Balanced breakfast habit for healthier public

Because of the ever-changing demands and fast-paced character of daily living, people nowadays have less time to prepare or even eat breakfast. And this is causing dire consequences on their health.

This is the reason a multinational food and beverage company is putting the spotlight on the first meal of the day on its wellness campaign.

Highlighting the importance of breakfast, Nestlé Philippines launched the 21 Mornings program, a 21-day meal plan based on the Filipino diet by a panel of chefs and nutritionists, during the 2015 Nestlé Wellness Expo on July 4 at SM Megatrade Hall.

Made available online on July 8, the program aims to get people started on “My Wellness Plate,” which is based on the “Pinggang Pinoy” of the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute. Those signing up for 21 Mornings program are given a 21-day breakfast plan, recipes with nutrient count, wellness tips and a grocery checklist to help them complete the program.

Breakfast, the first meal taken after a night’s sleep, helps replenish lost nutrients, especially glucose, that the body uses during rest. A well-balanced breakfast can help people perform better, manage weight and be more alert.

But a lot of factors, like diet, budgetary concerns and the plain lack of time, have led people to just resort to “instant” processed meals or to even forego breakfast altogether.

Incorporate fruits and vegetables

In Asia, most people are consuming more carbohydrates, like rice and bread, and meat than fruits and vegetables, according to Nestlé Philippines chair and CEO Suresh Narayanan. “We have to put balance in our diets; we must incorporate fruits and vegetables.”

On the other hand, regular skipping of breakfast, which is now commonplace, can adversely affect metabolism and even lead to weight gain.

Thus the 21 Mornings program will focus on quick-to-prepare meals that will nevertheless be healthy.

The process by which behaviors become automatic, which takes time, is given emphasis in the program. “It takes about 21 days to build a habit,” said Leslie Go-Alcantara, Nestlé corporate wellness head. “However you choose to have your breakfast, whether it’s one you can easily prepare, or one you can eat on the go, or a full and hearty breakfast, we have a Wellness Breakfast program for you.”

The focus on eating a healthy breakfast, also this year’s theme of Nestlé Philippines’ Nutrition, Health and Wellness advocacy, is driven by its important role in nutrition, according to SVP and director of communication and marketing services Paolo Mercado.

Meanwhile, in support of the 21 Mornings program, the Wellness Breakfast trucks will roll out for 21 days, providing early-morning meals at selected venues to promote awareness on the various breakfast options of the said program.

To sign up and know more about Nestlé Philippines’ 21 Mornings program, visit the Nestlé Choose Wellness website at www.choosewellness.com.ph.