A Look at Canada's New Food Guide

Canada released its new food guide in January 2019 and it was received with mixed reactions. I aim to summarize what the changes were, dissect their effectiveness, and incorporate them into my inquiry project.

Government of Canada. (2019, January 31). Government of Canada Food Guide. Retrieved from https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/

Canada proposes that we incorporate more fruits and vegetables into our diets. In addition, we should resort to more plant based proteins as opposed to red meats and incorporate lean animal proteins including chicken, fish and seafood. This shift reflects a personal change that I made when I got married! My husband is of middle eastern origin and over the 14 years that I have known him, I have learned how to incorporate more beans, lentils and fish into our diets. Furthermore, this personal shift falls in line with what WW recommends, which is convenient. Although fish is heavy on the budget, dried beans and lentils balance it out. My son has certain dishes that he loves, but with more exposure, he will learn to enjoy all that we cook. I support the reality that with our growing global population, the demand for food is increasing exponentially. Relying on seasonal foods that can be quickly replenished (or stored successfully after a harvest), is a very good option in ensuring that there is a constant food supply. Numerous food guides from other countries/regions are already encouraging this approach including the Mediterranean diet.

Food Pyramid (2019, February 15). Food Pyramid.com Caring for Your Health. Retreived from http://www.foodpyramid.com/food-pyramids/mediterranean-diet-pyramid/

Canada has eliminated the milk and alternatives group and has incorporated it into the meat and alternatives group. This move I am not in agreement with. Some arguments include that one can consume enough calcium from the other foods ingested in the day. This is not possible. In order to take in enough calcium from other sources, one would have to consume 1kg of almonds or a huge pile of broccoli for example (I am a science teacher!). And to have to do this would simply not be realistic. Also, a child needs calcium in the most convenient and effective way. Dairy products, in my opinion, need to be consumed regularly and in moderation and I will continue to do so and ensure my family does as well.

Serving sizes and quantities have been omitted in the new food guide; rather a push for moderation is being presented. Although I really appreciate this idea and I do repeat this message when I am teaching nutrition to my students, for a person who is carefully watching what they are eating, serving sizes play a major role in effective weight loss. Anyone, can over-consume a food. Therefore, in my particular situation, I will have to be mindful of the serving sizes and how many portions I do consume.

Water is the beverage of choice! Oh boy, I do not drink enough, but if you were to ask me which beverage I prefer, I would answer water anyway. This being said, I will just have to be mindful of my intake and employ strategies that will encourage me to consume more water. Perhaps I could set a reminder on my phone or whenever I stand from my desk to use the washroom or go to speak to a colleague, I could make it a habit to drink 1/2 a glass of water. I am aware of my need, therefore I will push to get there.

Physical activity and cooking and eating with company is also promoted. I agree! My personal choice for physical activity would be swimming but because this is not possible for the various reasons I listed in a previous blog, then I will resort to walking outside (5km or 1 hour) or using my indoor bike. Once I recover, I will be pushing myself harder to incorporate this into my weekly routine again. In terms of cooking and eating together; there is nothing better than having a 4 year old helper who thinks that all the work needed to cook a meal is just fabulous fun! And it really is! Eating around the table encourages discussion and a sense of belonging and lends itself perfectly to a good end-of-day activity and family bonding.

In summary, I believe we need to take a close look at the recommendations that the new food guide proposes and line it up with our values, budget and lifestyle and make an educated decision.