Module 1

HEALTHY HABITS
Think about your answers to these questions. You may write
THINK ABOUT THIS your answers below and share them during our discussion.

• What are your children’s

eating habits?
• Which habits do you think
are “normal” or “good”?
• Which habits do you want
to change, and why?

Surveys conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute

OUR CHALLENGE (FNRI)* found that the state of nutrition of many school-aged**
Filipino children needs our attention.

Many Filipino children are not getting the minimum • 9 out of 10 lack calcium
required intake of essential micronutrients that are • 8 out of 10 lack iron
crucial for health and development. • 6 out of 10 lack vitamin B2
• 8 out of 10 lack vitamin C
Does your child get
the right kind
and right amount
of nutrients every day

Children who are

malnourished are more
prone to:
• Fatigue
• Lack of energy
• Concentration problems
• Poor academic performance * Food and Nutrition Research Institute. Department of Science and Technology.
Expanded National Nutrition Survey: Individual Food Consumption Survey
Dissemination Forum. July 28, 2020.
** children aged 6 to 9 years old
 Practice these Healthy Habits that may help reduce the risk
WHAT CAN YOU DO? of malnutrition.

HEALTHY HABIT #1 The Pinggang Pinoy® guide* helps us to

CHOOSE NUTRITIOUS remember the right kind and the right amount
AND VARIED OPTIONS of food to eat in every meal.
Eat a variety of Go, Grow
and Glow food to get all of water
the nutrients your
body needs.

HEALTHY HABIT #2
MANAGE PORTIONS

Manage portions by
following the Pinggang Let your child drink water or a nutritious
Pinoy® which shows the beverage like fortified milk with each meal.
proportion of Go, Glow and Fortified milk has calcium and vitamin D
Grow food for every meal. for normal bones and teeth. It also has
nutrients like iron, zinc and vitamin C that
may contribute to the normal function of
the immune system.
HEALTHY HABIT #3
*Adapted from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (2016)
CHOOSE TO DRINK
WATER AND MILK
Minimum Number of Glasses Per Day**
Drink water and other
nutritious beverages 6-9 years old 6 or more
to keep the body well- 10-12 years old 8 or more
hydrated all day. 13 years & up 9-12 or more

HEALTHY HABIT #4 Children and adolescents need at least 60 minutes

PLAY ACTIVELY of physical activity each day.**
Play actively to keep the
body strong and healthy Replenish their energy with chocomalt milk
and to burn off excess drinks. Chocomalt milk drink contains milk as the
calories. number 1 ingredient. It is high in vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12,
C and iron, to help release energy from fats, protein and
carbohydrates in the food we eat.
HEALTHY HABIT #5
ENJOY MEALS
TOGETHER
Eating as a family
Enjoy meals as a family to reduces the risk of
strengthen relationships children developing
and reinforce Healthy obesity, depression
Habits and responsible
eating. and substance use
disorders.**

**
Food and Nutrition Research Institute. Department of Science and Technology. (2016). Pinggang Pinoy® A Healthy Plate
for a Well Nourished Nation. Guide for Nutrition Professionals. Taguig City, Philippines. FNRI-DOST.
Nestlé. Make mealtimes matter. Retrieved from: https://www.nestle.in/nhw/healthy-living/kids/make-mealtimes-matter
Nestlé. The benefits of physical activity. Retrieved from: https://www.nestle.com.au/nhw/staying-in-shape/benefits-of-
physical-activity
World Health Organization. (2011). Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health 5 to 17 years old. Retrieved
from: http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/physical-activity-recommendations-5-17years.pdf?ua=1