HealthLink: Tracking Nutrition Trends V Highlights– Canadians’ nutrition attitudes, knowledge and eating habits
The National Institute of Nutrition launched the Tracking Nutrition Trends study in 1989 to investigate the self-reported nutrition attitudes, knowledge and behaviours of Canadians. Results from Tracking Nutrition Trends V released last month provide insight into Canadians’ perspectives on food and nutrition and factors that influence their food choices. The fifth national Tracking Nutrition Trends study surveyed a representative sample of 2405 Canadians by telephone. Conducted in partnership with the Canadian Food Information Council, Tracking Nutrition Trends V builds on previous waves of the study.
According to the 2004 results, when it comes to selecting foods nutrition is almost as important to Canadians as taste, and much more important than cost or convenience. People report that their food choices are most influenced by their desire to maintain good health followed by whether the food provides energy and stamina. Canadians tend to select foods based on their nutrient content as well. Fibre (76%), protein (75%) and vitamins (73%) top the list of specific nutrients that influence their food choices. Mineral content is also a factor - 70% make choices based on calcium content and 55% based on iron content.
Since the 2002 survey there has been a modest increase in those who say they select food based on its fat (70%) or sugar (70%) content. Meanwhile, there has been a large increase (56% in 2004 versus 41% in 2002) in those who report selecting food based on the amount of trans fats. Yet many Canadians do not appear to understand their role in the diet. One in five Canadians (21%) do not know whether trans fats have about the same role as saturated fat in the diet and an additional 11% neither agree nor disagree.
Almost two in three Canadians claim to have changed their diet in the previous year. The key drivers of these changes are a desire to feel better, to lose weight and to stay healthy for old age. The most frequent changes include eating more vegetables and fruit (32%), trying to consume less total fat (25%), reducing sugar intake (18%) and restricting carbohydrate intake (16%). One in three Canadians report that they are currently trying to lose weight. Only 8% claim to have tried a “popular” diet such as Atkins, Weight Watchers or South Beach during the past year. The main efforts to change weight include: exercising (62%), dieting (35%), eating less/reduced portions (11%) and eating healthier (10%).
Dietitians are still perceived as the most credible source of nutrition information. Although product labels, the media and friends and family are the most widely identified sources of food and nutrition information, 28% said they personally got information from a dietitian or nutritionist within the last year.
Consumer Tips
Check out the “Eat Well, Live Well” section of the Dietitians of Canada website for tips and tools to help you achieve your healthy eating and active living goals:
- Take the “Healthy Body Quiz” to find out if your body is in a healthy weight zone and to get feedback on your activity level and tips for active living.
- Try the “Your Nutrition Profile” feature for feedback on how your food choices compare to recommendations for energy (calories), protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
- Use the “Find a Dietitian” feature to search for a consulting dietitian in your area.
HealthLink is an e-mail newsletter from the team of registered dietitians at the Beef Information Centre: a non-profit organization committed to provide credible and timely information. Please share it with colleagues.
To order the 2004 Tracking Nutrition Trends V report, e-mail your request to [email protected] or visit
CFIC website.
Dietitians of Canada website.
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