The Canadian Food Guide has been updated! It’s been a long time coming. The last update was in 2007, which is why I always encourage plenty of self-education when it comes to food, mainly because information on health and nutrition is always evolving.
I’m not too sure how many people really use Canada’s Food Guide as a personal reference point, but I do know that it plays a significant role in our schools, hospitals, and care facilities. For this reason alone, I am thrilled about the improvements.
Although it’s not perfect, here are a few things I love about the modifications and a few things I’m not loving:
What’s Great:
- Water is recommended as the choice beverage.
- The new “Protein” category helps everyone understand that there are plenty of ways to meet your protein needs, and also encourages plant-based proteins.
- Discusses healthy food habits such as eating with family, mindful eating, reading food labels, and cooking more often.
- Cautions food marketing which doesn’t always have our best interests in mind.
What I Don’t Love:
- The new visually appealing plate doesn’t have a designated section for healthy fats. We’ve come such a long way with the importance of dietary fat awareness (particularly the saturated fat myth) so I was disappointed to see this was missing. Also, they recommend margarine and mostly vegetable oils which I don’t agree with. Vegetable oils can be inflammatory if over consumed and we get plenty in pre-packaged foods.
- They don’t differentiate between canned, frozen, and fresh fruits and vegetables. I think this is important to address.
- ¾ of the plate is composed of carbohydrates without addressing blood sugar. Although visually appealing and healthful, a plate full of fruits and vegetables will still spike insulin levels which could negatively affect overall health. I feel the impact food combinations play on our blood sugar should have been addressed.
In summary, I feel it’s a great improvement but still fairly vague. What are your thoughts on the new food guide?
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Danielle
