Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines

The value of a food should be determined within the context of the total diet because classifying foods as "good" or "bad" may foster unhealthy eating behaviors. Nutrition confusion can be reduced by emphasizing moderation, appropriate portion size, balance and adequacy of the total diet over time, the importance of obtaining nutrients from foods, and physical activity.
Emphasis is given on averaging nutrient intake over several days, rather than a single meal or a single food. All foods can fit into a healthful eating style.

Children ages 2 to 11 years should achieve optimal physical and cognitive development, attain a healthy weight, enjoy food, and reduce the risk of chronic disease through appropriate eating habits and participation in regular physical activity. The roles of parents and caregivers in influencing the development of healthy eating behaviors are highlighted.

Pediatric overweight intervention requires a combination of family-based and school-based multicomponent programs that include the promotion of physical activity, parent training/modeling, behavioral counseling, and nutrition education. Furthermore, although not yet evidence-based, community-based and environmental interventions are recommended as among the most feasible ways to support healthful lifestyles for the greatest numbers of children and their families.

Women of childbearing potential should maintain good nutritional status through a lifestyle that optimizes maternal health and reduces the risk of birth defects, suboptimal fetal development, and chronic problems in their children. The key components include appropriate weight gain, consumption of a variety of foods in accordance with the Food Guide Pyramid, appropriate vitamin and mineral supplementation. Moreover, avoidance of alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances, including safe food handling should be taken into consideration. Pregnant women with inappropriate weight gain, hyperemesis, poor dietary patterns, phenylketonuria , certain chronic health problems or a history of substance abuse should be referred to a qualified dietetics professional for medical nutrition therapy.

Exclusive breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and health protection for the first 6 months of life, and breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least 12 months is the ideal feeding pattern for infants.The benefits of breastfeeding are well recognized and include decreased infant and child morbidity and mortality, protection against common childhood infections, and decreased risk of certain acute and chronic diseases. There are also extensive health benefits for mothers who breastfeed.

Women have specific nutritional needs and vulnerabilities and, as such, are at unique risk for various nutrition-related diseases and conditions like diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis