Nutrition Month – Philippines

Embracing Wellness: Celebrating Nutrition Month in the Philippines – July

Every July, the Philippines turns its focus to one of the most vital aspects of life: nutrition. Nutrition Month is a time-honored tradition, celebrated across the archipelago from the bustling streets of Manila to the serene beaches of Palawan. It’s a month dedicated to educating, inspiring, and encouraging Filipinos of all ages to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits. So, grab a fresh mango, sit back, and let’s dive into what makes Nutrition Month in the Philippines a truly unique and meaningful celebration.

The Heart of Nutrition Month:

The initiative, spearheaded by the National Nutrition Council (NNC), aims to address the nutritional challenges faced by the country, such as malnutrition among children, obesity, and non-communicable diseases. With engaging themes each year, Nutrition Month brings together communities, schools, government agencies, and private sectors in a unified effort to promote healthier lifestyles.

How to Celebrate Nutrition Month:

1. Barangay Health Fairs: Join or organize health fairs in your local barangay. These events often feature free nutrition consultations, cooking demonstrations, and fun physical activities for the whole family.
2. Nutri-Quiz Bee: Schools across the nation host quiz bees focused on nutritional facts and health tips, making learning fun and competitive for students.
3. “Lutong Bahay” Challenges: Rediscover the joy of home-cooked meals with cooking challenges that highlight traditional Filipino dishes made healthier. Think of ways to incorporate more vegetables into Adobo or make a lighter, fruitier Halo-Halo.
4. Community Gardening: Participate in or start a community garden. Growing your own fruits and vegetables not only ensures you have fresh produce but also fosters a sense of community and connection to the earth.

Tips for a Healthier You:

• Balance is Key: Incorporate a variety of foods in your diet from all the food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy.
• Shop Smart: Make informed food choices by reading nutritional labels while shopping. Opt for items lower in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.
• Hydrate Healthily: Replace sugary drinks with water. Infuse it with cucumber, lemon, or mint for an extra flavor kick without the added calories.
• Stay Active: Complement your healthy eating habits with regular physical activity. Whether it’s traditional Filipino dances, martial arts like Arnis, or simply a family walk, find joy in moving.

Beyond Nutrition Month:

While July shines a spotlight on nutrition, the lessons learned and habits formed during this month have the power to transform lives year-round. Nutrition Month serves as a reminder that every meal is an opportunity to nourish our bodies, that every bite counts, and that the path to wellness is walked together as a community. Here’s to making every month a nutrition month. Mabuhay ang malusog na pamumuhay! (Long live healthy living!)