Enlightened Eater

In yesterday’s post, I highlighted Health Canada’s proposed changes to the nutrition labelling regulations involving sugar. But there is so much more great news to share about the proposals. Check out all the info below for  a taste. Here are a few highlights: •    Serving sizes will be standardized   You will no longer need […]

Last month I wrote about Savvy Diner, Toronto Public Health’s   campaign in support of restaurant menu labelling and raising awareness about the calorie and sodium content of restaurant meals.  Jason Osler, a reporter with CBC radio, interviewed me and asked some compelling questions about whether we are knowledgeable enough about what the information posted would […]

Dear Blog Readers, I am enlisting your help. A  couple  of weeks ago,  a Facebook fan commented  that KFC Canada had introduced mixed vegetables. She didn’t have a lot of faith in the nutritional value of the meal, even with the added vegetables. I’m all for fast food chains offering healthier options. What I don’t […]

In my previous post, I outlined some of the difficulties in determining what’s on your plate when you eat out. Posting nutrition information on menu boards at chain restaurants simply makes sense. Yet there are many staunch opponents. Not surprisingly most of  these same eateries are not in favour of making these disclosures. One of […]

Have you ever been mistaken about making an enlightened choice at restaurant – maybe ordering a salad with more calories and fat than a burger, a veggie-filled stirfry which makes pizza look lean or a coffee drink containing  a half day’s calories? Welcome to the world of eating out. Making informed decisions, in this day […]

“Freshness wrapped up. Try our new Signature McWrap®. With 100% seasoned chicken breast (grilled or crispy) and crisp, fresh veggies all wrapped up in a soft whole wheat tortilla, it’s a breakthrough way to think about lunch.” That’s how McDonalds describes their newest offerings, the Signature McWraps.  It’s a perfect example of health washing – […]

Just as Bill C-460 The Sodium Reduction Strategy for Canada Act was defeated by the Canadian government, the headlines on sodium seemed to back up the MPs who have abandoned their constituents’ health. But keep in mind that headlines are meant to catch your attention and as happens all too often, they don’t tell the […]

There is bad news to report:  On May 8th, Canada’s Members of Parliament defeated a bill  that would have had a major impact in promoting the health of Canadians. Bill C-460 – Sodium Reduction Strategy for Canada  incorporated the recommendations of Health Canada’s own expert committee on methods to reduce the sodium intakes of Canadians. […]