Healthy Mommy, Happy Baby

The National Nutrition Council has announced this year’s nutrition month theme: “First 1000 days ni Baby Pahalagahan Para sa Malusog na Kinabukasan”. The aim of this theme is to focus on the first 1000 days of life starting from conception to before the second birthday of the child. It is because during this period that the growth faltering happens. Studies suggest that there is a correlation between undernutrition during the first year of life and overnutrition in the later years. It is because of this that the first 1000 days has been dubbed as the “golden window of opportunity” to bring significant changes in the reduction of malnutrition during child development.

Folate (or folic acid), also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that your body needs in order to perform many bodily functions. And since it can’t be stored in the body, leftover amounts leave your body through urine. Therefore, you need a regular supply of this vitamin in your everyday diet. Consuming the right amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy helps decrease the probability of miscarriage and prevent certain birth defects, including spina bifida, a defect wherein a baby’s backbone does not form normally. As a result, the spinal cord and the nerves that branch out of it may be damaged. As part of the baby’s 1000 days, the mother’s health during conception is equally important. It is for this reason that massive efforts for nutrition education regarding folate supplementation is being done worldwide.

The recommended nutrient intake of folate for Filipinos is shown in the table below*:

*Based on the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes Philippines, 2002 Edition

One of the best ways to get the daily requirement of folate is to eat foods that are fortified with this vitamin. Gardenia Classic White Bread is very rich in folate such that consuming just 2 slices of it already gives you 60% of your daily folate need. For interesting and delectable healthy recipes, you can try making Gardenia Biscocho Chicken Inasal Sandwich with Chicken Oil Au Jus and Gardenia Queen Sandwich (see recipe below).

Gardenia Queen Sandwich (serves 2)

Total calories: 357 kcal
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Protein: 18 g
Fat: 5 g

Ingredients:

Gardenia Classic White Bread Thick Slice
chicken breast fillet
cucumber
dried mango
nori sheets
yoghurt
lime juice
turmeric powder
curry powder
salt and pepper, to taste

Procedure:

Marinate chicken breast fillet in lime juice, turmeric powder, curry powder, salt & pepper and yoghurt. Peel the cucumber and slice cucumber, lettuce and mango into strips. In a pan, cook the marinated chicken breast fillet and cut into slices once cook. Use a rolling pin to flatten the bread. Place all ingredients (sliced mango, cucumber, lettuce and chicken breast fillet) on top of the Gardenia Classic White Bread Thick Slice. Wrap it using the nori sheets. Slice to half inch thick for it to look like sushi sandwich. Serve.

Nutritionists and health professionals advise that taking good care of the mother’s wellbeing is a key factor in securing the baby’s health. Keeping the mommies healthy eventually make the babies happy.

Sources:

Food and Nutrition Research Institute., Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes Philippines. 2002 edition. Pages 226-241
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002408.htm accessed June 28, 2016
http://www.nnc.gov.ph/40-10-kumainments/1477-2016-nutrition-month-theme-focuses-on-the-first-1000-days accessed June 28, 2016