- Author
- Posted Article
(NC)—March is Nutrition Month and dietitians across Canada are putting the spotlight on healthier choices.
“Nutrition Month is an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about healthy foods and take the time to reassess their eating habits,” says Alexis Williams, a registered dietitian and director of health and wellness at Loblaw Companies Limited. “Dietitians like myself can help people make healthier food choices and clear up any confusion about nutrition.”
Here, for example, are two common myths about nutrition, debunked by Dietitians of Canada:
Myth #1
The percentage Daily Value (% Daily Value) on the Nutrition Facts table is not very useful.
The Truth
The % Daily Value that appears on product packaging is useful for people to make more informed choices in terms of nutrients. For example, if you want more fibre and less sodium in a product, look for a higher % Daily Value for fibre and a lower % Daily Value for sodium. An easy rule of thumb for any nutrient: 5% Daily Value or less is a little; 15% Daily Value or more is a lot.
Myth #2
“Multi-grain” is the same as “whole grain.”
The Truth
Multi-grain products include different grains, but they may not be whole—and you get the greatest health benefits from eating whole grains. On food labels, look for the word “whole grain” in front of each grain named. If whole grains are the main ingredients in a food, they should appear first on the ingredient list. Each day, aim to make at least half of your grain products, whole grain foods.
If you plan ahead, you can learn directly from a dietitian while shopping. For example, at many Loblaws, Loblaw Great Food, and Real Canadian Superstore locations, dietitians are available to answer questions, support you as you shop for healthier food choices and to provide store tours aimed specifically at a variety of health topics, such as diabetes and gluten free. These dietitians can help you decode food labels and plan delicious and healthy everyday meals. Locations with an in-store dietitian are available online at loblaws.ca, or superstore.ca, by checking the My Store tab. And, more information about Dietitians of Canada is also online at dietitians.ca.
