The right foodstuff

MANILA, Philippines - Busy lives and tight budgets make it difficult for today’s moms to plan and choose the food to put on the table. Given the various roles they already take on for the family  from child rearing to schooling and day-to-day budgeting  a multi-tasking mom indeed requires a great deal of strength and ingenuity.

That’s why in celebration of International Women’s Day, the Laki sa Gatas nutrition education advocacy gives all mothers the support they deserve. In recognition of every woman’s right to a healthy yet affordable way of nourishing her family, the program empowers mothers by teaching them the very core of good nutrition: making the right food choices without spending too much. 

Getting big on nutrition doesn’t mean going big on expenses. This is taught to mothers in special LSG sessions by a dedicated group that tours public schools all over the country to provide nutrition awareness to parents and kids.  Since its inception in 2006, the advocacy has already reached more than one million moms in more than 4,020 public schools nationwide. In every session, mothers are shown practical ways of making the most of their budget without depriving their kids of nutritious and delicious meals. This includes giving affordable and nutritious milk, which is rich in nutrients like calcium and resistance-building vitamins and minerals needed for better mental and physical capability that’s vital for schooling.

In these sessions, they are encouraged to go for healthier food substitutes, to innovate on old cooking habits, and to have the right meal planning. Some of these involve the following:   

• If space allows, having one’s own garden gives the family its personal supply of vegetables. Pechay, okra, malunggay, tomatoes, and calamansi are healthy cooking staples that are easy to grow. If not, buy food items at the farmer’s market or directly from the vegetable grower’s home. Farmers usually sell cheaper and fresher food ingredients. 

• Monggo is a cheaper alternative source of protein than chicken or beef. Boiled camote provides energy better than processed breads. Instead of sugar-laden sweets, healthy and affordable seasonal fruits can be given for dessert. Mangoes, papaya, pineapple, and watermelon are rich in essential vitamins. 

It’s cheaper and safer to prepare baon or snacks for kids. Two glasses of milk, especially one that’s affordable and rich in nutrients like Bear Brand powdered milk drink, provide ample nutrition and energy needed for effective schooling throughout the day.

As Jasmin Estacio, consumer marketing manager for Bear Brand powdered milk drink, puts it, “Mothers are the key for the family to gain good food and nutrition, especially for young children who need to grow up healthy, so they can have the physical and mental capability to keep up their high performance in school.

Preparing a well-balanced meal for the family is thoroughly discussed by a certified nutritionist who gives moms an overview on the three essential Go, Grow, and Glow food groups.