Dumangas folks learn healthy eating habits

Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and members of Brgy. Paloc Sool Patawid Association in Dumangas, Iloilo convened for an orientation on “Pinggang Pinoy” and healthy meal planning.

This activity aimed to help participants adopt healthy eating habits using “Pinggang Pinoy’” and prepare meal planning portions.

According to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 6 Senior Science Research Specialist Paula Huelar, Pinggang Pinoy is an easy-to-understand food guide which uses a food plate model to show the recommended portion by food group in every meal.

It conveys the concept of eating a variety of foods in the right proportions to meet the body’s energy and nutrient needs, including the importance of proper water intake, exercise and healthy lifestyle.

“To stay healthy, we need to aim for balance, variety and moderation for our meals,” Huelar emphasized, adding that there is no single food that can give all the nutrients that a body needs.

During the orientation, participants underwent a meal planning workshop with reference to available fruits, vegetables, and animals in their backyard.

“BHWs are tasked to give information to mothers during the medical consultation and house to house visits. Pantawid members, on the other hand, have children who belong to vulnerable groups and they should be guided on proper nutrition,” Huelar said.

She said this activity is anchored with the health and nutrition component of DOST’s Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) project. (PIA)