Who knew that writing about food would be difficult? After one month with Appetite I feel quite privileged to share the splendid joy of eating alongside a great team. But I never expected all the worry that came with all the food that I’ve been eating.

I love food and eating it. But when I am maintaining a self-imposed healthy diet which took years of self-control and discipline before mastering it, I end up stressing over the excess food that I am obliged and paid to devour. All the food I have been eating because of work is delicious, no doubt about that. But are they always healthy? There are days too when I find myself eating lunch the second time around so even though the food may be healthy, the proportions are not.

When restaurants serve their most delectable entrees, creamiest desserts, and extravagant breakfast menus, I gladly eat and savor each bite. I go for seconds when the food is really good. Whenever the chef is around, the more I need to eat – especially when I say it is good – because even if I say that after having a bite or two, then I am not doing my job.  

So what is a health-conscious woman like me to do?

I thought exercising more and looking for excuses to walk around might be effective but during days when lunch is served twice or thrice (it happens), there is hardly an effect. I really have to monitor what I eat and how much. Self-control and discipline are great tools but when work means having to eat, then keeping track of food becomes the only sure way to eat without feeling guilty or gaining too much weight.

So to help me, I came up with a list of 5 rules to help me while I work here at appetite. To make it easier to remember, I developed a countdown:5. Dessert is good for the heart. Having dessert after every meal is okay, for as long as it can be consumed in five bites or less.

MAYTE'S COUNTDOWN TO STAYING HEALTHY:

5. Dessert is good for the heart. Having dessert after every meal is okay, for as long as it can be consumed in five bites or less.

4. Eating four meals that are properly proportioned throughout the day is good.

3. Eat three different kinds of fruits for the right amount of antioxidants and vitamins.

2. Two liters of water, minimum, for the proper hydration.

1. One body, one skin, and one soul that benefit from a healthy diet.

Any salad with pomelo is juicier and healthier. The Pomelo Salad from Romulo Café is one of my favorites as it has salted egg, too.

A light pasta is great for merienda time. Mrs. Fields spaghetti is the right amount for me. It is light and tasty, too.

I love having chicken for lunch especially when it is my favorite, Hainanese Chicken like this one from Ang Mo Kio. (Photo from Zac Moran)

Being refreshed is always a good feeling and when it is loaded with cucumbers, you know it’s also healthy. Cool as a Cucumber from Café Romulo is one healthy drink that everyone will love.