Category Archives: Healthy living

Healthy Filipino Dishes for Christmas and New Year: Simple, Delicious, and Budget-Friendly

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Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the Philippines are all about family, laughter, and of course, food! The festive table often takes center stage, bringing everyone together. But let’s be real—while we love our rich and indulgent dishes, a lot of us are looking for healthier options, especially after all the lechon and queso de bola overload.

Good news: You don’t have to sacrifice flavor or tradition to keep it healthy. If you’re planning a modest yet festive celebration, here are some easy, nutritious Filipino dishes that your family will love.

1. Ensaladang Talong (Grilled Eggplant Salad)

This one’s a staple in many Filipino homes, and for good reason—it’s easy, healthy, and pairs with just about anything. All you need are grilled eggplants, chopped tomatoes, onions, and a splash of vinegar or calamansi juice. Toss them together, and you’ve got a dish that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful.

  • Why you’ll love it: It’s light, budget-friendly, and packed with nutrients.
  • Tip: Grill the eggplant over charcoal for that delicious smoky flavor.
Image credit: Ensaladang talong

2. Tinolang Manok (Chicken Ginger Soup)

What’s more comforting than a steaming bowl of tinola on a cool Christmas evening? This classic dish, with chicken, green papaya, and malunggay leaves, is as healthy as it gets. The ginger broth is not only flavorful but also great for the immune system—a big plus during the holiday season.

  • Why it’s a winner: It’s warm, nourishing, and super easy to make.
  • Tip: If you can’t find papaya, use sayote (chayote) instead—it’s just as good.

3. Lumpiang Sariwa (Fresh Spring Rolls)

Forget the fried version for now; lumpiang sariwa is here to save the day. Packed with sautéed vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and singkamas, these fresh spring rolls are wrapped in soft crepes and topped with a sweet peanut sauce. It’s a dish that screams “healthy and hearty.”

  • Why your family will love it: It’s colorful, delicious, and perfect for balancing heavier dishes.
  • Tip: Add shredded chicken or tofu for extra protein.

4. Grilled Bangus (Milkfish)

If there’s one dish that screams simple yet festive, it’s grilled bangus. Stuff it with tomatoes, onions, and ginger, then throw it on the grill. The smoky, savory aroma alone will get everyone excited.

  • Why it’s a healthy choice: Bangus is loaded with omega-3s, which are great for the heart.
  • Tip: Serve it with a side of atchara (pickled papaya) to elevate the flavors.

5. Puto Bumbong (Steamed Purple Rice Cake)

No Filipino Christmas or New Year celebration is complete without a serving of puto bumbong. Made with purple glutinous rice, topped with grated coconut and muscovado sugar, this holiday favorite is a healthier dessert option compared to cakes and pastries.

  • Why it’s festive and healthy: It’s naturally sweet and filling without being overly indulgent.
  • Tip: Use honey or coco sugar instead of muscovado for a healthier twist.
Image credit: Puto bumbong

Simple Tips for a Healthier Holiday Feast

  • Go local: Stick to seasonal and local ingredients—they’re fresher and cheaper!
  • Skip the fryer: Grill, steam, or bake your dishes instead of deep-frying them.
  • Focus on balance: It’s okay to have a little indulgence—just pair it with lighter options like salads or soups.

Final Thoughts

See? Celebrating Christmas and New Year doesn’t have to mean overindulging or breaking the bank. With these simple and healthy Filipino dishes, you can create a festive menu that’s nutritious, delicious, and family-approved. So go ahead—enjoy the holidays, make memories, and savor every bite. 🎄🎆

Yoga: A Moving Meditation

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Most people are aware of the potential health benefits, physical as well as mental, that exercise can provide. Therefore, many individuals have incorporated workouts into their schedules; their daily routines may involve cycling, walking, or lifting weights. A different type of exercise, the practice of yoga, might be less familiar. Yoga can, however, offer health benefits to those who make it a part of their lifestyle.

Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an integrative, mind-body practice; its Sanskrit root means to join, connect, or balance. The Bhagwad Gita, a classical text on yoga, explains that “yoga is equanimity of mind in success and failure.” Although yoga exists in various forms or styles, they all share the general core components of controlled breathing, a series of physical poses or postures, and meditation or relaxation. Recognized as a “moving meditation” in Eastern cultures, yoga can complement a person’s regular workout routine.       

Are There Health Benefits?

People can experience improved fitness, including better flexibility, balance, strength, and range of motion. Individuals may also feel that their levels of anxiety and stress have decreased while their overall mood and sense of well-being have been enhanced. Some people find that when symptoms of anxiety and depression occur, they are more capable of managing these symptoms.

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Yoga may assist in the prevention of various chronic conditions; risk factors for high blood pressure and heart disease may be reduced. Furthermore, for those individuals who have chronic conditions of asthma, insomnia, arthritis, pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), yoga might help in relieving their symptoms.

Who Can Participate?

As people age, increases in health concerns often follow, but age is not a barrier to practicing yoga. In an effort to encourage older adults to participate, some yoga studios offer senior discounts yoga Bainbridge Island WA.

While yoga is generally regarded as safe for most individuals, there are some precautions. Those with a medical condition should consult with a doctor before beginning yoga. As well, it is important to learn yoga from a trained professional and to listen to the body as it engages in this moving meditation.

How To Be More Eco-Friendly

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When you think about being more environmentally friendly, it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be a massive lifestyle change overnight, but there are small, everyday practices that you can easily apply to your life today. There are many ways to help the planet, like composting and contributing to your local community garden, but here are some basic tips to get you started and inspired.

Photo by Zoe Schaeffer on Unsplash

Grow Your Food

While the idea of growing your own food might sound daunting, it’s actually a great place to start implementing more environmentally-friendly practices into your daily life. Just grab a packet of seeds from your local store, some nutrient-rich soil, and you’re halfway there. Read up on some basic gardening and growing tips and amaze yourself with some fresh tomatoes, peppers, herbs, etc. in time.

Reusable Bags & Shopping Locally

Taking a reusable bag to the grocery store will inevitably cut back on so much plastic waste. Think back to the last time you went to the grocery store, how many plastic bags did you carry to your car? When you shop at a local grocery store, you support your neighbors and less emissions.

Solar Panels

By switching to solar panel installation New Jersey, for example, you will not only save big on your electricity bill especially over time, but you are also enabling the conversion of the sun’s solar rays into power for your home, just from your roof.

Re-purpose or Donate Old Clothes

Before you toss your old clothes, consider turning that old t-shirt into a rag, or selling items with life still left in them online. You can always donate clothes to local shelters or organizations for homeless people.

By thinking about all the ways you can be more eco-friendly in your life, it’s important to remember why you’re making the switch to a more eco-conscious lifestyle. The earth will thank you, and in all likelihood, so will you.