Canadians Cut Fat in All the Wrong Places

MONTREAL - Jul 4/05 - SNS -- Most Canadian are trying to limit their fat intake, but many are cutting down on nutrient rich foods instead of the main sources of fat, cautions a dietician who conducted the survey for the Dairy Farmers of Canada.

Roughly 31% of respondents of a survey on this topic indicated they were restricting or avoiding dairy products and as many as 29% mentioned restricting meat due to their concern about fat in general. On the other hand, only 6% indicated cutting down on added fats and oils which, according to the most recent data collected by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, account for 29% of the dietary fat intake of Canadians. Only 7% mentioned avoiding sweets, desserts and baked goods.

"Watching our fat intake is important, but we need to better understand where to make the cut," said Zannat Reza, Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Consultant. "Reducing our fat consumption by moderating our intake of fats, oils and less nutritious foods, like baked goods and snack foods, rather than cutting down on nutritious foods from the four food groups, is a better approach. Then we won't run the risk of nutritional deficiencies."

"The solution is quite simple -- focus on adding nutritious food to your diet," said Reza. "That way, there won't be as much room for the higher fat, nutrient-poor foods in our diets."

Most Canadians are not eating the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and milk products. Dairy Farmers of Canada encourages all Canadians to eat a balanced diet as recommended in Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating. By eating a variety of foods from the four food groups, Canadians are more likely to get all the nutrients they need to be healthy.