This was a game-changer for me and helped me break through that plateau.
I followed his program for a month, which was pivotal in my journey. It inspired me to dig deeper into nutrition, do more research, talk to more people who value fitness and nutrition, and learn how to maintain a healthier lifestyle that worked for me.
By January 2025, I switched to high-protein, low-calorie diet, which sustained me through the tiring and demanding rehearsals for the opera.
By the time I performed on February 28, I had dropped to 158lbs. I felt incredibly strong, I no longer experienced crashes, and my migraines, which had once plagued me two-three times a week, vanished.
I also noticed significant improvements in my health — my blood pressure dropped from 145/90 to a heathy 107/76. My blood glucose levels stayed below 100.
To date, I'm now 144lbs. I have lost 72lbs. This was truly life-changing, and I now feel empowered to continue living a healthier lifestyle.
How about your workout plan?
At the beginning, my workouts focused primarily on what I needed to sustain singing for 2 hours and 30 minutes straight in full voice. This meant a lot of cardio, along with free weights to strengthen my back, abdomen, and legs.
I also incorporated plenty of yoga to enhance my flexibility and breathing.
Now, I've taken it a step further by working with a coach at the gym. They help me target body toning and fat loss more effectively. This has added a new dimension to my training, and I'm excited t see how it continues to support my overall goals of muscle gain and fat loss.
Between nutrition and exercise, what is more important to you?
Nutrition is my top priority now. I've become much more focused on where I get my energy from, which is one of the biggest takeaways from my Tosca training.
It's become the foundation of this new lifestyle. I choose Whole Foods that truly nourish me, so I can show up fully for my acting students, my art, and ultimately, for my own peace and well-being.
Even the way I exercise now is aligned with that purpose. It has to support and sustain my energy, not deplete it.
How do you manage exercise and rest?
One thing that really helps me is scheduling everything in my calendar. Once it's there, I treat it like a non-negotiable, even on days when I don't feel like doing it.
In my mind, it becomes part of my to-do list.
Right now, I hold myself accountable by documenting my journey on social media. It's also my way of letting go of the need to be "perfect"
Sharing my progress — the wins, the struggles — keeps me grounded and helps me grow braver every day.
But what if you're tired? How do you balance that?
It depends on the situation, but usually, when it's in my calendar, I push myself to proceed because I'm so busy, I forget what day it is. I really don't have time so when it's in my calendar, I follow it like a to do list.
And I really bring my camera to the gym, to document and to keep me accountable. It's like an online journal.
Is it expensive?
Surprisingly, this new lifestyle isn't expensive. I prepare my own food, which makes it more affordable, and when I have to eat out, I stick to grilled or boiled protein.
I eat any kind of vegetable for fiber, though it's not really my priority. If I need an energy boost, I'll get my carbs from saging na saba or boiled kamote.
But more often than not, I prefer fueling up with steaks and eggs.
I've cut out bread, rice, and pasta completely. Occasionally, I'll have shirataki noodles — I do love Italian food — but honestly, I don't crave carbs anymore.
I've stopped eating sweetened food, but if I do get a craving, I indulge myself once in a while with a sugar-free/keto friendly treat.
I eat all types of protein, as long as it's not fried. I usually use an air fryer, but I'm also fine with food that's boiled, broiled, grilled, or baked.
I've also stopped eating breakfast. My first meal is usually lunch, and I break my fast with protein — air-fried pork steak or chicken breast, often with some greek yogurt on the side.
With portions, I do weigh my food and I always bring a portable weighing scale in my bag
Any piece of advice for people looking to do what you did?
This journey is yours alone. No one else can take responsibility for your health — only you can. It’s going to feel uncomfortable at times. You’ll feel imperfect. But do it anyway.
It won’t be a perfect journey, if you slip, get right back in. Eventually, the benefits will outweigh the discomfort.
I’ve tried countless diets and shortcuts in the past, but here’s what I’ve learned: if you don’t make healthy living a true lifestyle, it will never stick. It’ll always just feel like a “diet.”
Surround yourself with people who support that new lifestyle — those who lift you up and help you stay on track. And try to steer clear of those who constantly encourage “cheat days.” Because really, if it’s a lifestyle, there’s no need to “cheat.”
Educate yourself. Do the research. Get checked by a nutritionist. Spend time with people who are more disciplined than you are — eventually, their mindset and habits will start to rub off on you.
— GMA Integrated News
