Pagadian City – The National Nutrition Council (NNC)-9 encouraged the public to maintain healthy eating habits and physical activity during the Christmas season, emphasizing balance and discipline amid festive celebrations.
Program Development Officer Ayesa Bejerano shares practical tips that the public can observe during the holiday season.
During the recent media forum spearheaded by the Zamboanga del Sur Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), Ayesa Gay Bejarano, program development officer of NNC-9, shared practical tips to ensure that health goals are not compromised.
“We all know that the holidays are a time for celebration. Many of us tend to overindulge because of the abundance of food on the table,” said Bejarano.
“Amidst all the festivities, it’s important to remember that our health goals don’t need to take a back seat,” she added.
Bejarano highlighted common holiday challenges, such as overeating, irregular meal schedules, and limited physical activity, and shared practical tips to address these issues. She emphasized that skipping meals to save for a feast often leads to overeating and recommended eating small snacks at regular intervals instead.
She encouraged the use of the Pinggang Pinoy food guide, which promotes balanced meals with appropriate portions of carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables.
“Kumuha lang tayo ng small plates ng ating mga favorite foods and then lumayo na po tayo sa table para maiwasan ang overeating,” Bejarano suggested.
(Let’s just take small plates of our favorite foods and then let’s move away from the table to avoid overeating.)
To ensure a balanced menu, she recommended serving diverse dishes that include vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins while limiting high-sugar and high-sodium foods, and promoting the use of locally available, nutrient-dense ingredients.
Bejarano also emphasized the importance of mindful eating by starting meals with vegetables, eating slowly, and avoiding sugary drinks or excessive alcohol.
Lastly, she urged everyone to stay active and get enough rest during the holiday season, warning that sleep deprivation can lead to increased consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods.
Bejarano echoed the advice of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to limit the consumption of “ma” foods — maalat, mataba, at matamis (salty, fatty, and sweet) to prevent non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses.
The Department of Health (DOH) urged the public to enjoy the holidays responsibly by prioritizing healthful food choices and engaging in regular physical activities. (EDT/HTB/PIA9 Zamboanga del Sur)