20 December 2019, Cagayan de Oro City – One of the most awaited time of the year are Christmas and New Year Holidays. In this special season, family and friends gather together to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Aside from gift giving, fireworks and games, it has been a tradition in every household to welcome the Birth of Jesus Christ and New Year with a midnight feast, the Noche Buena and Media Noche respectively.

During this season, parties are left and right. Most households and parties would have several dishes laid out such as: lechon (roasted pig), ham, fruit salad, rice cakes (bibingka and puto bumbong are traditional Christmas foods) pastries, steamed rice, and many different types of drinks. While enjoying this yuletide season, don’t forget to keep in mind the proper and healthy diet.

Here are some healthy holiday tips to help keep you moving in the right direction through the holidays:

• Don’t skip meals and eat at the right time. Skipping meals to save calories might lead to overeating. Have a satisfying snack, such as fruit, crackers, and or handful of nuts, can help control your appetite and prevent overeating.

• Use natural food flavorings. Use herbs and spices to enhance food flavor instead of food flavorings to limit consumption of salty foods

• Choose healthy dish. Most dishes laid out are fatty, salty and sweets. Choose foods that are less fatty, less salty, less sweet and high in fiber such as fruits and vegetable. Consider alternative cooking methods which will still make the dishes flavorful: baking, turbo broiling, steaming and grilling.

• Have a colorful plate. Make your plate as festive as the season by including fruits and vegetables. Follow the Pinggang Pinoy recommendation in filling your plate, half of it are fruit and vegetables, and the other half comprised rice or rice alternatives and fish or meat (with more rice than fish or meat).

• Keep plate size and food portion small. Using small size plate will help you not to overeat. Small food portion or serving will also allow to taste or try more foods.

• Choose your drinks wisely. Stick to calories-free drinks, such as WATER, instead of high-calorie drinks such as sodas and sweetened juices. Alcoholic beverages contribute empty calories and can cause to make poor judgments with food. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation, and alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water to keep you hydrated.

• Don’t overstuff yourself. Sometimes we want to try several dishes served, eat with leisure, eat slowly and don’t rush in eating. Check your fullness levels while you’re eating. Remember — there are always leftovers! Enjoy your food while enjoying the company of your family and friends but in moderation.

• Stay fit. Don’t forget or pause your exercise regimen. Have time for physical activity, such as jogging, walking or dancing. You may also include your family or friends and take it as opportunity to bond with them longer.

• Visit the people, not the food. Socializing will keep you away from eating. Participate and enjoy the games, this will also increase your physical activity.

• Ensure that foods are clean and safe. There will always leftovers, especially in this season. Ensure foods are well covered to keep away from any insects. Place in the fridge leftovers in a new and clean container.

People tend to indulge a little too much and neglect their healthy lifestyle during this season. You don’t need to deprive yourself to stay healthy. Don’t only treat yourself with foods but also treat yourself with healthy life. So have a delicious, healthy, safe and clean foods during this season and don’t forget the physical activity. Happy Holidays! – NO I Arlie Joy O. Damiles