Dr. Vic Weatherall
January 2021
Released on January 22, 2019, the Canada’s Dietary Guidelines in the new Canada’s food guide set out Health Canada’s guidelines and considerations on healthy eating. The guideline seeks to “promote healthy eating and overall nutritional well-being, and support improvements to the Canadian food environment.” They also advise individuals with specific dietary requirements, including those receiving care in a clinical setting, may need to seek additional guidance or specialized advice from a dietitian.
The report is presented in four sections, with three guidelines and several recommendations on how to implement them (from Canada’s Food Guide: Canada’s Dietary Guidelines):
- Section 1 (Guideline 1) focuses on nutritious foods and beverages that are the foundation for healthy eating.
- Section 2 (Guideline 2) describes the types of foods and beverages that can have a negative impact on health when consumed on a regular basis.
- Section 3 (Guideline 3) highlights the importance of food skills as a practical way to support healthy eating.
- Section 4 (Implementation) describes the importance of creating supportive environments for healthy eating.
According to Ann Hui of the Globe and Mail, “The message in that change is clear: Eat more plants, and less meat and dairy. As such, the remaining groups are: fruits and vegetables; whole grains; and proteins – a new umbrella category that combines both dairy and meat, along with plant-based proteins such as tofu and chickpeas.”
She goes on to say: “Even within the ‘protein’ category, meat and dairy is de-emphasized. ‘Among protein foods, consume plant-based more often,’ the new guide says. ‘The regular intake of plant-based foods – vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and plant-based proteins – can have positive effects on health,’ including lower risk of cardiovascular disease, colon cancer and type 2 diabetes.”
For more detailed information on the new Canada’s food guide, see the Healthy eating resources page.
See also the following news articles:
- Got milk? Not so much. Health Canada’s new food guide drops ‘milk and alternatives’ and favours plant-based protein by Sharon Kirkey of the National Post
- Canada’s new food guide is served from the CBC
- The new Canada’s Food Guide explained: Goodbye four food groups and serving sizes, hello hydration by Ann Hui of the Globe and Mail
To schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Vic Weatherall.