Canada’s New Food Guide Highlights Importance of Food and Community Health
Written by Communications, January 23, 2019
Local Dietitian Explains What’s New with Healthy Eating
Out with the old, and in with the new! Canada’s Food Guide has been updated. The new guidelines replace the previous decade-old food guide. They are based on the most up-to-date science on nutrition and health. According to Peterborough Public Health, the new recommendations make it easier for all residents to make healthy food choices. Canadians coast-to-coast were consulted in its development.
“Healthy eating is more than the foods we choose,” said Luisa Magalhaes, Registered Dietitian with Peterborough Public Health. “The new food guide looks at how we make food choices, and encourages people to cook more often and enjoy food together.”
Here are some key recommendations the new food guide embraces:
- Eat a variety of healthy foods each day and drink water. Include a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, and protein foods. Include plant based proteins, like legumes, nuts, seeds and soy product more often.
- Be mindful of your eating habits. Take time to eat, and notice when you are full. Avoid distractions like screens. Use your five senses to enjoy the smell, texture, and taste of your food.
- Cook more often and eat meals with others. Make it a social experience; invite your family and friends to cook and eat meals together. Encourage your kids to help out in the kitchen. Get them involved so they can discover the joy of cooking!
- Use food labels and be aware of food marketing. Make informed food decisions and choose foods that are low in sodium, sugar and saturated fat.
“Food is an opportunity to bring people together and pass down traditions and cultures to future generations,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “This guide is a significant step forward to help make the healthy choice the easier choice for our community.”
Later in 2019, Health Canada will release more specific guidance on amounts and types of foods, as well as life stage advice. This will further help Canadians apply the new Canada’s food guide where they live, learn, work, and play.
Peterborough leads many local initiatives that support the new food guide’s messages. Peterborough Public Health offers food literacy programming to help build skills and confidence in the kitchen. Programs include Come Cook with Us, Collective Kitchens, and You’re the Chef.
If you have questions about healthy eating, speak or meet with a dietitian. Registered Dietitians in Peterborough & Area lists nutrition services available in the area. To learn more about the updated Canada’s Food Guide, go to www.healthcanada.gc.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Luisa Magalhaes, RD, MHSc
Registered Dietitian, Peterborough Public Health
705-743-1000 ext. 233