Siquijor, Siquijor - “Family that eats together, stays together”, a widely known saying especially practiced by the Filipino families. As traditional as it may seem, Filipinos stay true to this unique culture, even if trends worldwide are changing. All members of a Filipino family are looking forward to coming home every mealtime to share and eat a sumptuous dinner together and have fellowship with each other. With this, Filipino family members form a solid and stronger tie with each other.

This kind of tradition: eating together the same kind and quality of food; practicing the same lifestyle, can greatly influence every family member’s health and nutrition. There’s a higher chance that all family members will develop the same good eating habits that prevents them from lifestyle diseases. Conversely, if unhealthy, they will be getting the same illnesses if they are all together practicing detrimental lifestyle and eating an unhealthy diet.

Habit and lifestyle play an integral part in the foundation of good health and nutrition. To form a habit of healthy lifestyle, the family must exercise eating healthy and variety of food every meal. Knowledge on health and nutrition will give the family diverse options in choosing the right kind of food to prepare every mealtime. And with this holiday season, may all Filipino families consider the each member’s health and nutrition status in the feast to be served this holiday season. // ND II Mary Grace E. Adolfo, RND