Out of the GoodBox

MANILA, Philippines - One’s busy lifestyle is an indication of one’s desire to succeed in life. Because of this lifestyle, however, one’s health, many times, is taken for granted. “Being busy” is one’s excuse not to work out or eat healthy stuff. Sadly, one’s life on the fast lane has afforded one to be negligent about one’s health.

But here’s a family of foodies whose members have the talent and passion for healthy living. The problem of the “busy bee,” who has all the excuses not to exercise and eat the right diet, is solved through the two things this family loves the most — healthy food and their desire to help others.

In November 2013, The Tan-Cardoso family put up The GoodBox, an endeavor that specializes in delivering healthy food within most parts of Metro Manila, door-to-door style. It delivers balanced and nutritious meals (five meals a day, five days a week) to people who are on a diet or who have special health needs like those with diabetes, hypertension or even allergies. The whole-day meal is composed of three main meals with soup, drinks and desserts and two snacks. All meals are made from naturally-grown and naturally-fed produce, which are sourced locally.

For Joni Jimenez-Tan Cardoso, putting up The GoodBox is something close to her heart. Being hypertensive and diabetic herself, she watches what she eats. Because of her condition, she has adopted a healthy lifestyle for her family as well.

The GoodBox — from the conceptualization, to planning the menus and dealing with customers — is a family affair. According to Joni, their family started the business with their children Carlo, 32, who is in charge of the finances; Charm, 28, who deals with the day-to-day operations in their commissary called The GoodHouse; and Crissy, 24, the family chef who supervises the kitchen.

“We started the business for our children. We have always been careful of what we eat but ever since we put up The GoodBox, we have become more aware of our diet. And now, we want to reach more people who will benefit from the delicious and balanced meals that we offer. As I always say, you have to start a healthy lifestyle while your kids are young,” says Joni.

“We are body-conscious. We work out; we live an active lifestyle. Our children were programmed to choose the right food to eat even early on. We found out that just plain exercising is not enough; a proper diet that suits us makes a difference,” German Tan-Cardoso, an OB Gynecologist, explains. German and his wife Joni also say their family also benefits from the business as they follow the right food intake through the meals offered by The GoodBox.

The GoodBox offers six different calorie menus: 1,200; 1,500; 1,800; 2,100; 2,400; and 2,700 calories, to help one achieve one’s goals, whether it be slimming down, maintaining one’s weight, or trying to gain it.

There are also special meal programs available for patients with diabetes (including gestational diabetes), hypertension and gout. The GoodBox also offers Healthy Gourmet, a special line of individually packed meals ideal for office workers or those who are just plain tired of cafeteria food or fast food. An in-house medical nutritionist, who specializes in dietary requirements of people with medical conditions, makes sure that all the meals are balanced as each meal is meticulously studied, revised and finalized for maximum benefit. The nutritionist is always ready to help out on calorie requirement questions.

With The GoodBox’s different daily menus impeccably planned by its resident nutritionist and chefs, one can be assured of delectable dishes that do not read and taste “plain and boring,” a usual misconception for healthy and nutritious food. The GoodBox’s head chef Jerry Macascas even concocts fresh drinks from fruits without preservatives. “Lutong Bahay” also comes in the menu from time to time like chicken noodle soup and adobo, modified depending on the customer’s needs. The GoodBox offers reasonably priced healthy gourmet dishes that will not make you feel deprived; you will even forget you’re on a diet!

The GoodBox is also in partnership with Bayani Brew, an all-natural drink produced in Gawad Kalinga’s Enchanted Farm, that also appears in its menu.

“We try to make our meals as healthy and delicious for our clients. We put little reminders in the meals to guide them on how to eat their food right. In other existing diet programs, their price range increases when a nutritionist is involved in every meal that they serve. But for our programs, we try to make them affordable but complete. Everything is customized. First and foremost, our goal is to provide meals to those who can’t provide for themselves, especially those with medical conditions. We aim to help them,” shares Charm.

Long-time clients can also avail themselves of free one-on-one consultations with The GoodBox’s nutritionist and they are given an exercise and diet program. “It’s very important that our customers are willing to update us. It has to be face-to-face. We want our customers’ health to improve. It’s not just all about losing weight for us. Our nutritionist looks into whether our clients are losing enough or not,” shares Joni who admits she was the “guinea pig” when they started the business. In January, she started with a blood glucose level of 229 and after a few weeks in the diet, it went down to 160. “I feel so good and energetic, unlike before when I lose a lot of energy easily.”

Having a healthy lifestyle starts with a choice. Deciding for oneself when to be smart in choosing what one can eat is not easy, but determination and the right tools will give one the best option. The Tan-Cardoso family is certain that The GoodBox can be a start for people who want to live a healthier life. This foodie family wants to provide a convenient, practical and viable solution through The GoodBox’s healthy meals.

“We want to do good. We want our customers to look and feel good,” says Joni.

“This is not purely business, it’s also a service to others,” concludes German.

(For inquiries on how to order The GoodBox’s healthy and nutritious meals, you may call 0917-7111732, e-mail thegoodboxph@gmail.com or  visit www.thegoodboxph.com for details. Check out The Goodbox PH on Facebook for updates.

For best results, consult your doctor.)

The GoodBox tips

To lose weight safely, swap unhealthy food choices such as fast food, processed food and sugary drinks (including alcohol) for a healthier choice. According to experts, a healthy diet should consist of:

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables.

• Potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy food (ideally you should choose whole grain varieties).

• Some milk and dairy.

• Some meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein.

• Just small amounts of food and drinks that are high in fat and sugar.

Also, avoid food that contains high levels of salt as this can raise your blood pressure, which can be dangerous in already obese people.

Remember, excessive amounts of fizzy diet drinks can damage your teeth — they may not contain sugar, but they do contain high levels of certain acids.