Have you asked your kids what their new year’s resolution is this 2023? Does it include eating green leafy vegetables or drinking more glasses of water? How about picking up and throwing their trash in the right bins? Resolutions do not have to be complicated, especially among school-aged children. As we welcome 2023, introducing them to simple yet meaningful resolutions might just lead them to develop healthy habits on their own.
Kiddie Resolution #1: Eat better with nutritious and varied options.
The most recent Expanded National Nutrition Survey of the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) showed that undernutrition remains prevalent among Filipinos, adding that three in 10 children are stunted. This is where nutrition education can make a difference.
We encourage parents to introduce kids to healthier food that contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to keep the body strong, energized and less prone to sickness. The Pinggang Pinoy, developed by DOST-FNRI, serves as the perfect guide for a balanced meal of Go, Grow and Glow foods. This year, kids can try various carbohydrates like bread or whole grain cereal aside from rice. They can also be guided to discover a new fruit or vegetable while in the market or doing grocery shopping. Doing so might stir their curiosity and you might just persuade them to try kangkong, patani, talong, okra and more at home.
Kiddie Resolution #2: Play more and be active.
Being more active and playing outside should remain a priority in this all-things-gadget era. Swap an hour of gadget time with active play time with their friends. Not only does it build physical strength, it also contributes to their overall health and well-being. Allowing kids to develop this healthy habit in their early years can help keep their muscles and bones strong as they grow up. Ask your kids if they’re interested in learning to ride the bike or in trying out a new sport like swimming or taekwondo.
As they get into sports, kids will likewise understand the importance of hydration and drinking milk and water. From five glasses, they might surprise you and reach six to eight glasses of water this time around.
Kiddie Resolution #3: Care for Mother Earth.
Show your kids that caring for Mother Earth can be as simple as picking up the trash or helping water the plants in your backyard. Explain how the little things that they can do now can create a bigger impact in keeping our environment healthy in the long run.
As a resolution, ask them what else they can do to show their love and keep Mother Nature clean and green. How can they practice earth conservation while in school or at home? Brainstorm with them and they might surprise you with concrete and realistic earth-friendly practices. It can be their year-long project with you or with their friends, too.
“Resolutions are meant to inspire us to do good and be better versions of ourselves, and there is no better time to jumpstart these than with the start of the new year,” said Jose Uy III, Senior Vice President and Head of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at Nestlé Philippines. “With these healthy habits, which are part of the Nestlé Wellness Campus or NWC, our nutrition advocacy program among public schools, we hope to see more young Filipinos develop health and wellness practices even at a young age,” he explained.
Through the Nestlé Wellness Campus, we, together with various experts, co-created a complete set of downloadable modules about the seven Healthy Habits, namely: Choose Nutritious and Varied Options, Manage Portions, Drink Water and Milk, Play Actively, Enjoy Meals Together, Keep Good Hygiene and Care for the Planet. The program has so far reached more than 11 million public school students across the country, helping them develop these important healthy habits along the way.
