The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted the lives of not only the older population but the children as well. Despite the pandemic, we all want the children to grow happy and healthy, and proper nutrition is one of the key factors for us to achieve it. Nutrition is vital for the children to grow and develop into healthy adults; with the ongoing pandemic it is crucial that children are given the appropriate diet for their age, for them to build immunity and resilience against diseases.

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) developed the Pinggang Pinoy, a food guide which uses a food plate model that shows the recommended proportion by food group in every meal. This was established to meet the recommended energy and nutrient intakes based on the 2015 Philippine Dietary and Reference Intake, this food guide will help ensure that children are properly nourished.

The Pinggang Pinoy recommends for children to consume a variety of foods from each of the three basic food groups: GO (rice and alternatives), Grow (fish and alternatives) and Glow (vegetables and fruits) foods. The Pinggang Pinoy also suggests drinking lots of water and less sugary beverages.

The Pinggang Pinoy plate shows the approximate relative proportions in a meal of the three food groups as follows: 1/3 of the plate every meal should be filled with Go foods (energy rich foods) such as root crops, oats, and rice. These foods are needed to give the body energy to move and do daily tasks.

While ¼ of the plate should consist of Grow foods (protein and iron-rich foods) such as fish, lean meat, shellfish, poultry, eggs, and dried beans; this is to support growth and muscle development of the body. Fatty fish like tuna, sardines, and mackerel are advised to be consumed 2-3 time a week as these contains essential fatty acids which will keep the heart healthy. Calcium-rich dairy products are also recommended for this helps in making the bones and teeth strong.

The rest of the plate should consist of Glow foods; consisting of fruits and vegetables. 1/3 of it should consist of vegetables and fruits should not go over ¼ of the plate. Fruits and vegetables are important in every meal because these are necessary for the regulation of body processes.

To ensure that no children is left behind and to guarantee that their rights to proper health and nutrition are met, parents should follow the Pinggang Pinoy so that every child will meet the adequate energy and nutrients he or she needs to grow healthy and strong. (NO I Liezel Joy D. Reyes)

References:

Department of Health. n.d. Pinggang Pinoy: Healthy Food Plate for Filipinos. Retrieved 22 November 2021 from https://doh.gov.ph/node/223

Department of Science and Technology- Food and Nutrition Research Institute. n.d. Daily Nutritional Guide Pyramid for Filipino Children. Retrieved 22 November 2021 from https://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php/28-nutrition-statistic/nutritional-guide-pyramid/76-toddler

Department of Science and Technology- Food and Nutrition Research Institute. n.d. Pinggang Pinoy: Healthy Food Plate for Filipinos. Retrieved 22 November 2021 from https://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php/116-pinggang-pinoy