Canada’s Dietary Guidelines: Healthy Eating Recommendations

Healthy eating is more than just the foods you eat. It also includes where, when, why, and how you eat. Small, mindful habits can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being.


🧠 Be Mindful of Your Eating Habits

Taking a thoughtful approach to eating helps you build a healthier relationship with food.

  • Take time to eat and avoid rushing meals
  • Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues

👩‍🍳 Cook More Often

Preparing meals at home gives you better control over ingredients and portion sizes.

  • Plan your meals in advance
  • Involve family members in meal planning and preparation

😊 Enjoy Your Food

Healthy eating includes enjoying what you eat.

  • Honour your cultural and food traditions
  • Choose meals that are both nutritious and satisfying

🍽️ Eat Meals With Others

Eating with family or friends:

  • Encourages healthier eating patterns
  • Helps build stronger social connections
  • Makes mealtimes more enjoyable

🌈 Make It a Habit to Eat a Variety of Healthy Foods Each Day

🥦 Fill Your Plate With Nutritious Foods

Aim to include:

  • Plenty of vegetables and fruits
  • Whole grain foods
  • Protein foods, especially plant-based options

Choose foods with healthy fats instead of saturated fats.


🚫 Limit Highly Processed Foods

Highly processed foods should be eaten less often and in small amounts.

Instead:

  • Prepare meals and snacks using ingredients with little to no added sodium, sugar, or saturated fat
  • Choose healthier menu options when eating out

💧 Make Water Your Drink of Choice

  • Replace sugary drinks with water
  • Keep a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day

🏷️ Use Food Labels to Make Informed Choices

Reading food labels helps you:

  • Compare products
  • Reduce intake of sodium, sugars, and unhealthy fats
  • Make healthier decisions quickly

📢 Be Aware of Food Marketing

Food marketing can influence your choices — especially for highly processed foods.
Make decisions based on nutritional value, not advertising.


✅ Final Thoughts

Healthy eating is not about strict rules — it’s about building sustainable habits, enjoying your food, and making informed choices every day.


📅 Start With One Small Change Today

Whether it’s cooking one extra meal at home, drinking more water, or adding more vegetables to your plate — every step counts.