January always comes with good intentions.
After weeks of Media Noche, handaan, and “sige lang, minsan lang naman,” many moms wake up one morning asking the same question:
“Ano bang lulutuin ko ngayon kung gusto ko nang kumain ng mas maayos?”
Not diet food.
Not pang-artista meals.
Just realistic food — yung kaya lutuin, kayang bilhin, at kakainin pa rin ng pamilya.
If you’re trying to eat better this January without stressing yourself out, start here.
1. Tinola (Yes, It Counts as Healthy)
Tinola is one of the most underrated “healthy” Filipino ulam.
Why it works in January:
- Light sabaw
- Lean protein
- Lots of ginger and vegetables
You can use chicken breast or thigh, add more sayote or papaya, and less oil. Still comforting, still masarap.
Perfect pang-reset ulam.
2. Ginisang Gulay with Protein (Para Hindi Ka Gutom)
January gulay doesn’t mean puro gulay lang.
Try:
- Ginisang pechay with tofu
- Sayote with ground chicken
- Mixed vegetables with shrimp
Adding protein makes it filling and keeps you from snacking later.
3. Fish Ulam (Simple Lang, Hindi Fancy)
Fish is a January favorite for a reason.
Easy options:
- Grilled bangus
- Pan-seared fish with calamansi
- Paksiw na Bangus
Less heavy than meat, easier on the stomach, and great after holiday overeating.
4. Monggo — The Ultimate January Comfort Food
Monggo is:
✔ Healthy
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ High in protein
✔ Perfect for leftovers
Add malunggay, spinach, or pechay. Go easy on the chicharon if you’re trying to eat lighter—but honestly, konti lang okay na.
5. Simple Salads (Hindi Yung Pang-Diet Lang)
Eating better doesn’t mean puro lettuce.
Try salads that actually satisfy:
- Mango-based salads
- Chicken or tuna salads
- Kani or seafood salads
These are perfect as a side dish or even as a light dinner.
👉 This is where you can internally link to your Mango Kani Salad and other salad posts.
6. Soup-Based Ulam (Busog Pero Hindi Mabigat)
Sabaw is your best friend in January.
Think:
- Sinigang (more veggies, less taba)
- Nilaga
- Chicken vegetable soup
It fills you up, hydrates you, and helps control portions naturally.
7. Egg Dishes for Busy Days
When motivation is low, eggs save the day.
Healthy-ish and practical:
- Boiled eggs with kamatis
- Torta with vegetables
- Egg drop soup
Fast, affordable, and no overthinking needed.
Tips for Eating Better Without Quitting Mid-January
Here’s the truth: you don’t need perfection.
✔ Don’t eliminate rice—just manage portions
✔ Balance gulay + protein
✔ Cook food your family will actually eat
✔ One healthy meal at a time is enough
Consistency beats extremes.
January Eating, the Pinoy Way
Eating better in January isn’t about becoming a new person overnight.
It’s about:
- Lighter ulam
- Smarter choices
- Less guilt
- More balance
And most importantly—still enjoying your food.
Because that’s how habits actually stick.
