How model stopped going hungry to improve his health

Well trust me, you don’t.

Just ask model turned reality TV star David Genat, who says he was almost always hungry when he was modelling, his body in a permanent calorie deficit as he pushed himself to fit into clothes that were never meant to fit a frame as tall as his.

Imagine never feeling full, always feeling stressed, tired and run-down, and still having to dedicate hours to cardio training. Now tell me, is that model body really worth it?

Not for Genat, who says he now takes a very different approach to his fitness. He’s still obsessed but now it’s with fuelling his body to feel good, not just look to look good.

“My thoughts on health and fitness have changed so much over the years. During my modelling career I had to be a certain size to fit into sample clothing and it was something I struggled with because I’m a big dude,” he says.

“At six-foot-three, I was always in a calorie deficit and doing lots of cardio which I hated.

“But as I got older I wanted to feel and look strong and I started focusing on lifting weights and eating the correct amount of protein and carbs.

“Learning about fitness over the years and how it evolves with your age and body is what has kept it so interesting for me.”

So now you might be thinking to yourself, “fine, forget the model, I’ll take the chiselled physique Genat was showing off when he won Australian Survivor: All Stars”. Well, I’ve got bad news for you there, too. Because it doesn’t come easy.

In fact, Genat somehow squeezes in about seven training sessions a week and still finds time for more. He says he’s realised how closely linked physical and mental health really are, and he knows when he’s training one he’s training the other, too.

“My body has been my business for over 20 years so I always prioritise my fitness,” he says.

“I lift weights four or five times a week, I’ll add in some boxing sessions or Jujitsu two times a week and then anything else active I can manage, too.

“I’ve always found my physical health is strongly connected to my mental health and I like to take care of both.”

DAVID GENAT ON …

Morning rituals

“Usually I’m heading straight to the coffee machine, but along the way I’ll fill a cup with water, a squeeze of lemon and a dash of apple cider vinegar that I will drink before anything else.”

Staying mindful

“I’m very big on mindfulness and the power of manifestation. I also really got into the Wim Hof method which makes mediation more visceral for me. I will do five rounds of breathing techniques with some extended breath holds and use that to time to centre my thoughts.”

Learning life lessons

“The most important lifestyle lesson I’ve learned is that sleep, water and exercise are your best friends. If you don’t prioritise all three of those things you’re going to have a bad time.”

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