New Canada Food Guide focuses on whole foods and plant-based protein options

After several years of undergoing reviews, the updated version of Canada’s Food Guide  has finally been revealed to the public.

On Tuesday, Federal Minister of Health, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, announced the new guide which has ostensibly gotten rid of the four food groups and advice on serving sizes and numbers.

Instead, this version focuses on whole foods and plant-based proteins, and lumps together “milk and alternatives” and “meat and alternatives” – which were originally designated groups – into one category.

The guide takes into account new scientific evidence and recommendations from dieticians, and specifically endorses consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains, and eating protein foods.

While meat and dairy have not been eliminated from the chart, plant-based proteins are highlighted with options like legumes, beans, and tofu featured more prominently.

Health Canada also emphasizes the importance of how food is consumed rather than just what is on our plates.

To this end, the agency recommends cooking more often, eating meals with other people, being aware of food marketing and labels, and even talks about the benefits of enjoying your meals.

“In the 77 years since Canada’s Food Guide was first issued, our country has changed a lot,” reads a tweet from Minister of Health, Ginette Petitpas Taylor.

“We’ve welcomed many new Canadians with unique culinary traditions, while seeing new foods emerge all over Canada. Our new Food Guide reflects and celebrates this!”

The guide also focuses on the benefits of limiting highly processed foods, including sugary drinks, sweet treats, fast and frozen foods, and processed meats.