“Eating is a necessity, but eating intelligently is an art”; simple yet evocative statement of Mr. Kendall Pilgrim Gatan, Nutrition Officer III of the National Nutrition Council- Regional Office 1 (NNC-RO 1) in his educational discussion concerning the 2017 Nutrition Month Talking Points upholding the theme, “Healthy diet, gawing habit- FOR LIFE!” on the 43rd Nutrition Month Launching celebration this July 3, 2017 in La Union National High School. He also added that to achieve a healthy lifestyle, each one should attain a healthy diet and regular exercise.
This word group points out the actuality of a call toward reorientation of the people between eating and health. Basically, we eat because our physical body needs it. However, how can we maintain a healthy body? How can we make our future a better one if we don’t follow religiously what is required on our diet list?
Good nutritional status is distinguished when man welfares from a well-balanced dietary intake, established in a normal organ development and function, growth and maintenance, optimum activity, normal reproduction and working efficiency, resistance to infection and ability to repair bodily damage or injury. Thus, a well-balanced diet, daily exercise, and practice of discipline reveal the necessary things one must have to attain good nutrition.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nutrition is the intake of food, considered in relation to the body’s dietary needs. On the other hand, nutrients in relation to nutrition are very significant to everyone’s nourishment. Therefore, eating the right kind and proper amount of foods.
We all have what we call the “Nutritional Guide Pyramid” which is a graphical representation of the various kinds of foods grouped into five layers made specified for every life stage and introduced by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). In the pyramid, the base layer which also has the widest compartment consists of the water and beverages; the second layer which is the next widest compartment consists of the rice and rice products like the whole grains, bread, cereal, rice and pastas. According to studies, eating whole grains in any form produced is very beneficial as they contain nutrients such as Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin E, fiber and iron. The third base is divided into two compartments, the fruits and vegetables. These groups of foods are also very essential to everyone because they provide lesser number of calories but are nutrient-dense. Fourth layer is composed of the Meats and Meat Substitutes like fishes, shellfishes, eggs, dried beans and legumes and in addition, this layer is also comprised of the milk and dairy products. It has been said that meats and meat substitutes are of the best sources of protein and having the right amount of these on each meal is good enough for our body’s needs for tissue repair and build-up. Lastly, the fifth layer which is the top most part of the pyramid consists of the Sweets and Sugars which are all types of sugary products that could satisfy one’s sweet tooth. Furthermore, this part of the pyramid shows the smallest compartment which means it is recommended to everyone to consume it the least.
There is no single food that can provide all the essential nutrients, that is, following a proper diet by eating a variety of food is needed to attain that optimal nutrition each one should have.
Therefore, we must also be guided with the basic guidelines to achieve optimum nutrition like the Pinggang Pinoy and the 10 Kumainments which is the popular version of the 10 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos.
Additionally, in order to keep out metabolism productive, practicing a regular exercise apart from a proper diet could be a great step to achieving that healthy lifestyle thus preventing risks of non-communicable diseases. Therefore, being picky on the foods we eat doesn’t mean we are choosy, it’s just called the art of eating.