Health Canada has released a preliminary, condensed version of the new Canada Food Guide.
The full guideline is slated to be released later in the year. The last update was released in 2007.
Notably, there are now only three food groups: fruits and vegetables, proteins and whole grain foods.
Water remains the drink of choice in the revised guide.
Milk and all other dairy products have been added to the protein group.
This new food guide has more emphasis on eating plant-based products. It also recommends eating healthy, unsaturated fats, whole grains and limiting sugar containing beverages.
The message Health Canada is trying to spread with this updated food guide is to eat a healthy, well balanced diet and that staying healthy is more than just what you eat.
It also states you should be mindful of your eating habits; limit the amount of distractions you face while eating and to eat slower. It’s recommended to take between 20-30 minutes to eat a meal.
“Eating healthy is important so we can maintain our best quality of life and avoid future body problems,” says Jennifer Sundberg, a registered dietician.
She recommends that when eating with a group, people tend to eat healthier and it improves communication and problem solving skills.
Tips for snacking are making sure food is available. When craving a snack people tend to go with the quickest and most available thing they find. Ways to prevent this from becoming unhealthy are buying berries, yogurt and homemade muffins.
Other tips include preparing snacks ahead of time. Buy lots of fresh veggies, cut them up and make a fruit and veggie bowl for when you feel the cravings coming on.
