Dempster’s recently conducted a national poll of Canadian Registered Dieticians.
The focus was on what a healthy diet should look like.
There are some promising revelations about carbs. But hey, what else would you expect from a bread company?
Here’s the press release:
TORONTO — Calling all carb-loving Canadians, there’s some good news for 2012. According to a newly released poll, eight out of 10 dietitians across Canada believe diets that eliminate certain foods or nutrients, such as carbohydrates or dairy, are a “quick fix” for losing weight, not a long-term, healthy solution.
In fact, the majority of dietitians (97%) believe by choosing the right carbs people can maintain and even lose weight, which is a much better approach for healthy eating.
“It’s no surprise dietitians consider low carb or no-carb diets to have a negative impact on health in the long run,” states registered dietitian Cara Rosenbloom. “This expert-driven data echoes years of clinical studies which also challenge the elimination of food groups for weight management. A simple trick I share with my patients is to select the good-for-you carbs, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains.”
When It Comes to Carbs, Canadians Need Clarity
Nine out of 10 dietitians believe that Canadians are confused about carbohydrates, and need to understand the role they play in a healthy diet. Overall, dietitians consider the strongest benefits of good carbs to be:
• Energy — For energy and optimal brain and organ function. And according to a clinical study by the Archives of Internal Medicine*, carb eaters feel happier, calmer and more focused.
• Nutrients — Vitamins and minerals such as B-vitamins, iron magnesium, zinc, selenium and is a source of protein. Protein is essential for repairing and maintaining tissue and muscle. Two slices of Dempster’s®WholeGrainsT 12 Grain contain 10 grams of protein.
• Disease Prevention — An important source of fibre, which may help maintain blood sugar and reduce cholesterol levels. People who eat more whole grains also tend to have a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and digestive issues.
Go Ahead, Get Your Carbs
Almost every Canadian dietitian surveyed said that they eat and serve good carbohydrates to their families. This supports Canada’s Food Guide, which states that Canadians should eat 6 to 8 serving of grains, and at least half should come from whole grains such as bread, whole wheat pasta or brown rice — all good carb options.
“Recognized North American health authorities suggest that 45 to 65% of daily calories should come from carbohydrates,” says Rosenbloom. “One of the most versatile, quick and tasty options is whole grain bread.”
Rosenbloom offers the following on-the-go options for busy families:
• Health Conscious: Whole grain toast topped with pressed cottage cheese, strawberries and a sprinkle of cinnamon
• For the Kids: Vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower and sweet peppers with hummus dip
• Before the Gym: Half of a nut butter and banana sandwich on whole grain bread
More of Rosenbloom’s delicious and nutritious ideas can be found in the Dempster’s Meal and Pairing Guide at facebook.com\Dempsters or Dempsters.ca.
Each serving of Dempster’s WholeGrains Breads delivers the full flavour of 100% whole grains and is an excellent source of soluble fibre, which may help reduce blood cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. Each slice also contains protein and eight essential nutrients, and counts as one serving of Grain Products in Canada’s Food Guide.
From bagels and tortillas to the traditional sliced loaf, Dempster’s WholeGrains bread is available in a number of flavourful and nutritious varieties including: 12 Grain, Ancient Grains, Flax, Multigrain, Canadian Century Grains, and Wheat and Oats with Honey. All are approved by the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Health Check program.
* Archives of Internal Medicine, Volume 169 (no. 20), November 9, 2009
About Dempster’s
As Canada’s bakery, Dempster’s has been nourishing Canadians for over 100 years ago when James Dempster founded both the company and the tradition of baking nutritious and great tasting breads.
All Dempster’s breads are baked with 100% Canadian Wheat and are baked fresh daily.
For more information on Dempster’s, please visit www.dempsters.ca or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dempsters.
Survey Methodology
The Research House interviewed 150 Canadian Registered Dietitians during the period of November 28 – December 8, 2011; the margin of error is +/-8.0% at 95%.
