What is this food?
Suckling pork leg (pork, cooked). It’s a protein-rich meat cut, typically served as a main viand.
Why it matters to health
This food helps you meet your daily protein needs for muscle repair and satiety. For health, it’s also good to note the fat content: it has some total fat and saturated fat (1.87 g per 100 g). It’s relatively low in carbs and fiber (0 g), so pairing it with vegetables and a balanced carb source helps round out your meal. Sodium is also present (77 mg per 100 g), so if it’s seasoned or served with salty sauces, keep an eye on the total salt for the day.
Healthier tips
- Keep it as a viand portion: aim for about 1 palm-sized serving per meal, especially if you also eat rice and other sides.
- Pair with non-starchy vegetables (e.g., kangkong, pechay, broccoli, okra) to add fiber and volume to your plate.
- Choose less salty sauces or use them lightly; balance with fresh or vinegar-based condiments when possible.
- If you’re having it for lunch or dinner, try to keep snacks lighter (e.g., fruit or yogurt) so your day stays balanced.
- For variety, rotate with other protein options like fish, chicken, tofu, or beans to spread out saturated fat intake across the week.
Common Filipino dishes
Lechon (suckling pork), Lechon kawali, Pork asado, Crispy pata, Pork menudo