Philippines Dietary Guidelines

1. Eat a variety of foods everyday
   (eat a balanced diet from a variety of foods; pay particular attention to your food needs during pregnancy and lactation; prepare meals for your children that are varied, complete, and adequate for their growth and development; support the elderly with a diet suitable to their conditions; choose ready-to-eat foods with high nutritional value)
2. Promote breastfeeding and proper weaning
   (learn about and promote the advantages and value of breastfeeding; learn the techniques of successful breastfeeding; breastfeed for as long as there is milk; start supplementary foods when the baby is 4-6 months old)
3. Achieve and maintain desirable body weight
   (weigh yourself and the members of your family regularly and behave accordingly; maintain energy balance to attain desirable body weight; exercise regularly - it is good for you)
4. Eat clean and safe food
   (learn to prevent food-born diseases; practice safe food storage, handling, preparation and service)
5. Practice a healthy lifestyle
   (be moderate in what you eat and drink; avoid smoking and control stress; maintain good dental health)

Last Updated: February 16, 2001.