PINGGANG PINOY

This is a new and easy way to understand food guide that uses a familiar food plate model to convey the right food group proportions on a per – meal basis to meet the recommended nutrient needs of Filipino adults.

This was being developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in collaboration with the World Health Organization, Department of Health and National Nutrition Council. This is called Pinggang Pinoy. Pinggang Pinoy is a visual guide that answers the question of how much you should eat in one meal in order to be healthy.

The Pinggang Pinoy shows a plate worth color-coded portions representing the different food groups that should be on each plate.

Half of the plate is composed of “Glow Foods”, such as fruits and vegetables. This will ensure one to have proper amounts of vitamins, minerals and fiber. “Grow foods” like meat, milk and egg products make up one-sixth of the plate. The remainder of the plate is composed of “Go foods” like cereals, grains, and starches which are represented by a bowl of rice, the staple food of Filipinos.

It has the three food groups which are called Go, Grow and Glow.

The Go or energy giving foods provide energy to keep one going throughout the day.

The Grow or body building foods like the meat, fish, dairy and eggs, provide the protein and minerals important for the growth and repair of tissues, muscles and joints.

The Glow or body-regulating foods such as fruits and vegetables, provide the vitamins and minerals to maintain healthy body functions , as well as fiber for healthy digestion.

A glass of water is very important to prevent dehydration. Consumption of sugary beverages should be moderate to minimal as this will result to a unhealthy weight gain and increased dental carries.