Nutrition and Physical Activity

Canada's Food Guide

Canada's Food Guide (external link) provides information on what you should eat and also how you should to eat. The Guide encourages everyone to:

Eat plant-based protein foods more often such as lentils, tofu, nut or seed butter.
Choose highly processed foods less often such as sugary drinks, ice cream, French fries, deli meats.
Include plenty of vegetables and fruit and whole grain foods such as quinoa, whole grain pasta, oatmeal.
Make water your drink of choice (external link). Ask for water with your food when eating out, carry a reusable water bottle when you’re out, drink water after physical activity or playing sports.

Be mindful of our eating habits. Take time to eat and notice when you are hungry and when you are full.
Cook more often, enjoy our food and eat meals with others.
Use food labels. Using food labels can help you compare and choose products so you can make an informed choice.
Be aware of food marketing that can influence our food choices.

Physical activity is an important way to prevent disease and stay healthy. It can reduce the risk of:
- circulatory system disease
- certain types of cancer (including colon and rectum cancer)
- Type II diabetes
Cancer and circulatory system diseases are the leading causes of death in both Halton and Ontario.
A lack of physical activity can impact life expectancy. A 2012 study found that in Ontario's population, physical inactivity resulted in a:
- 2-year decrease in life expectancy; and
- 3.4-year decrease in health-adjusted life expectancy (the number of years of good health lost).

Review these helpful resources for early years (ages 0-4), children and youth (ages 5-17), adults (ages 18-64) and older adults (65 and older):

Early Years

Children and Youth

Adults and Older Adults