Spring Break
Canada's new food guide a step in a new direction
Lynsey Kitching
Issue date: 2/13/07 Section: News
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Health Canada is aiming to promote better overall healthy living for Canadians including a healthy diet, exercise and disease prevention. Access to the guide has been made much more efficient by having an online component enabling the user to personalize their food guide.
Health Minister Tony Clement launched the new guide at the Real Canadian Superstore in Orleans, Ontario and was happy with the adjustments that were made.
"One important new feature of this Food Guide is that it now offers Canadians information on the amount and types of food recommended for their age and gender."
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. David Butler-Jones added that, "The Food Guide recommends a careful selection of foods balanced by physical activity".
Along with daily activities, such as walking to the bus or around campus, the Food Guide suggests that there should be an additional 30-60 minutes of exercise daily to maintain a healthy mind and body. The guide also encourages the enjoyment of eating, to use meals as an opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family.
The new guide differs slightly in some aspects when compared to the previous one instituted in 1992. Among the changes are how the guide addresses that certain people may need more of a certain nutrient than someone else and how a wider range of foods are being included such as frozen, canned and dry.
For varying reasons, some university students find it especially hard to follow the Food Guides recommendations concerning healthy food choices and making time to exercise.
"I want to eat healthy but fast food is just so much easier and delicious," said Jenny Whaling, a student at Brock. "The gym can be overwhelming, especially for females. I feel like when I'm on the elliptical everyone is looking at my ass … but I've started attending workout classes, like ball classes … it's a great way for an unmotivated person to exercise."
Melodie Shick-Porter, Clinical director for Health Services said that Brock's Health Services are concerned with students' eating habits.
"Health Services talks to students about nutrition and healthy eating behaviours, you can come here and talk to nurses and doctors about nutrition," said Shick-Porter.
"We have students hired as peer health educators that are going to run a campaign about physical activity at the end of February."
Students should be on the lookout for kiosks set up around campus over the follow months, with the purpose of promoting healthy, happy living.
The concept of healthy eating and exercise to stay well is not new for Canadians, however, there is growing concern regarding rates of obesity and other health related issues within our communities. Especially important for students with busy schedules, the guide provides good advice on portion size and quality of food choices along with suggestions for smart snacking, daily calorie intake, fast and easy meal ideas, how to maintain healthy habits and making wise choices.
The guide recommends that people plan their meals and do grocery shopping ahead of time.
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