What food group does that belong to?

Next time you eat something I would like you to consider the following question:  What food group does that belong to? If you have a hard time answering this question you are not alone. In fact, Canadians of all ages get more than one-fifth of their calories from “other foods,” which are food and beverages that are not part of the four food groups.

Canada’s Food guide consists of 4 Categories.

(1) Vegetables and Fruit (Adults need 7-10 servings)

(2) Grain Products (Adults need 6-7 servings)

(3) Milk and Alternatives (Adults need 2-3)

(4) Meat and Alternatives (Adults need 2-3)

The effect of choosing foods from the “other” category is having a profound impact on the health of our population.  Take a look at the following health statistics from Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

·   Almost 60% of Canadian adults ages 18 and over, or 14.1 are overweight or obese.

·   53% of Canadian women ages 18 and over are overweight or obese.

    

    These numbers scare me! Sometimes I feel like a statistical rarity? Everywhere I look, people are overweight, obese and consuming fatty, sugary, and salty foods.  When will people begin to realize they are slowly killing themselves?

Next time you choose to eat something – Ask yourself the very question: What food group does this belong to? If you have a hard time answering this question, chances are it comes from the other category.  In this case, you should not be eating that food! Remember the goal of eating is to fuel our bodies, not entertainment.  Just as a high performance car needs top quality fuel, your body needs top quality food.  You would not put sugar in your car so why put it in your mouth?