Philippines has the longest Christmas celebration in the world, starting from September and passing all the "ber" months until December, and even extending until the month of February. Funny how it seems but people started to do a countdown even before September 1 because everyone is just so excited to post memes of Jose Mari Chan, with a line from his song “Let’s sing Merry Christmas, and a happy holiday”. By this time, some may have already bought and wrapped their gifts for family and friends, and some may still be thinking of what to prepare for the Christmas Eve. Christmas carols start playing over the radio and in the malls, plus all the early Christmas sale of bags, shoes, kitchen wares and ingredients for the much awaited Noche Buena.

Noche Buena is Spanish for “night of goodness”. Historically, it came into being from the Spanish friars requiring the Filipino churchgoers to fast until Christmas morning back in the 16th century. Since the natives were usually very hungry after coming back from the Christmas midnight Mass (and since any hour after midnight was technically considered to be part of the next day’s morning), they conjured up the nocturnal feast before going back to bed.

Noche Buena is a feast, so we expect a lot and variety of foods on the table to be shared with our loved ones. Usually, we forget about our health, diet plan, and we don't mind the carbs and sugar intake once we are served with a buffet of lechon, crispy pata, ham, and offered rich and sinful desserts.

We can always find alternatives to many things and still celebrate this once in a year get together with family and friends without feeling guilty after being gluttonous. Instead of the usual high calorie, high cholesterol, high fat choices, here are some alternatives that you may want to try.

Instead of Lasagna, serve Eggplant Parmigiana which is just as tasty without the meat.  This simple yet elegant dish combines thin eggplant slices with canned whole tomatoes, carrots, thyme, basil leaves, mozzarella and freshly grated parmigiano-regiano cheese. Fiber rich eggplant is not only known as a cancer buster but likewise a dieter’s friend. The fiber found in eggplant bulks up to give anyone trying hard to lose weight that much needed satiety.

Eat typical holiday offerings such as ham, fried chicken, lechon and other red meat in moderation or — if you have the fortitude — don’t eat them. If you can’t resist however, choose the leanest cuts of red meat. Of course, the healthiest choice is white meat such as fish and chicken (without the skin).

Instead of a rich Beef Bolognese or White creamy Alfredo pasta, why not Pasta Aglio Olio? The marriage of virgin olive oil with loads of garlic (that’s good for the heart) and a sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese will be more distinctive when cooked using angel hair pasta noodles. This simple pasta dish grows on you so watch out for possible carbo overloading.

Instead of the high-calorie fruit salad, opt for fresh fruits and vegetable salad with a light dressing.  It would be good to serve a huge round tray of naturally sweet refreshing locally available fruits such as honey dew, watermelon, cantaloupe, ripe mango and pineapple slices in place of cakes or cookies.

Should you opt for more Western choices in your fruits, go for fresh red cherries, fresh blueberries and seedless black and green grapes. Serve the fruits with some cottage cheese and low-fat Greek yogurt on the side for a heartier yet still nutrient-filled treat.

If you can spare yourself from having a high blood pressure and high cholesterol level during this season, it is indeed a merry Christmas and truly not just a night but a year of goodness!