Why are calories not included on the Food Guide?
Calories are only one aspect of healthy eating. A one-dimensional focus on calorie counting can result in making less healthy food choices. In addition, a calorie counting approach was not supported by stakeholders consulted on the draft revised Food Guide. Calorie awareness is being promoted through the Food Guide by encouraging Canadians to use the information found on the Nutrition Facts table. Foods that are lower in fat and sugar (two components that are generally found in higher-calorie foods) are also promoted throughout the Food Guide. By focussing on making healthy choices, consistent with the revised Food Guide pattern, Canadians can develop healthy eating behaviours that focus on foods and not numbers. To get a sense of the number of Calories needed each day depending on activity level, the Food Guide web-site includes a chart with estimated energy requirements broken down by age, gender, and activity level.
