It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And the yummiest, too!
As the holiday celebrations approach, Filipinos look forward to enjoying them with full bellies.
Filipinos are known for their love of food, and on every occasion, big or small, it is the star of the event.
This yuletide season, many celebrate with traditional “putok-batok” dishes and sweet treats.
From reunions to parties and getaways, food and drinks are always present and often hard to resist.
As we indulge our holiday cravings, the Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH CHD) 1 reminds everyone to keep in mind that healthy eats are the soul of a healthy body.
As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.”
Raymark Perreras, health education and promotions officer of DOH CHD 1 says that a healthy diet and exercise are the key to sustaining a healthier you, not only during this holiday season but for the rest of the days of the year.
“This holiday season, the DOH CHD-1 wants to ensure that Filipino families will choose healthier options for a safer and more enjoyable celebration,” Perreras said.
Perreras also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, practicing moderation in eating and drinking, managing consumption wisely, and prioritizing regular exercise or physical activity.
Here are the simple yet effective ways on how to enjoy feasting this holiday season:
Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation.
Of course, what is partying without alcohol? While alcohol is a common part of celebrations, excessive drinking can pose serious health risks over time.
Instead of alcohol, why not choose fruit shakes or lemonades? Iced cold water is also an option.
Eat in moderation.
When it comes to celebrations, eating sweet, salty, and fatty foods in moderation allows you to enjoy the festivities without risking your health.
Customize the menu.
If you can’t help but serve the traditional ‘handaang Pinoy’ menu, you may add some fresh fruits for dessert and vegetable dishes on the side.
Practice food safety with proper preparation and storage.
Proper food handling and storage are essential to prevent contamination, especially with the hotter weather we now experience.
Maintain proper personal hygiene when handling food preparation, ensure the kitchen is kept clean, and always separate raw ingredients from cooked food to prevent contamination.
Proper handwashing.
A simple 2-3-minute hand washing routine can go a long way in preventing communicable diseases.
Exercise.
With all the food consumed during holiday festivities, physical exercise is essential for maintaining your health and fitness. Make time for exercise—even a short walk can make a difference.
This Holiday season, remember that the most valuable gift you can give yourself and your loved ones is a HEALTHY YOU – not just this Christmas – but in the next holiday seasons to come. (CCMT/CGCC, PIA Region 1)
