Canada has a new food guide and the Bancroft Family Health Team’s Dietitian could not be happier.
“I’m very excited for the changes,” said Renee Robinson, who is the Bancroft Family Health Team’s registered dietitian. “I love the focus on less processed foods,” she added. She said the changes a lot of the changes are what dietitians have been advocating for over the past few years. Robinson said the new guide “aligns nicely” with the diabetes food guide.
In the new food guide, the traditional four food groups have been eliminated. They were first introduced in Canada’s 1977 update to the food guide. They now become the three food groups:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Proteins
Milk and alternatives along with meat and alternatives have been removed.
The last time Canada’s Food Guide was updated was in 2007. Robinson said that it’s important to update it because over the last 12 years there have been big changes in health and nutrition.
Another change is the government shifting their focus from how much you eat to what you eat. “I really like this healthy plate approach versus the old rainbow effect in the old food guide,” Robinson said. She added that making sure you have a good variety in your diet is important to be aware of.
Robinson mentioned that the new guide is also more modern. “It’s more consumer-friendly,” she said. The website having recipes and other healthy eating tips are a welcome addition, Robinson said.
You can view Canada’s new food guide at guide’s website.