Canadians' eating habits

This report is an overview of Canadians' eating habits: total calories consumed and the number of servings from the various food groups, as well as the percentage of total calories from fat, protein and carbohydrates.

The data are from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) - Nutrition. Published results from the 1970-1972 Nutrition Canada Survey were used for comparisons over time.

An initial 24-hour dietary recall was completed by 35,107 people. Asubsample of 10,786 completed a second recall 3 to 10 days later. Data collected in the first interview day were used to estimate, by selected characteristics, average calorie intake and average percentages of calories from fat, protein and carbohydrates. Usual intake of macronutrients was estimated with the Software for Intake Distribution Estimation (SIDE) program, using data from both interview days.

Although a minimum of five daily servings of vegetables and fruit is recommended, 7 out of 10 children aged 4 to 8 and half of adults did not meet this minimum in 2004. More than a third of 4- to 9-year-olds did not have the recommended two daily servings of milk products. Over a quarter of Canadians aged 31 to 50 obtained more than 35% of their total calories from fat. Snacks account for more calories than breakfast, and about the same number of calories as lunch.