The new Food Guide may be a little more vegetarian-friendly, though it's far from perfect.
Health Canada has finally updated its Food Guide! It may not seem like much of a big deal, but since the last update was in 1992 – it is. So much has changed since then, and it seems “they” have finally taken notice.
You can access the new version on Health Canada's official website: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index_e.html.
What do these changes mean for vegetarians?
For one, the category previously known as dairy has been re-named “Milk and alternatives”.
I never thought I’d see the phrase “Having milk or fortified soy beveragesevery day provides the nutrients that you need for healthy bones and optimal health.” Fabulous! Finally, Canadians don’t need milk to be healthy.
For two, “Have meat alternatives such as beans, lentils and tofu often”. HALLELUJAH! Finally, the merits of non-meat protein sources are realized, and encouraged.
However, there are several downsides inherent with the guide as well, at least for vegetarians.
For example, the milk and alternatives category: while it is an improvement to include alternatives, the only one listed is fortified soy beverage. What about alternatives to cheese or yogurt? How do you count the calcium from tofu?
Secondly, two servings of fish are recommended, despite warnings about mercury and concerns about sustainability. Don’t get me wrong – omega-3 fats are important. There are many ways to get vegetarian omega-3 fats, without eating fish.
For vegetarians, this new food guide represents a victory in that new choices have finally been added to the Guide, so being a healthy vegetarian is no longer a guessing game. It also provides examples of serving sizes for more ethnic dishes and one option for those who don’t use milk or dairy.
At least now the Guide may be useable for more of the population – but is still far from perfect, especially for vegans.
Check out some better-organized food guides at the following addresses:
- A basic version excellent for vegans at Loma Linda University with a discussion on calcium: http://www.llu.eidu/llu/nutrition/vegguide.html#food
- Dietitians of Canada/ American Dietetic Association vegetarian food pyramid/rainbow collaboration with an excellent calcium add-on.
- Health Canada's version again
Cheers,
Jill
