Canada's New Food Guide is here!
This morning, Federal Minister of Health, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, along with Dietitians of Canada, were on hand for the launch of the new Canada’s Food Guide by Health Canada.
The new food guide focuses not only on "what" Canadians should eat, but "how" they should eat.
Some changes to highlight include:
The former "Meat and Alternatives" and "Milk and Alternatives" food groups have been combined to form the "Protein Foods" group.
Instead of focusing on a specific number of servings and portion sizes, the emphasis is on eating a variety of foods from a well-balanced plate.
There is a recommendation to consume plant-based foods more often.
People are encouraged to prepare more meals at home and eat less processed foods containing sugar, salt and saturated fat.
Healthy beverages are recommended, with water being the number one choice.
The key healthy eating recommendations are as follows:
Eat a variety of healthy foods each day
Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods and protein foods. Choose protein foods that come from plants more often.
Choose foods with healthy fats instead of saturated fat
Make water your drink of choice.
Replace sugary drinks with water
Limit highly processed foods. If you choose these foods, eat them less often and in small amounts.
Prepare meals and snacks using ingredients that have little or no added sodium, sugars or saturated fat
Choose healthier menu items when eating out
Use food labels.
Be aware that food marketing can influence your choices.
Healthy Eating is more than the foods you eat.
Be mindful of your eating habits
Take time to eat
Notice when you are hungry and when you are full
Cook more often
Plan what you eat
Involve others in planning and preparing meals
Enjoy your food
Culture and food tradition can be a part of healthy eating
Eat meals with others
To download a copy of the new Canada's Food Guide snapshot, click here.
Eat Well. Live Well.
Cheryl