New survey shows Canadian eating habits in trouble

    
    Registered Dietitians warn Canadians missing out on important health
    benefits
    

MONTREAL , Oct. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - Registered Dietitians from Dairy Farmers of Canada in collaboration with Dietitians of Canada today released the results of a national survey that revealed that many Canadian adults are not consuming the recommended number of daily servings of any of the four food groups. It was also surprising that, for each of the food groups, a significant number of people reported not consuming any of that food group on the day prior to the survey. Registered Dietitians are warning this trend may have serious consequences on the nutritional health of Canadians.

The data, collected by IPSOS Reid from more than 2,000 people across Canada in August 2009 was analyzed by Registered Dietitians to provide a snapshot of what Canadian adults are eating and drinking during a twenty-four hour period.

The results showed that:

    
    1.  Consumption of all four food groups is far below recommended levels;
    2.  A significant number of Canadian adults had not consumed any milk and
        alternatives or any vegetables and fruit on the day prior to the
        survey;
    3.  Many Canadian adults report they have barriers to healthy eating;
    4.  A majority of Canadian adults are not aware of the many health
        benefits of milk and alternatives and vegetables and fruit including
        their role in reducing the risk of some cancers, hypertension and
        other chronic diseases; and
    5.  When made aware of these important health benefits, Canadians report
        they are motivated to increase their intake of foods from these food
        groups.
    

"In addition to encouraging Canadians to include the recommended number of servings of the four food groups from Canada's Food Guide health professionals might also need to focus more on the reasons why these foods are important," says Mary Sue Waisman , Manager, Public Affairs Communications, Dietitians of Canada . "For example, most Canadians don't seem to know about the role milk products and vegetables and fruits play in controlling blood pressure or lowering the risk of some cancers. If they did, it might just help them to choose additional servings of these products more often.

Another important finding of the IPSOS survey is that many Canadians report they have barriers to healthy eating. "This is consistent with the observations from Registered Dietitians across Canada who report that many people find it challenging to eat well. For example, they need help with how to include healthier food choices in their daily meal plan, how to prepare and cook healthy foods that don't break the food budget," says Waisman.

Further information and useful tips about milk and milk products can be found at www.getenough.ca. The Dietitians of Canada website at www.dietitians.ca/eatwell is the "go to" place for trusted nutrition information and solutions to consumers' eating challenges with the four food groups.

"Based on the new Ipsos Reid survey and the landmark Canadian Community Health Survey published in 2006, Registered Dietitians from Dairy Farmers of Canada and Dietitians of Canada are calling on health professionals to join us in explaining the many health benefits of each food group and to motivate Canadians to consume the recommended daily servings particularly of Milk and Alternatives and Vegetables and Fruit," said Waisman.

About Dietitians of Canada

Dietitians of Canada represents and supports nearly 6,000 dietitians across Canada . Registered Dietitians provide trusted, evidence-based nutrition information and can make tailored eating plans that best suit your active lifestyle. To find a Registered Dietitian in your local area, including those who specialize in sports nutrition, visit www.dietitians.ca/find or ask your doctor for a referral.

About Dairy Farmers of Canada

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is involved in a number of initiatives that promote good nutrition and healthy living. The Registered Dietitians at DFC are committed to understanding and translating the science and art of healthy eating into effective, innovative, and award winning resources. DFC is completely funded by dairy producers.

For further information: Will Lamont, Stacy O'Rourke, TRILLIUM Corporate Communications Inc., [phone], ext. 241, 239, [email protected], [email protected]