It’s no secret that Canadians are not eating enough fruits and vegetables, but the extent of the problem is something that not many people are aware of. 

According to recent studies, a large number of Canadians are not meeting the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, leaving them at of developing various health conditions. 

In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons why Canadians are not eating enough fruits and vegetables and offer some solutions to help improve their diets.

The Statistics

According to the Canadian Community Health Survey conducted in 2015, only 36% of Canadians aged 12 and older consume the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables. 

This means that more than half of the population (64%) do not meet the minimum dietary requirements of two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables per day.

The problem is even worse among children aged 4-8 years old, with only 25% of them eating enough fruits and vegetables. Even more concerning is that the numbers have been decreasing since 2004.

These statistics show that Canadians are not getting the vitamins and minerals they need from their diets to stay healthy, which can lead to a range of health problems.

The Reasons

There are a few reasons why Canadians may not be eating enough fruits and vegetables. 

The first reason is due to the fact that these foods can be expensive. With rising prices of fresh produce, it is becoming increasingly difficult for some Canadians to afford fruits and vegetables. The cost of processed foods, however, is much cheaper and thus more accessible.

The second reason has to do with access to fresh produce. In some parts of the country, access to healthy, affordable produce can be hard to come by. This can make it difficult for people to find the fruits and vegetables they need in order to maintain a balanced diet.

Finally, many Canadians have busy lives and don't have time to prepare meals from scratch. Fast food restaurants, take-out, and pre-packaged meals are more readily available and often much faster than cooking from scratch. This makes it easier for people to just grab something quick rather than taking the time to prepare a healthy meal.

The Consequences

Not eating enough fruits and vegetables can have serious health consequences. Those who are not consuming adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables are at a higher for developing chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and certain types of cancer. 

Not only that, but those who do not consume enough fruits and vegetables may also be at a higher for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This can lead to fatigue, impaired immune system functioning, weakened bones, and even anemia. 

A lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet has also been linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. 

These mental health concerns can cause additional problems and further prevent individuals from leading healthy and productive lives. 

Not eating enough fruits and vegetables can also have environmental consequences. If individuals are not buying fresh produce, they may be contributing to deforestation and other environmental damage associated with large-scale farming practices. 

Furthermore, the pesticides used on non-organic produce can be damaging to the environment as well. 

It is clear that not eating enough fruits and vegetables can have far-reaching consequences on both individual and environmental health. It is therefore important to recognize the need to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among Canadians.

The Solutions

There are a number of solutions that can help Canadians increase their intake of fruits and vegetables. 

1. Start Slow: For those who find it hard to make drastic changes in their diet overnight, try to slowly introduce more fruits and vegetables into their diet. 

This could include making small changes such as replacing a soda with a piece of fruit, or adding a few vegetables to a sandwich or meal.

2. Educate Yourself: Learning about the nutritional benefits of different fruits and vegetables is a great way to get motivated to add more to your diet. 

Knowing what nutrients they provide and how they can benefit your health can be a powerful tool in encouraging you to make healthier food choices.

3. Eat Seasonally: Eating local produce is not only more affordable but also more likely to be fresher and more nutrient-dense. 

Shopping at farmers markets and joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) are great ways to ensure you’re eating fresh and seasonal produce. 

4. Add Flavor: Fruits and vegetables don’t have to be boring! Get creative with spices and flavors to make them more enjoyable. Experiment with different combinations until you find what works for you.

5. Get the Whole Family Involved: Having the support of your family can make it easier to stick to healthier eating habits. 

Try to involve everyone in the household by having them help with grocery shopping, meal prepping and cooking. This can also help teach children from an early age the importance of healthy eating. 

By following these tips, you can make sure that you and your family are getting enough fruits and vegetables every day.

FAQS

Q: How many Canadians don't eat enough fruits and vegetables?

A: According to the 2016 Canada Food Guide, 57% of Canadian adults consume less than the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables.

Q: What are the reasons for not eating enough fruits and vegetables?

A: There are a number of factors that can contribute to why people aren't eating enough fruits and vegetables. These can include lack of access, cost, cooking skills, taste preferences, and time constraints. 

Q: What are the consequences of not eating enough fruits and vegetables?

A: Not consuming enough fruits and vegetables can lead to a range of health problems, including vitamin and mineral deficiencies, a weakened immune system, digestive issues, obesity, and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. 

Q: What are some solutions for improving fruit and vegetable consumption?

A: Some solutions that could help to improve fruit and vegetable consumption include having them readily available and accessible, making them more affordable, providing educational resources on healthy eating, providing cooking classes or meal-prepping assistance, and promoting the health benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables.