(Trigger Warning: This Article Discusses Specific Food Choices)
Food. What to eat, when to eat, how to eat... This might be one of the most complex, confusing questions that we all face on a day to day basis. Making the choice that is the best for our own personal health is made even more challenging by the conflicting information available, the pseudo-science spouted by social media "experts", and the mentality that health looks a specific way. One specific way, for all of us to conform to.
For years, part of the problem has been the very antiquated Canada Food Guide. Recently, Health Canada reviewed and released a new version of the guide. "The new Food Guide brings many changes, such as eliminating portions, emphasizing the importance of savouring our foods, being curious about our hunger and fullness cues, and eating with others when possible."
These are positive steps in the right direction. It is VERY important, however, to "recognize that Canada’s Food Guide is not appropriate for many, including those healing from disordered eating or eating disorders."
According to Registered Dieticians, this is why it is vital that we use the guide as just that, a GUIDE.
And here's why:
There is no one way to eat… or achieve health
There are as many ways to eat as there are people. It is a public health document meant guide the general population, not intended to replace an individual meal plan.
It can fuel food rules
Many people with disordered eating struggle to let go of food rules. While the messages in the Food Guide are well meaning, they can easily reinforce rigid food rules.
The new Canada's Food Guide's focus on specific food groups and the restriction of other food groups could be harmful. Clients with eating disorders are especially vulnerable to this dichotomizing messaging. The inclusion of ALL foods is part of normal eating, as they provide flavour, enjoyment, and abundant nutrients essential for eating disorder recovery and everyday health.
Making vegetarian choices can be risky
If the planet’s health and animal welfare are part of your values, there is definitely merit to reducing your intake of animal-based foods. However, for those vulnerable to eating disorders, this kind of dietary change can be a slippery slope, and can unintentionally promote/normalize orthorexia and "healthism".
If you tend to be “all or nothing” when it comes to food, it may be helpful to discuss with a professional with experience in eating disorders before choosing a vegetarian eating style. They can work with you to explore your motivations and see if this the right choice for you.
Energy dense foods and drinks are important
When healing from eating disorders, energy dense foods and drinks are important. They provide energy, nourishment, and help normalize all foods.
Further, including fear foods on a regular and consistent basis (fears often are foods labelled “unhealthy”), helps train the brain that these foods are in fact safe. As such, pizza, candy, chips, desserts, etc are part of healthy eating for people recovering from eating disorders.”
Fat. Is. Important.
While the new Food Guide emphasizes including protein and grains on our plate, it forgets an essential nutrient: fat.
Dietary fat give us energy, supports cell growth, aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and hormone regulation to name a few roles. Fat adds flavour and contributes to satiation and satisfaction.
For those recovering from disordered eating, learning that it is ok to eat for pleasure, flavour, and enjoyment are an essential part of the healing process.
Mindful eating is misrepresented…
Mindful eating is a great tool for the general population. However, in the new Food Guide, it is presented as “being mindful of our eating habits” as opposed to “bringing mindfulness into our eating experience”. While these may sounds similar, there is in fact a big difference.
The primary goal in mindful intuitive eating is to encourage people to focus on learning about and following their internal cues of hunger, fullness, and satiety.”
Mindful eating also goes beyond examining our hunger and fullness cues; it encourages being present and non-judgmental towards our eating habits.
… and may not always be helpful for those with eating disorders
While mindful eating is a wonderful approach, some elements may not be helpful during certain stages of healing from eating disorders.
When recovering from disordered eating, our hunger cues are often untrustworthy. The process of mechanical eating " where individuals eat a set amount of food at set times regardless of hunger and fullness" takes precedence PRIOR to intuitive eating.
However, certain aspects of mindful eating, such as compassion and non-judgment towards our eating, are always applicable, and introspective awareness may be a helpful tool in later stages of recovery.
The Bottom Line
The new Canada’s Food Guide is an important public health document. It can be a place to start for those interested in making changes to their eating. However, it needs to be individualized to each person’s unique circumstances. It is not meant to be a list of food rules one must follow to achieve health. Further, for those with medical conditions, including eating disorders, it is not an appropriate tool.
To read the full article click HERE