Pinoy Comfort Food: Make Lola’s Cooking Work for You!

From lugaw to pancit and even bibingka, Pinoy comfort food carries memories that make us feel cared for. But in a world where everyone is counting carbs, tracking macros, and “clean eating,” many wonder: Can you enjoy the dishes you grew up with and still maintain your overall health?

Home Cooking’s Secret Strength

Long before “healthy eating” became trendy, our kitchens were already built on balance and resourcefulness. Think of “monggo Fridays” or the tinolang manok you ate on a rainy day. 

The strength of Pinoy comfort food lies not in fancy ingredients but in thoughtful preparation. Families stretched ingredients creatively, leaned on local produce, and cooked meals that were hearty without being excessive. In turn, many of these dishes have been nourishing already.

What’s Been Holding Us Back?

Nowadays, what’s changed is not our cuisine; it’s our routines. We move less, sit more, and reach for what’s most convenient to munch on. What once fed a family after a long day of walking or farm work now meets a life spent behind screens. Portions grew, ingredients became richer, and “comfort” slowly turned into “excess.”

With that being said, let’s not abandon the food entirely. We just need to realign it with our current lifestyle.

What Can We Do?

Change your cooking method.

For crunchier dishes, try to use less oil when pan-frying. You may even use an air fryer, if you have one! Alternatively, you may also steam or boil your ingredients for an oil-free meal.

Balance your carbs.

Let’s be honest: we can’t take rice away from our meals. So try adding more protein and vegetables to your plate. You may also mix white rice with brown or red colors for extra fiber.

Be mindful of seasonings.

“Sawsawan” is a staple in Pinoy comfort food. So being careful with how much toyo, bagoong, or patis we add may keep dishes yummy without the extra sodium.

Eat slowly.

Our families taught us to slow down when eating. That way, you savor the flavors and oftentimes, eat naturally smaller portions.

READ: Healthy Food Kapitolyo: Where to Eat Clean Without the Fuss

In today’s wellness era, Pinoy comfort food isn’t the enemy. Because when you honor the heart of these dishes, they become a healthier lifestyle. Essentially, you don’t need to eat less like your lola; you just need to eat with the same intention she cooked with.