Should Canadians eat according to the traditional Mediterranean diet pyramid or Canada’s food guide?

2008 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 527-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shauna M. Downs ◽  
Noreen D. Willows
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Alcoholic Beverage ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Single Category ◽  
Education Tool ◽  
Traditional Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Health Canada

Eating well with Canada’s food guide (CFG) was developed by Health Canada as an education tool to encourage the Canadian public to have eating habits that meet nutrient needs, promote health, and reduce the risk of nutrition-related chronic disease. It was developed in the Canadian context and reflects the food supply available to Canadians, as well as food choices made by Canadians. There are other dietary patterns that are consistent with health such as the traditional Mediterranean diet (TMD), which has gained popularity in Canada. The potentially different food choices that Canadians could make if they were to follow one guide over the other might significantly influence population health. Although the two guides differ in their recommendations for red wine, fats, and meat and meat alternatives, they both promote a diet rich in grains, fruits, and vegetables. The CFG may have some advantages over the TMD for Canadians, such as focusing on vitamin D and recommending limited alcoholic beverage intake. Some shortcomings of the CFG compared with the TMD are the grouping of animal proteins with nuts, seeds, and legumes into a single category, and not recommending limits for red meat consumption. If Canadians following the CFG were to choose whole grains and vegetarian options from the meat and alternatives category more often, the CFG may be preferable to TMD for Canadians. The TMD is an alternative to the CFG for Canadians if sources of vitamin D are included in the diet and wine consumption is limited or is imbibed in moderation.

scholarly journals Changes in food supply in Mediterranean countries from 1961 to 2001

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reina Garcia-Closas ◽  
Antoni Berenguer ◽  
Carlos A González
Keyword(s):  
Olive Oil ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Geographical Differences ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Traditional Mediterranean Diet ◽  
The 1960S

AbstractObjectiveTo describe geographical differences and time trends in the supply of the most important food components of the traditional Mediterranean diet.DesignFood supply data collected from national food balance sheets for the period 1961–2001.SettingSelected Mediterranean countries: Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey.ResultsDifferences of almost 30-fold and five-fold were found in the supply of olive oil and fruits and vegetables, respectively, among the Mediterranean countries studied during the 1960s. A favourable increasing trend for the supply of fruit and vegetables was observed in most Mediterranean countries. However, an increase in the supply of meats and dairy products and a decrease in the supply of cereals and wine were observed in European Mediterranean countries from 1961 until 2001. Only in African and Asiatic Mediterranean countries were cereals the base of food supply. During the 1990s, Greece's food supply pattern was closest to the traditional Mediterranean diet, while Italy and Spain maintained a high availability of fruits, vegetables and olive oil, but were losing the other typical components. Among African and Asiatic Mediterranean countries, only Turkey presented a traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern except with respect to olive oil, the supply of which was very low. France showed a Western dietary pattern, with a high supply of animal products and a low supply of olive oil.ConclusionsDietary supplies in the Mediterranean area were quite heterogeneous in the 1960s and have experienced a process of Westernization, especially in European Mediterranean countries.

Ensuring Access to Fruits and Vegetables for the Nation’s Most Vulnerable – Contributions of WIC and SNAP

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dena R. Herman
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition Program ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
The U.S

AbstractThe Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are critical programs in the U.S. because they form the basis of the nation’s nutrition and hunger safety net. SNAP has large effect nationwide offering nutrition assistance to 1 in 7 low-income Americans, while WIC serves more than half of all infants in the U.S. and a quarter of all children ages 1-5 years. Despite the reach of these programs, there is still room for improvement, especially when it comes to increasing access to healthy food items and improving eating habits. The objective of this paper is to make recommendations for how WIC and SNAP can work better together to continue to incentivize purchases and support low-income population’s knowledge and access to healthier food choices, particularly those foods that have traditionally been most expensive – fruits and vegetables.

scholarly journals Promotion of Children Health with Giving Supplement of Rainbow Nutrition: A Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 88-92
Author(s):  
Sagar Alwadkar ◽  
Pratibha Wankhede ◽  
Mayur Wanjari
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Future Generation ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Educational Approach ◽  
Daily Diet

Introduction: "Eat the Rainbow" is an educational approach intended to encourage children to incorporate fruits and vegetables in their daily diet so that they can receive all the foods they need for their health. According to UNICEF, school children are the future generation of tomorrow, the age group from 6 to 12 years is considered the school-age children. They grow steadily but gradually and generally eat four to five times a day, which include snacks. Maintaining their health, development, and growth during this age group is extremely important. These age groups of children face rapid mental and physical development and therefore proper nutrition is very crucial at this point in life. In children, the eating habits developed at birth usually persist into adulthood. Eating habits are influenced by food choices. During this time many dietary habits, likes, and dislikes are established. Parents, friends and especially television media affect their food choices and eating habits.

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Daily Eating Habits and Physical Activity on Anthropometric Parameters in Elementary School Children in Latvia: Pach Study

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3818
Author(s):  
Ilze Justamente ◽  
Jelena Raudeniece ◽  
Liga Ozolina-Moll ◽  
Amelia Guadalupe-Grau ◽  
Dace Reihmane
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Elementary School Children ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Anthropometric Parameters ◽  
Anthropometric Measures ◽  
New Challenges ◽  
Protein Rich

Growing incidence of obesity and related diseases in children poses new challenges and calls for a review of lifestyle habits. This study aimed to assess daily eating habits (EH) and physical activity (PA) levels and identify their association with obesity in 8–10-year-old children. Children’s EH and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical intensity (MVPA) was estimated from questionnaires (N = 1788). Weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) were collected, and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Girls consumed more fruits and vegetables, drank more water, and ate smaller portions of carbohydrate and protein rich foods but spent less time in MVPA compared to boys (p < 0.05). Obese children skipped breakfast more often and consumed less fruits and vegetables. Children who chose to eat in front of the screen had higher WC (62.88 ± 8.70 vs 60.59 ± 7.40 cm, p < 0.001) and higher BMI, and chose smaller vegetable portions and more calorie dense snacks (p < 0.001). 15.4% of pupils covered weekly MVPA recommendations with structured PA on weekdays. Increasing MVPA was related to a smaller number of unhealthy EH (p < 0.001). In conclusion, EH and PA levels differ between sexes and obese children have unhealthier EH. Higher levels of MVPA are related to healthier food choices, while pupils having meals in front of the screen have unhealthier EH and anthropometric measures. The majority of pupils did not reach the WHO recommendations of MVPA through structured PA on weekdays. Association between factors (EH and time spent in PA) and BMI was not found in this study.

scholarly journals Mediterranean Diet, Psychological Adjustment and Health Perception in University Students: The Mediating Effect of Healthy and Unhealthy Food Groups

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 3769
Author(s):  
Mercedes Vélez-Toral ◽  
Zaira Morales-Domínguez ◽  
María del Carmen Granado-Alcón ◽  
Diego Díaz-Milanés ◽  
Montserrat Andrés-Villas
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Psychological Adjustment ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Health Perception ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Psychological Variables

This study aims to identify the relationships between eating habits and psychological adjustment and health perception, and to analyze potential mediating role of healthy and unhealthy foods in the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and the psychological constructs and health perception. The sample was selected through stratified random cluster sampling and was composed of 788 university students. The participants responded to a MedDiet adherence screener and food consumption inventory to assess the eating habits, instruments measuring self-esteem, life satisfaction, curiosity and sense of coherence to assess the psychological adjustment, and single item measuring perceived health. The results revealed 41.9% of the participants had a high consumption of vegetables and 85.1% a low consumption of energy drinks, while 29.9% showed a high adherence to the MedDiet which was positively associated to each psychological variable and healthy foods and negatively with unhealthy foods. In conclusion, a higher adherence to the MedDiet, and the consumption of fruits and vegetables is related to higher psychological adjustment and health perception. However, the relationships between MedDiet and the psychological variables and health perception were fully or partially explained because of the consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods.

Homocysteine Levels Show Significant Differences among Mediterranean Dietary Quality Index Variables Compared to Folate and Vitamin B12 Status in Women

2015 ◽  
Vol 85 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 202-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivona Višekruna ◽  
Ivana Rumbak ◽  
Ivana Rumora Samarin ◽  
Irena Keser ◽  
Jasmina Ranilović
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Poor Diet ◽  
The Mediterranean

Abstract. Results of epidemiologic studies and clinical trials have shown that subjects following the Mediterranean diet had lower inflammatory markers such as homocysteine (Hcy). Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess female diet quality with the Mediterranean diet quality index (MDQI) and to determine the correlation between MDQI, homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 levels in the blood. The study participants were 237 apparently healthy women (96 of reproductive age and 141 postmenopausal) between 25 and 93 years. For each participant, 24-hour dietary recalls for 3 days were collected, MDQI was calculated, and plasma Hcy, serum and erythrocyte folate and vitamin B12 levels were analysed. Total MDQI ranged from 8 to 10 points, which represented a medium-poor diet for the subjects. The strength of correlation using biomarkers, regardless of group type, age, gender and other measured parameters, was ranked from best (0.11) to worst (0.52) for olive oil, fish, fruits and vegetables, grains, and meat, in this order. Hcy levels showed the best response among all markers across all groups and food types. Our study shows significant differences between variables of the MDQI and Hcy levels compared to levels of folate and vitamin B12 in participants with medium-poor diet quality, as evaluated according to MDQI scores.

scholarly journals Adherence to Mediterranean Diet among Lebanese University Students

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1264
Author(s):  
Joanne Karam ◽  
Maria del Mar Bibiloni ◽  
Mireille Serhan ◽  
Josep A. Tur
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Older Students ◽  
Adequate Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adherence Score ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The University

Scarce studies described eating habits and diet quality among university students in Lebanon. The aim of this study is to assess the rate of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) among Lebanese university students. A cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out on 525 students (53% men, 18–25 years old) from the University of Balamand, Lebanon. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed using a validated 14-item MedDiet adherence score. Mean adherence to the MedDiet was 7.96 (standard deviation 2.2), and it was adequate in 59% of participants. Adherence to the MedDiet was higher in older students and nonsmokers. Legumes, vegetables, fruits, and nuts were consumed according to the MedDiet standards among a minimum of 48.4% and a maximum of 69.5% of participants. Chicken, turkey, or rabbit was preferred by 66.9% of participants instead of beef, pork, hamburgers, or sausages; however, just 56.2% of participants showed adequate intake of red meat, hamburger, or meat products. Only 28.8% of them referred to an adequate intake of fish or shellfish. Most of the participants (86.3%) used olive oil as the main added fat, and 67.2% reported a low intake of butter and derivatives. Sofrito was also very usual among participants (79.6%). Only half of the studied sample reported an adequate intake of sweet or carbonated beverages and commercial sweets or pastries. Among the assessed sample, half the participants showed adequate adherence to the MedDiet; however, the mean of adherence among the sample is low.

Nutritional considerations of a pediatric gluten free food guide for celiac disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-31
Author(s):  
Diana R. Mager ◽  
Samantha Cyrkot ◽  
Christine Lirette ◽  
Herbert Brill ◽  
Jenna Dowhaniuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Celiac Disease ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Free Food ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Literacy ◽  
Nutrition Guidelines

Abstract The gluten free (GF) diet is the only treatment for celiac disease (CD). While the GF diet can be nutritious, increased reliance on processed and packaged GF foods can result in higher fat/sugar and lower micronutrient intake in children with CD. Currently, there are no evidence-based nutrition guidelines that address the GF diet. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to describe the methodological considerations in forming a GF food guide for Canadian children and youth (4-18 years) with CD. Food guide development occurred in three phases: 1) evaluation of nutrient intake and dietary patterns of children on the GF diet, 2) pre-guide stakeholder consultations with 151 health care professionals and 383 community end users, and 3) development of 1260 GF diet simulations that addressed cultural preferences and food traditions, diet patterns and diet quality. Stakeholder feedback identified nutrient intake and food literacy as important topics for guide content. Except for vitamin D, the diet simulations met 100% macro- and micronutrient requirements for age-sex. The pediatric GF plate model recommends intake of >50% fruits and vegetables, <25% grains and 25% protein foods with a stronger emphasis on plant-based sources. Vitamin D fortified fluid milk/unsweetened plant-based alternatives and other rich sources are important to optimize vitamin D intake. The GF food guide can help children consume a nutritiously adequate GF diet and inform policy makers regarding the need for nutrition guidelines in pediatric CD.

scholarly journals Family Meals, Conviviality and the Mediterranean Diet among Families with Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2499
Author(s):  
Andrea de la Torre-Moral ◽  
Sergi Fàbregues ◽  
Anna Bach-Faig ◽  
Albert Fornieles-Deu ◽  
F. Xavier Medina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Family Meals ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Family Meal ◽  
Food Pattern ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Meal Composition

Two aspects that characterize the Mediterranean diet (MD) are “what” and “how” we eat. Conviviality relates to “how” we eat and to the pleasure of sharing meals with significant people. The most studied concept is “family meals”, which includes conviviality, which involves “enjoying” family meals. Given the lack of research on convivial family meals in Mediterranean countries, the purpose of this qualitative study was to analyze the family meal representations and practices of families with 12- to 16-year-old adolescents to assess whether they responded to a pattern of conviviality, and to examine their association with MD adherence. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted and food frequency and family meal questionnaires were administered. A food pattern analysis was carried out and digital photos of meals were analyzed to examine eating habits and meal composition, respectively. The findings showed that parents believed family meals are a space for socialization and communication. Items relating to the conviviality of family meals identified in the study were meal frequency, meals at the table, lack of digital distractions, pleasant conversations, and time spent on family meals. Attention should be paid to conviviality in Mediterranean families when designing multi-approach strategies to promote healthy eating among adolescents.

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