Pat Panetta | © Pat Panetta

NEWS FEATURE:

Pat Panetta, 3AW reporter and sales promotion manager and ‘The Circle’ presenter, shed 10 kilograms by eating alkaline foods and doing incidental exercise.

3AW, a Melbourne based radio station, is a news talk broadcast with presenters such as Derryn Hinch and Dennis Walters. Panetta’s role at the station is a mixture of reporting and increasing sales revenue for the station.

Channel Ten’s ‘The Circle’ is a lifestyle centric program that addresses everyday issues that Australian’s encounter. Panetta often presents various pieces for the program and is shooting commercials and other promotional materials.

In addition to his work commitments, Panetta is also a father to three vibrant and energetic children, who keep him active in the evenings and on weekends.

“I love my job and sometimes I have long work hours with 3AW. Combine this with my Channel Ten commitments and things can get pretty hectic,” said Panetta. “So to ensure I stay balanced I try to give my kids my full attention when we’re together on weekends and after work.

“As far as exercise goes, my days of slogging out in the gym or pounding the pavement, running, are gone. I consciously work at ‘incidental exercise,’ such as walking, using the stairs, and running around with the kids. It gets me where I want to go and it is fun.”

Panetta’s busy lifestyle has meant that he has developed a routine that works for him and his body.

“I try to eat a healthy diet 90 percent of the time,” said Panetta. “For me, that’s no wheat, no gluten, no refined sugars, caffeine or alcohol. I always prepare my breakfast and lunch the night before.”

“This diet has seen me lose 10 kilos, but more importantly it has cleared my head and given me loads of energy,” said Panetta.

“I’m constantly on the go during the day with meetings or out on the road, so I have my snacks and meals ready to go.”

“Preparing your lunch and snacks the night before takes a bit of discipline. However, once you get going it’s great,” said Panetta. “The feeling of wellbeing is one thing, but there’s also the huge financial savings to be made by packing the lunchbox.”

If flying interstate to record commercials for Channel Ten, Panetta makes sure he adheres to his diet.

“I scan menus for eggs, salmon, spinach, healthy salads, and herbal and green teas and vegetable juices,” said Panetta. “These keep me going and super charge my energy.”

Panetta says that his alkaline diet has allowed his body to find its natural weight.

“I’ve shed those excess kilos and feel better than ever,” said Panetta. “I don’t need to sweat it out pumping weights. By eating a healthy diet and incorporating plenty of incidental exercise I maintain great health.

Preparation is the key says Panetta.

“Prepare. If you’re going to a party, eat before you go. Don’t get hungry and then start attacking the appetisers,” said Panetta. “Take your lunch to work, rather than grabbing a snaggy roll. And, have healthy snacks ready to go. It really does make maintaining weight easy.”

“Keep away from the scales too. Follow a healthy menu because you feel better not because you want to lose weight.”

Panetta believes that fitness should be a long-term goal.

“Don’t kill yourself training. Rome wasn’t built in a day,” said Panetta. “Long-term focus wins every time in life and in fitness. Take your time and be cool. Correct your path if you fall off the wagon. Don’t be hard on yourself and you’ll see and feel the results.”

“I take a brisk 20-minute walk to and from the train station every day. This, along with my day-to-day activities, is all the exercise I need.”

Panetta also recommends eating plenty of ‘good foods’.

“Bulk up meals with loads of veg. Go for chicken and fish, and cut processed food out of your life,” said Panetta. “And, if you eat something that’s not good for your body, don’t stress, just do the right thing next time and correct your path when you can.”