10 Healthy Filipino Recipes to Cook this Nutrition Month

National Nutrition Month (NNM) is an annual awareness campaign in the Philippines every July to promote good nutrition and healthy eating habits. It is organized by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) and the Department of Health (DOH) and supervised by the National Nutrition Council. This campaign aims to create greater awareness about the effects of malnutrition and to encourage people to adopt a healthy eating habit.

This year’s theme is "Fuel for the Future: Go for a Healthy Diet." This theme highlights the importance of eating a healthy diet for good health and well-being. By participating in NNM, you can help to improve the health of the Filipino people. 

But did you know that you can promote health and wellness by simply cooking the best Filipino hometown recipes? So, we list the ten (10) most popular Filipino dishes to give some ideas on what kind of healthy food recipe to make this Nutrition Month.

Best Healthy Filipino Provincial Recipes to Make for Nutrition Month

Take out your hot pots and casseroles, and start cooking the most delicious meals for your family.

Ginataang Munggo

This popular dish originated in the Bicol region. Ginataang Munggo is a hearty soup made with mung beans, coconut milk, and vegetables. The mung beans are cooked in coconut milk until soft and creamy, and the vegetables add a bit of freshness and crunch. 

This dish is usually seasoned with salt and pepper, but other seasonings can be added, such as chili peppers, shrimp paste, or fish sauce. It is a good source of protein and fiber, and it is also vegan and gluten-free. 

Laing

Another famous dish from the Bicol region is Laing, which is known simply as pinangat. It is a Filipino dish of shredded or whole taro leaves (locally called gabi) cooked in thick coconut milk spiced with labuyo chili, lemongrass, garlic, and shrimp paste. It’s high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also a good source of fiber, which can help to prevent constipation and regulate digestion.

Pinakbet or Pakbet

Pinakbet or Pakbet is a vegetable stew made with eggplant, ampalaya (bittermelon), okra, string beans, and tomatoes. The vegetables are cooked in a broth made with shrimp paste, bagoong alamang, and chili peppers. It has a high source of vitamins and minerals and is low in calories. Pakbet is a popular dish in the Ilocos region.

Tinolang Manok

Did you know that this dish is popular all over the country? Originally famous in Pampanga, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija, Tinolang Manok is a chicken soup made with ginger, onions, and green papaya. It is a great source of protein and vitamins and a good source of potassium. 

Malunggay Dish

Malunggay is a popular vegetable in the Philippines, often used in dishes from all over the country. However, it is especially popular in the provinces of Central Luzon, such as Pampanga, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals and has many health benefits.

Lumpiang Ubod

Lumpiang ubod is a Filipino spring roll made with ubod (palm heart) as the main filling. It is a popular dish in the provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija. Lumpiang ubod is made with a mixture of ubod, carrots, onions, and shrimps. The filling is then wrapped in a thin crepe made from rice flour and water. The spring rolls are then deep-fried until golden brown.

Lumpiang ubod is a delicious and nutritious dish. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. It is also a popular snack or appetizer.

Sinigang na Isda

Sinigang na isda is a sour soup made with fish, vegetables, and tamarind. It is a famous dish in Pangasinan, Pampanga, and Bulacan. This is made with a sour broth made from tamarind, tomatoes, and onions. The fish is usually catfish or tilapia, but other types of fish can also be used. The vegetables in sinigang na isda vary but typically include okra, kangkong, and green beans.

Sinigang na isda is a delicious and nutritious dish. It has a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also a refreshing dish, especially on a hot day.

Ginisang Sitaw

Ginisang sitaw is a simple dish to make, but it is very flavorful. The string beans are stir-fried until tender-crisp and then cooked with garlic and onions. This dish is often seasoned with salt and pepper, but other seasonings can be added, such as soy sauce, fish sauce, or chili peppers.

Ginisang sitaw is a delicious and nutritious dish. It is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. It is also a low-fat dish, making it a healthy option if you are watching their weight. This Filipino dish is originally popular in Ilocos, Pangasinan, and Pampanga.

Gising-gising

Gising-gising is a Filipino stir-fry dish made with ground pork, chili peppers, and vegetables. It is a famous dish in Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, and Pampanga. It is also simple to cook and enriched with vitamins and minerals, and high in protein. It is also a spicy dish, making it a good option for people who like their food with a kick.

Ensaladang Talong

This popular dish from Batangas, Quezon, and Cavite is a Filipino eggplant salad made with grilled eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and vinegar. This dish is usually seasoned with salt and pepper, but other seasonings can be added, such as garlic, chili peppers, or shrimp paste.

Ensaladang Talong is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. It is also a low-fat dish, which makes it a healthy option for people who are watching their weight.

3 Simple Ways to Promote National Nutrition Month in Your Home

Besides cooking these healthy and tasty foods in your home, you can also promote Nutrition Month with your family.

Practice a healthy diet.

Encourage a healthy diet by involving children in meal planning and preparation to make informed food choices of more plant-based meals. Explore new flavors and incorporate favorite cultural foods.

Buy foods and shop locally.

Support local food banks and community resources. Purchase foods from local markets and create a grocery list based on food groups with nutritional needs and minimal packaging.

Regularly exercise with your family.

Promote physical activity habits by engaging in family activities. Celebrate Nutrition Month with creative ways to stay nourished and create happy memories while saving money.

Of course, it can be advantageous if you have a real estate investment in any of the Philippine provinces. You have the perks to taste fresh produce at a cheaper price. This is why Lumina Homes built affordable house and lot properties in these provinces. To name a few, we have Lumina communities in Legazpi, La Union, Pangasinan, Pampanga, and Cabanatuan and San Jose in Nueva Ecija.

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