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INDEPTH: FOOD
By the Numbers: What we ate in 2002
CBC News Online | January 19, 2004

(Figures courtesy Statistics Canada)

So what are Canadians eating?

The latest figures from Statistics Canada suggest that we are paying more attention to healthy nutrition – by eating more fruits and vegetables and a bit more fish.

On the other hand, we're eating more: the number of calories consumed rose by 18 per cent from 1992 to 2002. Within that increase, the actual proportions of calories from protein, fat and carbohydrates has remained fairly constant.

Fruits and Vegetables

  • Canadians ate, on average, 93 kilograms of fruit in 2002.
  • Up 15 per cent from 1992.
  • Canadians drank 25 litres of blended juices in 2002.
  • Up 24 per cent from 1992.

  • Each Canadian ate an average of 110 kg of vegetables (including potatoes) in 2002.
  • An increase of 4 kg from 106 kg in 1992.

  • Potatoes account for 35 per cent of all vegetables consumed.
  • In 2002, the average Canadian ate 38 kg of potatoes either fresh, as fries, potato chips or frozen mashed.
  • Up from 33 kg in 1992.


Oils and Fats

  • Canadian consumption of oils and fats has remained constant over the past four years, at 23 kg per person.
  • Consumption is fuelled by use of oils in salads, and the use of oils and shortening in fried products in the home, in restaurants and food processing.

Fish consumption

  • Canadians consumed about 7 kg of fish per person in 2002, up slightly from previous years.
  • Statistics Canada says promotional campaigns and the availability of convenient and easy-to-prepare products contributed to the increase.


Calories

  • The level of food energy (calories) consumed by Canadians rose 18 per cent from 1992 to 2002.
  • The level of food energy (calories) consumed by Canadians remained constant in the 1970s and 1980s.

  • Calories from carbohydrates remained constant at 52 per cent.
  • Calories from proteins remained constant at 12 per cent.
  • Calories from fat dropped to 34 per cent from 36 per cent in 1992.


Fat

  • The contribution of oils and fat to total fat consumption rose to 56 per cent compared to 47 per cent in 1992, due to the growing use of salad and shortening oils, deep fried products and baked goods.
  • The amount of fat consumed from red meat, poultry and fish declined to 21 per cent in 2002 from 25 per cent in 1992 due to a decrease in beef consumption.


Protein

  • Consumption of protein increased by about 10 per cent between 1992 and 2002, (from approximately 99 grams per person per day to about 109 grams in 2002). Statistics Canada says protein consumption rose faster in the early part of the decade and was stable between 1998 and 2002.
  • Fish has consistently contributed five per cent of protein.
  • Contribution of meat has declined slightly, largely due to a decrease in beef consumption. This is offset by increased consumption of poultry, grain products and pulses (peas, beans and lentils).


Vitamins

  • The total level of vitamins and minerals consumed by Canadians remained constant from 1992 to 2002.
  • The popularity of fruits and vegetables increased the amount of vitamins C and K.
  • The rise in consumption of oil and fat increased the amount of vitamins E and K.






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QUICK FACTS:
Guidelines for Healthy Eating

1. Enjoy a variety of foods.
2. Emphasize cereals, breads, other grain products, vegetables and fruit.
3. Choose lower-fat dairy products, leaner meats and food prepared with little or no fat.
4. Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight by enjoying regular physical activity and healthy eating.
5. Limit salt, alcohol and caffeine.

Source: Health Canada

EXTERNAL LINKS:
CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites. Links will open in new window.

External links: Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Living (1992 version)

U.S. Department of Agriculture food guide pyramid

Canada's Food Guide for Healthy Living website

Foodshare

McDonald's Canada nutrition calculator

Center for Science and the Public Interest: Health Nutrition and Diet

Scientific American: Rebuilding the Food Pyramid

Health Canada tipsheet on Nutrition Facts table

Health Canada tipsheet on diet-related health claims

Canadian Food Inspection Agency 2003 Guide to Food Labelling and Advertising

Centre for Science in the Public Interest

Food Processors of Canada

Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors
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