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  2. Health
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  4. Canada's food guide
  5. Healthy eating recommendations
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Canada’s food guide

Cultures, food traditions and healthy eating

Cultures and food traditions can be a part of healthy eating. Choose healthy foods that reflect cultures and food traditions.

On this page

  • Benefits of including cultures and food traditions as a part of healthy eating
  • How to include cultures and food traditions in healthy eating

Benefits of including cultures and food traditions as a part of healthy eating

Part of the enjoyment of eating is choosing healthy foods that reflect your preferences. Your preferences and eating habits can be shaped by many things, including cultures and food traditions.

Cultures and food traditions can influence:

  • how you eat
  • what you eat
  • when you eat
  • where you get food
  • how you prepare food

Including cultures and food traditions as part of healthy eating can help you:

  • choose foods that you enjoy
  • grow your skills and knowledge
  • learn about cultures and food traditions
  • create a sense of community and foster connections
  • keep your cultural roots and food traditions alive by sharing them across generations and with others

In many cultures, food and food traditions:

  • are central in celebrations
  • play a big part in connecting us to others

Healthy food choices and eating habits can vary widely:

  • around the world
  • between and within cultures

Healthy eating can:

  • be adaptable
  • reflect various cultures and food traditions

How to include cultures and food traditions in healthy eating

Try these ideas to include cultures and food traditions:

  • Attend a community event that celebrates with cultural food.
  • Grow, harvest, fish, hunt and prepare food in traditional ways.
  • Choose recipes that explore different ways to prepare and cook foods.
  • Shop in places that sell the ingredients you need to make traditional foods.
  • Talk with others about where the foods you eat come from and where you get them.
  • Preserve and share family recipes. Recipes and food traditions are a part of family history.
  • Host a potluck where everyone brings a traditional dish and recipe from their family background. Spend time sharing the meaning of these foods.
  • Celebrate occasions and special holidays with cultural food traditions. These are a chance to:
    • learn about different foods around the world
    • promote a wider variety of healthy food choices
    • pass along food traditions and cultural awareness

Further reading

  • Healthy eating for holidays and events
  • Involve others in planning and preparing meals
  • Healthy cooking methods
  • Healthy eating at home
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Date modified:
2020-10-14

Section Menu

  • Healthy food choices
  • Eat a variety of healthy foods
    Expand
    • Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits
    • Eat whole grain foods
    • Eat protein foods
    • Choose foods with healthy fats
  • Limit highly processed foods
    Expand
    • Prepare foods with healthy ingredients
    • Choose healthier menu options
  • Make water your drink of choice
    Expand
    • Replace sugary drinks
      Expand
      • Sugary drinks and your teen
  • Use food labels
  • Be aware of food marketing
    Expand
    • Limit kids’ exposure to food marketing
  • Healthy eating habits
  • Be mindful of your eating habits
    Expand
    • Take time to eat
    • Notice your hunger cues
  • Cook more often
    Expand
    • Plan what you eat
    • Involve others
  • Enjoy your food
    Expand
    • Include culture and food traditions
  • Eat meals with others

For recipes and more food guide resources visit:

Canada.ca/FoodGuide

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