The celebration of the annual National Women’s Month is a campaign to commemorate women and their contributions to society. This year, the campaign focus is the women’s participation in battling the pandemic.

In the discussion on Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon Year 8, Episode 38 last 2018 with Ms. Hazel T. Lat, Science Research Specialist I of Food and Nutrition Research Institute-Department of Science and Technology emphasized that women seem to be the stronger force. Women endure nine months of pregnancy, bear babies, work at the office and home, take care of growing kids & older persons as well, and struggle with both financial & school needs, on top of understanding children’s emotional needs. Due to their triple burden of productive, reproductive, and social roles, women also tend to have less time to attend to their own needs, leisure-related or otherwise. It poses a big threat to malnutrition, specifically issues such as iron deficiency anemia, chronic energy deficiency, malnutrition during pregnancy, iodine deficiency, calcium deficiency, folate deficiency, obesity, and overweight, among others. Poor nutrition, when not addressed, breeds an intergenerational cycle of malnutrition.

Thus, women must have adequate nutrition, most especially during this pandemic. Improvement of the nutritional status of girls, adolescent females, and women will make them more attentive, productive, and will become more empowered to make decisions.

Taking action and interventions to improve the nutriture of women, here are the following tips and recommendations as discussed by Ms. Arlene R. Reario, Nutrition Program Coordinator of the National Nutrition Council Region V during the Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon Year 11, Episode 14 entitled “Wastong Nutrisyon sa New Normal”:

• Proper nutrition can protect women against COVID-19 in addition to observance of minimum health standards. Physical activity with at least 30 minutes a day, with adequate sleep at 6-8 hours should be done by Juanas. Staying hydrated, and managing stress levels also help in boosting the immune system.
• Acquire immune-boosting nutrients such as from the natural and fresh food that we eat. Citrus fruits especially calamansi, guava, and pomelo are rich in Vitamin C. Other sources are red bell peppers and green leafy vegetables such as kangkong, camote tops and pechay.
• Also, eat fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber. Good examples are singkamas, cucumber and bananas which are high in fiber and water.
• Control your cravings and do not make eating a means of relieving stress or waiting the passing of time. It is important to always be mindful not just of what you do but also of what you eat. Eat within your recommended caloric requirements, for moderately active women, the energy requirement is 1,800 – 2,000 calories a day.
• Protein intake should also be increased by eating chicken, fish and lean meat. Including beans, cheese and kinds of seafood. Protein helps in growth and development especially adolescent girls.
• Women should consume iron-rich foods such as lean meat, liver, green leafy vegetables, legumes, beans, eggs, and iron-fortified bread and cereals.
• Pregnant and lactating women are encouraged to consume a varied, moderate and balanced diet. Follow Pinggang Pinoy for pregnant and lactating women for guidance and information to all mothers providing them a sample meal plan and appropriate proportions of foods. Also, use of iodized salt is important in the preparation of meals. Pregnant women should also take iron with folic acid supplements.
• Mothers, who are responsible for the decision-making at home, should fill the kitchen or pantry with healthy food options. Meal planning is also a good way to monitor the healthy diet of the family whether under lockdown or not. Food and mood journal is one way to determine the children’s food choices and emotional state.
• It is important to stay connected with relatives and friends. Nowadays, in most cases, this is done through online platforms. This will help in securing emotional and mental health that could generate positive effects on your diet.
• Starting a sustainable source of nutritious foods thru home food gardening also helps. Women can help from establishing and maintaining a food garden, to learning new healthy dishes using available ingredients in the home. Gardening can also be a form of physical activity.

Adequate nutrition for women is important not only because it helps them to be productive, but also their health and well-being affects the health and development of the next generation. (NO I Vazamija Therese A. Villasi, RND)

References:

Elder, L. & Ransom, E. (21 July 2003). Nutrition of women and adolescent girls: why It matters. Retrieved 9 March 2021 from https://www.prb.org/nutritionofwomenandadolescentgirlswhyitmatters/

Radyo mo sa Nutrisyon. (3 March 2018). Episode 38 “Nutrisyon sa Kababaihan”. Retrieved 10 March 2021 from https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/radyomosanutrisyonyr8

Radyo mo sa Nutrisyon. (8 August 2020). Episode 14 “Wastong nutrisyon sa new normal”. Retrieved 10 March 2021 from

https://www.facebook.com/radyomosanutrisyon/videos/1180966822265856

Oniang’o, R. & Mukudi, E. “Nutrition and gender”. In Nutrition: A Foundation for Development, Geneva: ACC/SCN, 2002.