The National Nutrition Council Governing Board chaired by Health Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial approved earlier this year the 2017 Nutrition Month theme “Healthy diet, gawing habit – FOR LIFE!”
This year’s Nutrition Month aims to increase public awareness on healthy diet to create demand and contribute to reduction in both under- and overnutrition and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Although Nutrition Month is annually celebrated in the month of July, actions to support the key messages of the celebration are implemented the entire year. This is anchored on the premise that nutrition is not only a month-long endeavor. To achieve a healthy and productive populace, a commitment into making good nutrition practices a habit is an indispensable requirement.
So why do we need to make healthy diet a habit?
1. A healthy diet, which is part of a healthy lifestyle, is the foundation of good health. Our nutritional status can either protect or make us susceptible to under- and overnutrition and NCDs. NCDs, which are also called lifestyle-related diseases due to unhealthy diets and lifestyles, remain as top causes of death in the Philippines and affects children, adults and older persons. But if we consume variety and balanced meals that meet our nutritional requirements and avoid foods high in fat, sugar and sodium, we can maintain a healthy weight and reduce risks of developing NCDs.
2. Ensuring the maximum growth and development potential of a child is crucial in the first 1000 days of life which starts from pregnancy up to the child’s 2nd birthday. In this golden window of opportunity, good maternal health, breastfeeding and complementary feeding strengthen infants and young children’s long-term health and immunity from NCDs and obesity. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months is sufficient to provide the nutrient needs of the child for growth and development. From 6 months onward, complementary feeding, together with breastfeeding, keep up with the child’s growing nutrient needs. These practices are globally accepted as investment to a child’s future.
3. Filipinos are not consuming healthy diets. According to the 2013 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute-DOST, only 35% of Filipino households meet their required nutrient and energy levels. Not meeting the energy requirements disrupts the metabolic processes, physiological functions and well-being of an individual. With a healthy diet, daily energy and nutritional needs can be satisfied and thus, optimal health is ensured.
4. Overweight and obesity continue to affect a growing number of Filipinos, with 3 out of 10 Filipino adults being obese according to the 2013 NNS. Meanwhile, the prevalence of overweight among Filipino children is 5% in ages zero to five years old and 9.1% in ages five to ten years old. Considered as a public health emergency, overweight and obesity are considered risk factors to developing NCDs. Overweight and obesity can be prevented by making healthy diet and physical activity a life-long habit.
5. Increased availability of highly processed foods and reduced access to fresh fruits and vegetables all the more makes healthy diet a conscious effort. This does not only mean making healthy food choices. For those in the food industry, this entails making available healthier foods through reformulation of products that are low in fat, sodium and sugar.
We need not wait for July to start making healthy diet a daily habit. Start the healthy habit now and do it for life.
