Marietta M Bumanglag
Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Philippines
Title: Development of the 2016 FNRI Menu Guide Calendar (MGC): Helping meet the nutrient needs of adolescents through consumption of legumes and nuts
Biography
Biography: Marietta M Bumanglag
Abstract
Failure to meet increased demands for energy and nutrients and poor eating habits have long term health, growth and development consequences in adolescents. A calendar to promote consumption of healthier meals in adolescents to help meet their nutrient needs through consumption of legumes and nuts was developed. The following activities were conducted: Focus Group Discussion (FGD) among panelists (n=8) to explore adolescents’ perceptions and insights towards food, eating behavior and food preferences; two (2) recipe trials and sensory evaluation to determine acceptability of recipes based on the Hedonic Rating Scale scores of sensory panelists (n=15; n=50) ; estimation of energy and nutrient content of recipes using the FCT + Menu Eval Software; photo-documentation and formulation of 4-week cycle menus. Themed “Helping meet the nutrient needs of adolescents through consumption of legumes and nuts”, the MGC 2016 highlights 15 recipes consisting of snacks, one-dish meal and viands incorporated in the 4-week cycle menu. The recipes utilized locally available and familiar legumes: green and red mung beans, lima beans, peanuts, white and red kidney/snap beans, pigeon pea and string bean seeds. Other features included articles on legumes and nuts, nutritional needs of teenagers and tips on encouraging teens to eat healthy foods and Pinggang Pinoy for teens, 13-18 years. The calendar may serve as a reference/guide for homemakers/food providers in preparing nutritious and varied meals, and a challenge for adolescents to try new and exciting recipes. The MGC is downloadable in the FNRI website for wider audience reach and dissemination