In celebration of Nutrition Month, Healthy Kitchen Café gathered wellness advocates, health experts, and food enthusiasts for an insightful Talk Series that highlighted the essential connections between nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle. The event was held in partnership with The Medical City Iloilo, Kommune & Tiger Fitness and Recovery Club, and Longevista Digital Marketing.
The event kicked off with opening remarks by Myka Perlas, owner of Healthy Kitchen Café, who set the tone for the day’s focus on holistic health and meaningful lifestyle choices.
Gut Health and the Active Lifestyle
First on the lineup was Coolen Ann Panes, RND, Clinical Nutritionist-Dietitian of The Medical City Iloilo, who delivered a talk on “Gut and Fitness Connection.” She discussed the gut microbiome and its vital role in physical and mental wellness, especially for active individuals and athletes.
“Scientifically, our gut is actually our second brain,” Panes explained. “With millions of neurons and microbes that regulate mood, 90% of serotonin is made in the gut. It affects our cognitive function, stress response, satiety, and hunger cues. So, trust your gut feelings; if it feels off, it is.”
Redefining Fitness Beyond the Gym
Next, Claire Angelica Tiongson, founder of Kommune & Tiger, inspired the audience with her talk “Redefining Fitness: A Lifestyle Beyond the Gym.” She emphasized that fitness isn’t just about exercise—it’s about a balanced and sustainable way of living.
“When you’re exercising, when you’re going hard, that’s not when your muscles are actually gained or when you actually lose fat,” she shared. “Fat loss and muscle gain actually happen during periods of recovery.”
Tiongson also highlighted the importance of mental and emotional health, alongside the rise of functional training and fitness routines that support a full spectrum of wellness.
Cooking Up Nutrition with Healthy Kitchen
To cap the event, Myka Perlas and Christine Joy Arbigoso led a live healthy cooking demo, featuring easy, delicious recipes perfect for everyday meals:
- Mango Caesar Wrap
- Fruits and Yogurt Bowl
- Banana Peanut Butter Toast
- Choco Peanut Butter Smoothie
The demonstration emphasized the idea that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated—it can be fun, simple, and family-friendly.
As the event concluded, Perlas reminded everyone of the heart behind Healthy Kitchen’s mission:
“It’s our advocacy to promote nutrition and healthy eating, but we always want to make it fun—because it is. And it’s most especially good for you and your loved ones,” she said.
The Nutrition Month Talk Series served as a refreshing reminder that wellness is a journey best enjoyed with purpose, passion, and the right community by your side.
