Canada’s New Food Guide – Protein 25%
Protein foods are to be 25% of the total new plate visual for healthy eating. This can include plant-based protein foods which are an important part of healthy eating. Include foods such as beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, lean meats and poultry, fish, shellfish, eggs, lower fat milk and lower fat dairy products.
Protein foods are good for you.
Protein foods have important nutrients such as:
- protein
- vitamins
- minerals
The new Food Guide recommends Choosing protein foods that come from plants more often. Plant-based protein foods can provide more fibre and less saturated fat than other types of protein foods. This can be beneficial for your heart health.
You don’t need to eat large amounts of protein foods to meet your nutritional needs. Try to eat protein foods such as:
- eggs
- lean meats and poultry
- lean cuts of beef, pork and wild game
- turkey
- chicken
- nuts and seeds
- peanuts
- almonds
- cashews
- nut butters
- sunflower seeds
- fish and shellfish
- trout
- shrimp
- salmon
- scallops
- sardines
- mackerel
- lower fat dairy products
- milk
- yogurt
- lower sodium cheeses
- beans, peas and lentils
- brown, green or red or other lentils
- peas such as chickpeas and split peas
- dried beans such as black beans and kidney beans
- fortified soy beverages, tofu, soybeans and other soy products
Choosing and preparing healthy protein foods.
There are many protein options to chose from. Here are some healthy choices:
Beans, peas and lentils
Choose:
- dried beans, peas and lentils to soak and cook at home
- low sodium canned beans, peas and lentils, or rinse and drain them to reduce the amount of sodium
Nuts and seeds
Choose:
dry roasted nuts and seeds without added:
- sugars
- fat (oils)
- sodium (salt)
peanut butter or other nut butters that list peanuts or nuts as the only ingredient.
Choose ones with little to no added:
- sodium
- sugars
- saturated fat
Fish and shellfish
Choose:
- canned fish with little to no added sodium
fresh or frozen fish and shellfish that has not been:
- breaded
- battered
- deep-fried
Lean meats
Choose:
- skinless poultry
- lean cuts of meat such as round and loin
- fresh or frozen meat, and poultry without rich sauces
- meat prepared with little or no added sodium or saturated fat
Milk and dairy products
Choose:
- lower fat cheeses
- unsweetened lower fat yogurt
- unsweetened lower fat milk
Fortified soy beverages and products
Choose:
- low sodium soy products
- unsweetened fortified soy beverages
Preparing protein foods
Some tips for healthier ways to prepare your food by:
- draining off extra fat after cooking
- trimming the visible fat from meats
- removing skin from poultry before cooking
- limiting the amount of sauces, butter or gravy
Try cooking methods that use little or no added saturated fat.
These include methods such as:
- baking
- grilling
- roasting
- poaching
Enhance the flavour by:
- seasoning with herbs, lemon or salsas
- using small amounts of oils with healthy fats such as olive and canola
Snack ideas
Protein foods make healthy and delicious snacks.
Try some of these options:
- nuts and seeds
- hard-boiled eggs
- oven roasted chickpeas
- hummus with fresh veggies
- peanut butter on celery sticks
- lower fat yogurt with fresh fruit
How to eat more protein foods that are plant based.
Here are some easy ways to eat more protein foods that come from plants:
- Add soft tofu to a blended soup to make it thicker and creamier.
- Try a bean salad, lentil and rice pilaf or a bowl of vegetarian chili for lunch.
- Make your own trail mix by combining your favourite whole grain cereal with a handful of nuts and seeds.
- Spread hummus on the inside of a whole grain pita and fill with vegetables such as romaine lettuce and shredded carrots.
Each week, plan a couple of meatless meals.
As your main course, try using:
- beans in a burrito
- tofu in a vegetable stir-fry
- chickpeas and beans in tacos
- lentils in a soup, stew or casserole
Adding a variety of protein sources to 25% of your plate and choosing more plant-based proteins are a great way to curb your hunger and maintain optimal health.
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