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If there's one lesson that this year has taught us, it's that health is wealth.

Easier said than done of course during Christmas. When it comes to food, all bets are off during the festive season as it offers the perfect excuse for us to feast on - pandemic or not.

But here's a secret: You can still indulge without compromising your health and wellbeing.

Yes, gone are the days of bland and dull-tasting healthy food alternatives.

Nowadays, you can enjoy and finish an entire serving of health-friendly meals without fuss.

What's more amazing is that you won't even notice that you're eating a plant-based meal based on taste alone.

Here are some options you can try if you're planning to give your Noche Buena a healthy touch this Christmas.

Veggie lechon

Photo by: ELPI Vellychon Haus (IG)

If you're a vegetarian, the last place you'd probably want to visit is La Loma in Quezon City.

The district is not for the faint of heart. Rows of stalls selling succulent roasted pig have earned the street the distinction as the country's "lechon capital."

Curiously, an odd player threatens to shake the order of business in the neighborhood by offering lechon not for carnivores but rather for vegetarians.

ELPI Vellychon Haus markets itself as the “Philippines first plant-based lechon house” and its product is “100% vegan and zero cholesterol.”

So if you're craving for lechon but minus the fat and grease, then this health-friendly alternative - made from cassava, wheat, soybeans, and corn - is a must-try for P595.

Location: 56 N.S. Amoranto Sr. Strret, La Loma, Quezon City. Contact: +63968 345 7020

Healthy spaghetti

Photo by: The Vegetarian Kitchen (IG)

For some reason, spaghetti has become a staple in Filipino parties even outside of birthdays. It's a tradition that baffles other nationalities.

But Christmas is for kids, and kids love spaghetti so it's perfect for the occasion.

The good news is that a vegan option of this beloved pasta dish exists courtesy of The Vegetarian Kitchen.

Priced at P1,200 and good for eight to 10 people, the spaghetti and meatless meatballs tray is made up of fresh basil and tofu-based meatballs mixed with tomato sauce, and firm pasta.

Location: 62 B Mother Ignacia Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. Contact: +632 8819 9438

Vegan ham

Source: VegFusion (FB)

Noche Buena won't be complete without the Christmas ham. Get a heart-friendly alternative by swapping the traditional pork with a vegan version.

“Choose the healthier and more compassionate alternative this Christmas,” said VegFusion on its Facebook page.

The vegan ham is sold plain, frozen, and without sauce for P360 (500 grams). You can visit their Facebook page to get the suggested recipe and how to bake the ham to achieve flavorful results.

Location: 23 Kaingin Road 1106 Quezon City. Contact: +63917 834 8149

Guilt-free barbecue

Photo by: Theejay Barbecue (IG)

Indulge in your favorite grilled treat but minus the guilt. Theejay Barbecue has come up with its vegan barbecue that is purely vegan but “tastes like [the] real thing” and with “no MSG and artificial flavoring.”

For P1,800, you'll get 50 pieces of this healthy grilled specialty perfect for a Noche Buena party.

Message Theejay Barbecue on Facebook to order or contact +63998 311 3661 for inquiries.

Heart-friendly pizza

Photo by: Crosta Pizzeria (IG)

A pizza is a party food suited even during Christmas. Crosta Pizzeria is known for its variety of vegan pizzas that are flavorful but without excess calories.

From Vegan Basic Bitch to Meatless Lover to Vegan Stuffed AF to Vegan Green Sausage - there's plenty of options to choose from for health-conscious foodies.

Location: The Social, 5770 Ebro Street, Poblacion, Makati City. Contact: +63977 284 5636

Still looking for gifts to give to loved ones this Christmas? Check out these wonderful gift ideas perfect for fitness enthusiasts: