Summary of Guiding Principles and Recommendations
Based on the available evidence, Health Canada has translated the science on food and health into evidence-informed Guiding Principles and Recommendations for application in the Canadian context (Table 1).
The Guiding Principles and Recommendations provide a foundation for healthy eating that promotes health and reduces the risk of nutrition-related chronic disease. Health Canada recognizes that Canadians may occasionally have foods and beverages outside these recommendations; less healthy choices high in sodium, sugars, or saturated fat will be consumed at times. What matters most is what people eat on a regular basis.
Individuals with special dietary requirements may need additional guidance from a health care professional.
Table 1: Proposed Guiding Principles, Recommendations and Considerations
Guiding Principle 1: A variety of nutritious foods and beverages are the foundation for healthy eating.
Health Canada recommends:
- Regular intake of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein-rich foods, especially plant-based sources of protein
- Inclusion of foods that contain mostly unsaturated fat, instead of foods that contain mostly saturated fat
- Regular intake of water
Guiding Principle 2: Processed or prepared foods and beverages high in sodium, sugars or saturated fat undermine healthy eating.
Health Canada recommends:
- Limited intake of processed or prepared foods high in sodium, sugars or saturated fat
- Avoidance of processed or prepared beverages high in sugars
Guiding Principle 3: Knowledge and skills are needed to navigate the complex food environment and support healthy eating.
Health Canada recommends:
- Selecting nutritious foods when shopping or eating out
- Planning and preparing healthy meals and snacks
- Sharing meals with family and friends whenever possible
Considerations
- Determinants of health
- Cultural diversity
- Environment
