Balanced Diet with Isi Piringku
Have you ever wondered if your daily meals provide the right balance of nutrients for your body? Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being, yet many people struggle to determine the right proportions of different food groups. One of the guidelines that promote balanced eating in Indonesia is the Isi Piringku campaign, introduced by the Ministry of Health to replace the 4 Sehat 5 Sempurna guideline. The "4 Sehat 5 Sempurna" concept emphasizes the consumption of rice, side dishes, vegetables, and fruits, with milk serving as a food component that completes the nutritional portion on a plate.
What is Isi Piringku?
Isi Piringku is a practical guide that encourages the public to consume a balanced diet in appropriate portions according to our needs. The concept emphasises filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables and the other half with carbohydrates and protein sources. It also provides broader guidance on adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular physical activity and adequate water intake.
Importance of a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet based on Isi Piringku promotes adequate nutrient intake, helping individuals meet their daily nutritional needs. The emphasis on portion control is key to preventing overconsumption, which is often linked to chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The campaign also aims to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, which remains low in Indonesia. According to the 2018 Health Research data, only 4.5% of the population consumes the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables.
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Components of Isi Piringku
Carbohydrates (Makanan Pokok): As the primary energy source, carbohydrates should take up around one-quarter(¼) of your plate. The choices can vary from rice, corn, sago, or tubers like sweet potatoes, depending on local customs and availability.
Protein (Lauk Pauk): Another quarter (¼) of the plate should consist of protein-rich foods, which can be either animal-based or plant-based. Animal proteins such as fish, chicken, or eggs provide essential amino acids, while plant proteins like tempeh and tofu offer a comparable source of these nutrients, making them suitable plant-based alternatives.
Vegetables and Fruits: Half of the plate (½) should consist of vegetables and fruits. These are crucial for fibre, vitamins, and minerals, all of which support various body functions and prevent chronic disease, improve metabolism, and boost immunity.
Healthy Habits Beyond Nutrition
Isi Piringku campaign doesn’t stop at food recommendations. It also advocates for other healthy practices, including:
Drinking water: at least 8 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated and maintain proper bodily functions.
Physical activity: at least 30 minutes of physical exercise daily helps burn excess calories and improve cardiovascular health.
Hygiene practices: washing hands with soap and running water before and after meals to prevent the spread of germs and disease.
Monitoring body weight.
Conclusion
Isi Piringku provides a holistic approach to balanced nutrition and healthy living, offering practical guidelines that accommodate the diverse eating habits of Indonesians. By incorporating these principles into daily routines, individuals can ensure they meet their nutritional needs while reducing the risk of diet-related diseases.
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