Canada’s new food guide isn’t revolutionary, and not much has changed.
That’s according to Mary Ann Binnie, a nutrition consultant with the Canadian Meat Council.
“What’s different is the nomenclature. And now with all the interest of Canadians in protein, they’ve labelled the group protein foods. But meat, pork, beef, fish, chicken, have always been the same grouping as nuts, seeds, and legumes.”
She says what people should focus on are the foods that aren’t included in the food guide. Those include nutritionally lacking food that is either high in fat, sodium, or sugars. She recommends moderating consumption of these to make room for foods that are actually in the guide.
Some people are interpreting the new Canada food guide as an instruction to eat less meat.
But Binnie says Canadians have already reduced their red meat consumption. “Well, Canadians have moderated their red meat consumption. So I think the food guide does not recommend any further reduction.”
According to an Ipsos poll done in 2017, 72% of respondents reported eating three or less servings of meat a week.
Binnie says cattle producers should be aware that the foods they raise are welcomed and appreciated by Health Canada because they add to a nutrition package of a well-balanced diet.
“It does include lean red meat as a healthy choice that should be enjoyed every day.”
