In conjunction with the celebration of Nutrition Month in the Philippines, Herbalife, a premier health and wellness company and community, shares expert tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
According to the Herbalife Nutrition Philosophy, with balanced nutrition, a healthy and active lifestyle, and a personalized plan, one can live their best life. A balanced diet helps the body receives vital nutrients and minerals essential for maintaining overall well-being. Understanding the fundamentals of nutrition is pivotal in reaching your health and wellness goals.
In the Philippines, some common nutritional deficiencies are results of diets high in carbohydrates, salty, and oily foods, which can lead to higher rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Herbalife’s nutrition experts offer practical advice on avoiding these pitfalls and maintaining a balanced diet.
Part of Herbalife’s core approach to nutrition emphasizes the importance of macro ratios, eating on time, and aligning dietary intake with the body’s needs. The three macronutrients are proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, all of which are essential in creating energy for various bodily functions as well as their growth and repair.
Proteins are crucial for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function. These can be found in lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, and legumes.
Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy. They can be found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
Fats store energy, protect vital organs, and aid in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. Healthy fats are found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and fish oils.
Maintaining this balance can be challenging, especially for busy Filipinos.
Susan Bowerman, Senior Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training at Herbalife and Chair of the Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board and Outer Nutrition Advisory Board, recommends meal planning to minimize the stress of finding healthy food choices. Planning meals at the beginning of the week saves time and helps avoid unhealthy snacks.
Variety is key to ensuring that meals have ideal amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats . To make meal planning simpler, Herbalife created a meal selection tool that matches health goals with nutrition needs. This tool features examples of meal plans that helps individuals understand their daily protein and nutrients requirements, based on their goals. It also includes an illustrated meal builder with sample menu options.
In addition to meal planning, managing portion sizes is also crucial for a healthy diet.
Herbalife recommends measuring your servings according to the recommended dietary guidelines. Generally, protein portions should be the size of your palm, carbohydrates the size of your fist, and fats should be about the size of your thumb. It is also important to remember that you should eat slowly and pay attention to your body. You should stop eating when you feel satisfied, not when you are overly full.
Harnessing the Power of Community to Promote Good Nutrition
Communities also help people manage their health, as seen in the Look AHEAD Study, which found that community programs are more effective than dieting alone. Through these programs participants share their knowledge with other community members and develop a sense of universality by understanding that their problems are not unique.
This finding is mirrored by Herbalife’s Power of Community Survey in Asia Pacific, where 97% of Filipinos feel that community support is crucial in their health and wellness journey. Herbalife champions this by fostering a supportive community that encourages individuals to stay healthy.
In the Philippines the positive impact of community influence can be seen in Herbalife’s Nutrition Clubs, which are locally owned and operated by Herbalife Independent Distributors. In these clubs, distributors coach their customers to make healthier choices and stay on the path to better wellness, and share nutrition information and products. Many Clubs offer tailored services to meet the specific customer needs. For example, some Clubs organize Weight Loss Challenges, host neighborhood walks, or facilitate Fit Clubs that integrate fitness activities with nutrition guidance.
To start your health journey, reach out to your local Herbalife Independent Distributors or visit Herbalife Philippines.
