1. Eating patterns & trends
HFA4U

2. Learning goals
Demonstrate an understanding of current food trends in Canada and the reasons for them.
Identify food trends targeted at particular stages of the lifespan.
Discover how the Canadian government regulates and responds to food trends

3. Food trends
What is a food trend?: A fashionable new food, edible product or principle of how to prepare or choose food.
Some trends have come and gone
1880s: soft drinks were invented and this trend has lasted
1970s: space food was invented (food astronauts ate – freeze-dried trail mixes) following the first landing on the moon- this did not last.
What are some trends you can think of?

4. Popularity
Food trends tend to gain popularity because they fulfill some perceived need in society.
E.g. frozen and canned food: storing food without spoilage
Convenience food (e.g. cake mixes and fish sticks): saved time when more women entered the work force during and after WW2
Addressed health concerns
Cultural food become popular due to immigration (e.g. Indian food)

5. Trends in eating patterns
There are many reasons why people may go on a diet.
How do you assess if a diet is a fad (short-lived) or a healthy, sensible program?
Use research findings and nutritional guidelines for help
Talk to your health care provider
Examine how the trend compares to Canada’s Food Guide, and if it will it meet your body’s nutritional needs

6. Vegetarian Diets Types of vegetarian diets Land Animals Fish & Seafood
Eggs
Dairy
Honey
Vegan 
Lacto-vegetarian 
Lacto-ovo-vegetarian
Pescatarian
Semi-vegetarian/flexitarian
sometimes

7. Influential factors for vegetarianism
Caring about how animals are treated
Health considerations
Concern for the environment – impact of raising animals for human consumption leads to air pollution and contaminated water supply
Economic factors – less expensive
Religious traditions
According to Dietitians of Canada, vegetarian diets are associated with lower obesity rates, reduced risk of some cancers, hearth disease, and type 2 diabetes.

8. The organic diet
In Canada, Organic relates to food that has been grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, hormones, or genetic modification.
GMO – not organic
The value of the organic food market has tripled in Canada since 2006, why?
Health and Safety: consumers choose it because they believe them to be healthier and safer. Health Canada states that there is no evidence to indicate that it’s safer.
Nutrition: consumers think the products contain more nutrients
Concern for the environment: no synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, but if not grown locally, transportation cost may outweigh the benefits
Concern for animal welfare
Taste: consumers say it taste better
This diet is more expensive, so only people who are able and willing to pay can follow this trend

9. LOCAVORISM: The Local Food Diet
People on this diet try to eat only foods that are grown or raised close to their home. Some believe that local foods are more nutritious (not losing nutrients during transportation) and safer.
The definition of “local” varies. Is local 160 km from your home, within your ecological region, within your province?
Ontario’s Local Food Act specify that food labelled “local” must have been produced or harvested in Ontario.
What are some positive and negative impacts of adopting a local diet?
POSITIVE:
-decrease in carbon emission from transportation of foods
-brings in income for local producers and for the local food industry (feed mills, fish hatcheries, processing plants, restaurants)
-farmer’s market: more social for community
CONS:
-Limit to the food available and depends where they live, limit nutrients
-local foods may be more expensive than imported foods
--reduced variety of food available (bananas, oranges, avocados, coffee, etc. )

10. The slow food movement
An international movement that started in Italy in 1986 as an alternative to fast food.
The goal is to respect and enjoy traditional, local produced foods and flavours, including the traditional ways of preparing foods.
Encourages eating foods that are in season and locally produced.
Teaches people to use their senses to appreciate foods and take pleasure in eating
Why some adopt this diet?
Some belief it’s more nutritious, beneficial to the environment, and supportive of the local community.
Believes it’s a solution to food shortages, climate change and people’s health problems

11. Gluten-free diet
Gluten is a protein found in some carbohydrate foods, including wheat, rye and barley.
There’s been an increase in gluten-free products
People adopt this diet because of having celiac disease or gluten sensitivities
Others believe it contributes to weight loss and improved health
Gluten-free products are not fortified with vitamins and minerals, so they contain fewer nutrients than other grain products

12. Weight-Loss Diets
New, emerging weight-loss programs are constantly being developed and marketed to people wanting to slim down
Many diets are fads that promise unrealistic results that are not supported by scientific research, and they can be harmful to your health
E.g. “Low-carb” diet: body may use proteins and fats to obtain energy. It can also lead people to eat more saturated and trans fat; puts your body at risk of becoming deficient in the nutrients found in carbs such as iron, calcium vitamin C, folate, potassium and magnesium
Rather than follow a restrictive diet, Dietitians of Canada recommend that weight loss be achieved slowly through portion control, a balanced, healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fibre, and exercise. It takes time, patience, and effort.

13. Heart-healthy products
More Canadians are choosing products that they believe are ‘heart-healthy’ choices
Foods considered heart-healthy are: products with Omega-3 fats, reduced or fat free products, and whole-grain products
CVDs were responsible for 29% of all deaths in Canada in 2008.
Since the risk increases with age, heart-healthy products tend to be marketed towards older adults
Tips to keep in mind when choosing heart-healthy products
Buy foods that lower blood cholesterol levels (high in dietary fibre, plant based)
Decrease intake of fat, especially saturated and trans fat
Look for plant-based foods that contain phytochemicals, such as red, orange, and yellow vegetables and fruit

14. Food Legislation
Food label laws are created and enforced at the federal level of government. Health Canada is in charge or establishing the rules and the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency (CFIA) is the government organization that steps in and enforces the rules
Some rules include:
Consumer Packaging and labelling Act and Regulations – states the product’s identity, net quantity and manufacturer or producer’s name
Food and Drugs Act and Regulations- define what foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices are; general labelling and packaging requirements; prohibit labelling or advertising that misrepresents the value, safety or merit of a product; and identify prohibited ingredients and permitted food additives, permitted health claims for food.

15. Misinformation in food advertising
CFIA test foods sold in Canada in order to determine whether food product labels are accurate (e.g. low in fat, sodium or high in fibre, or cholesterol free)
Testing conducted between involved 621 products and CFIA found that 58% failed to be completely accurate when comparing it to the claims on the food label.
E.g. juice claiming to contain 35% RDV of vitamin A per serving actually contained no vitamin A and crackers claiming to contain no cholesterol actually contained mg per serving.
Food producers are required to correct the error