Eating in moderation important this holiday season, experts remind

More than 300 people experienced a stroke in January 2025 after the holidays, Bam Alegre said in his report on "Unang Balita" Friday, which is why health experts are issuing a reminder to eat in moderation this Christmas.  

In his report, Alegre highlighted the Holiday Heart Syndrome, or the effects of overeating fatty and salty food and drinking — indeed too much merrymaking — on the heart.

Emmanuel Dimal, chief of the National Nutrition Council (NNC)'s Nutrition Information and Education Division, said among common holiday health concerns is hypertension.

Based on their studies in 2019 and 2022, there are higher cases of hypertension and high cholesterol during the Christmas season. Many also gain weight, get higher blood sugar, and have digestive discomfort and bloating.

Filipinos have been balancing their merrymaking with exercises like running and walking. The Department of Health adds it's also important to eat in moderation.

It recommends the Pinggang Pinoy meal plan, which consists of the following:

• 1/2 of the plate for fruits and vegetables
• 1/3 of the plate for rice, corn, or bread
• 1/6 of the plate for fish, lean meat, or beans.

In an earlier interview with GMA News Online, registered nutritionist and dietician Christian Jay Vasquez also recommended the Pinggang Pinoy guide as a balanced, culturally-appropriate diet that suggested the right food groups on “a per-meal basis.” — Nika Roque/LA, GMA integrated News