Here’s why Gary V recommends having at least one tomato-based meal per week

Del Monte and Gary V. encourage Filipino families to build a healthier routine with one tomato dish a week.

AT A GLANCE

• Gary Valenciano, known as 'Mr. Pure Energy,' is the new ambassador for Del Monte Tomatoes, promoting the Once A Week Habit advocacy for Filipino families to include tomato-based dishes in their meals.
• Tomatoes are rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants like Lycopene, which can enhance cardiovascular health and reduce cancer risk, with cooked tomato products often providing greater health benefits.

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Editor’s note: This content is sponsored by Del Monte Philippines and was produced by BrandRap, the sales and marketing arm of Rappler. No member of the news and editorial team participated in the production of this piece.

Gary “Mr. Pure Energy” Valenciano is Del Monte Tomatoes’ newest ambassador, and for those who have followed his health journey, you already know why the pairing makes perfect sense. 

Behind his remarkable stage presence is a man who has mastered the art of discipline when it comes to his health. Battling with Type 1 Diabetes since he was 14, surviving heart surgery, and overcoming cancer, Gary V. has consistently proven that his ‘Pure Energy’ is the result of conscious daily choices: from self-care routines to the food we use to fuel and nourish our bodies. 

This time, Gary V. is supporting Del Monte Tomatoes’ Once A Week Habit advocacy, encouraging Filipino families to have one tomato-based dish at least once a week. 

Why tomato-based dishes?

Incorporating tomato-based meals into our weekly meal planning isn’t much of a stretch for Filipinos, given how deeply embedded the fruit is in our culinary culture. We even have friendly online debates over the subtle differences between Afritada, Menudo, and Mechado, not to mention our love for the classic sweet Pinoy spaghetti. 

Tomatoes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Potassium, and Vitamin K. But the real star is Lycopene, a powerful natural antioxidant linked to improved cardiovascular health, and reduced cancer risk.

What’s even more interesting is that cooked and processed tomato products like tomato sauce, paste, or ketchup can sometimes offer greater health benefits than fresh, raw tomatoes. Thermal cooking breaks down the fruit’s plant cell walls, releasing its bound nutrients and converting lycopene into a form our bodies can absorb much more efficiently.

Making conscious health choices

When asked about his favorite tomato-based dishes, Gary V. immediately mentioned Tacos and Arroz Ala Cubana. Like many Filipinos who find it hard to give up rice, his favorite twist is pairing Arroz Ala Cubana with shirataki rice, a swap that keeps his meal comforting yet still mindful.

Throughout his journey, Gary has relied on his four-spoke philosophy to guide his lifestyle: diet, medication, exercise, and faith. He then reframed his experience into a challenge for everyone, he shared: “If I can do it, what more [can] a person who has none of that baggage to carry?”

From ‘Mr. Pure Energy’ himself

As someone who learns dance, I couldn’t resist squeezing in one question from Mr. Pure Energy himself: advice for people who are active, yet struggle to make healthier and more conscious choices due to demanding schedules. 

“Sometimes…after dancing, they usually eat what’s available or easy.” He said. “Or sometimes,  some of them are so conscious of their diet that they forget what they need.”

For Gary V., staying energized and healthy comes down to intentionality and research.

 “What is your main objective? Is it just to burn fat? Is it just to sustain resistance and all? You can break it down, and from there, you can [start.] Go online and research what you would need in order for this to be maintained,” he said.

Learning more about lycopene and its health benefits only reinforced Gary’s belief that in order to perform better, you have to fuel your body better. “What you put into your body is what really matters. Since there are good options, put that into your body, and experience what the outcome will be.”

Having a healthy body does not happen overnight. It’s about building a habit of choosing what’s good for you and what nourishes you, like enjoying a tomato-based meal at least once a week. 

More tomato-based options

Not Dela Paz, culinary category manager at Del Monte Philippines, also recommended exploring Del Monte Kitchenomics, an online recipe hub designed to help households prepare healthy, budget-friendly meals using Del Monte tomatoes and other Del Monte products.

“We really want to make it easy for Filipinos to adapt and to build this habit of serving tomato-based dishes at least once a week.” Dela Paz explained.  “Kaya binibigyan rin namin sila ng different tomato-based options na pwede nilang lutuin once a week, para hindi lang [pang-ngayon] itong advocacy, but for their whole lifetime.” (That’s why we also provide them with different tomato-based options they can cook once a week, so that this advocacy isn’t just for today, but for their whole lifetime.) 

Building healthy habits can still feel intimidating, especially when aiming for a better, healthier life for you and your family. But lifestyle decisions don’t need to be drastic. Just being that one person in your home who gently chooses better ingredients, researches healthy recipes, and introduces mindfully prepared meals can go a long way. – Rappler.com