Canada’s Food Guide: Alberta style

By Donna Gray

Since 1942, the Canada Food Guide to Healthy Living has offered Canadians a basis for eating. With some local sourcing, you have all you need right here to feed your body right.

“Eating is one of the best things that life has to offer.” That’s what Mary Bush believes.

There’s a good reason she’s so passionate about food. As acting director general of the nutrition policy and promotion department at Health Canada, Bush’s job is to promote the benefits of Canada’s Food Guide.

“We’re all busy and those of us in the business like to think that food preparation is an enjoyable experience,” says Bush. “The guide can help you understand how food can easily fit into your lifestyle.”

Evolution of a nutritional standard

The Guide has gone through several changes since its creation 60 years ago. From name changes and graphic descriptions, to adding on more diverse food choices, Bush says the global process of research and development in food studies has contributed to the alterations.

“Every country has its own guidance system for health. There are studies all over the world that give us an idea of the best food choices. The Guide went from being a foundation diet providing guidance on food intakes and nutrients needed for health, to a total diet concept, which suggests a pattern of food consumption for all foods eaten. Not only does the Guide provide needed vitamins and minerals but also a pattern that limits fat and emphasizes fruit, vegetables and grain products. It’s a little more aggressive, but we can be because we have research to back it up.”

Like-minded agencies such as provincial health ministries and non-profit organizations partner with Health Canada to further promote the benefits of following the nation’s Food Guide.

“We work closely with associations that deal with chronic illnesses, like cancer, diabetes and heart disease,” says Bush. “They help push the idea of healthier living with the Guide. The school system is also a very important area where we can really affect a lot of people, including the parents of the children who receive the information.”

Alberta’s healthy crop

Alberta farmers, who grow everything from fresh vegetables and eggs to an array of meats and dairy items, also jump on the promotional bandwagon by having their organizations offer information on how to incorporate their products into a healthy lifestyle.

“Our provincial commodity groups are amazing,” says Krista Boyd, registered dietitian with the Calgary Health Region. “Many of these organizations have a dietitian on staff who promotes healthy eating and helps solve nutritional myths. Eating a variety of foods from the four food groups will ensure that you are receiving the essential amino acids, protein and nutrients for your body to function.”

Boyd says Albertans are at a great advantage because all they need to do is visit a local grocery store or farmer’s market to buy products that are homegrown. One of the easiest ways to include Alberta products in the Canada Food Guide is to visit the outer sections of the grocery store.

“Tour the outskirts of your supermarket to get all of your staples—produce, breads, dairy and meats. When you’re in the aisles, read the labels to check for fat, sugar and sodium content. Canned and frozen vegetables and fruit also have nutritional benefits and come in handy when fresh isn’t available or out of your budget range.”

The Guide can also play a part when you eat away from home. Boyd maintains by keeping the Food Guide in mind while eating out you are more likely to make better choices and consume less fat. This change, combined with exercise, will take you a long way.

“We gain pounds because we’re eating more and exercising less,” says Boyd. “If you stop eating, your body shuts down and you don’t lose an ounce. If you increase your activity and eat sensible, more nutritious meals, you’ll actually burn more calories than you take in. That results in weight loss and maintenance.”

Always the optimist, Boyd is confident that Albertans can achieve optimum health, with a little bit of planning.

“Every food group is so important. If you plan what your day is going to be like, you need to plan your food around it. Not every day will be perfect, but it will help your body get the fuel it needs.”

Online food resources

Meat and Meat Alternatives:
www.albertapork.com
www.eggs.ab.ca
www.albertaturkey.com
www.beefinfo.org
www.chicken.ab.ca

Grains
www.albertabarley.com

Dairy
www.albertamilk.com

Produce
www.potatonet.com
www.5to10aday.com

Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Living
www.hc-sc.gc.ca

The Food Safety Information Line
1-800-892-8333

Easy Food Guide Tips

Grain Products – Choose whole grain and enriched products more often.
(5 – 12 servings per day)

Vegetables and Fruit – Choose dark green and orange vegetables and orange fruit more often.
(5 – 10 servings per day)

Milk Products – Choose lower-fat milk products more often.
(2 – 4 servings per day)

Meat and Alternatives – Choose leaner meats, poultry and fish, as well as dried peas, beans and lentils more often.
(2 – 3 servings per day)

94% of Canadians think nutrition is important when they shop for groceries.