OTTAWA - Canada Food Guide quick facts
Health Canada has updated its advice for Canadians to help them eat better and develop healthier food habits.
What's new:
- Recommends eating plenty of veggies and fruits, whole grains and protein foods
- Promotes choosing proteins that come from plants more often
- Says water should be your drink of choice
- Provides tips on what to avoid or limit: processed, prepared foods, added sodium and sugar
- Emphasizes reading food labels and being aware of marketing influence
What's out:
- No more food groups or portion sizes
- Dairy no longer its own category; healthy dairy options now included with proteins and unsweetened drinks
- Daily intake of oils and fats no longer promoted and saturated fats discouraged
- No more promotion of juice or sweetened milk
New healthy eating lifestyle tips include:
- Cook more often rather than buying meals
- Be mindful of eating habits
- Take time to eat rather than eating while working or doing other things
- Involve others in planning and preparing meals
- Food traditions can be part of healthy eating; share them across generations and cultures
- Eat with other people
