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Nutrition Month 2021
Activity and Ideas Guide
nutritionmonth2021.ca
About this guide
This guide provides background on the Nutrition If you want to work with or feature a dietitian in your
Month 2021 campaign theme as well as ideas for Nutrition Month activities but don’t know how to get in
activities, suggested resources and story ideas for touch, check out Dietitians of Canada’s Find a Dietitian
newsletters, local media and blogs. Join dietitians database www.dietitians.ca/find.
across the country in celebrating Nutrition Month!
Questions? Email nutritionmonth@dietitians.ca
Acknowledgements
A big thank you to the dietitians Katherine Hillier, Ken Mullock, Thank you to Geoffrey Svenkeson,
and students who contributed to Kristen Schott, Lauren Renlund, Michelle Jaelin, Emily Bell,
the development of the Nutrition Oribim Kingson, Rachel Hilts, Piraveena Piremathasan, Christine
Month 2021 campaign, including: Seamus Damström, Tiffany Francis, Jackie Silver, Irena Forbes
Alex Chesney, Brandon Gruber, Manstan Zarifa Salzgeber and and Karen Giesbrecht contributing
Carissa Bellefontaine, Carla Zeina Khawam as well as those their voices and stories in this
Centola, Carrie Verishagen, who responded to member Activity and Ideas Guide and a
Christine Francis, Francy Pillo- surveys and shared feedback on special thank you to Whitney
Blocka, Jane Skapinker, Jessica previous campaigns. Hussain for writing and editing this
Wylychenko, Joby Quiambao, guide.
Jonathan Conti, Karolina Sekulic,
Dietitians of Canada acknowledges the support of
Nutrition Month Official Sponsor Dairy Farmers of Canada
who help bring Nutrition Month 2021 to Canadians.
The content, planning and execution of Nutrition Month is protected by Dietitians of Canada’s Guidelines and Principles for Private
Sector Relationships. The Nutrition Month Sponsor Prospectus is available on the Dietitians of Canada website
Table of Contents
Culture and Food Traditions 6 Activity and Ideas 21
Health Conditions 12 Suggested Resources 23
Personal Circumstances 17 Story Ideas 24
!
MEDIA EMBARGO
Hold unitil February 24, 2021
Nutrition Month materials are made available in advance to help members of Dietitians of Canada
and others prepare activities in their communities. If you are planning to submit a story to your local
newspaper or media outlet, we request that the publication date is not before February 24, 2021.
Questions? Email nutritionmonth@dietitians.ca
Your cooperation helps us ensure the maximum reach and impact of stories featuring dietitians!
© Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved. Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide 3
GOOD FOR YOU.
Dietitians Help You Find Your Healthy.
In our busy, fast paced world, myths and and traditions, preferences and nutritional needs. We
misinformation on the internet, social media and other are uniquely positioned to consider all of these factors
sources make nutrition and healthy eating confusing. when providing advice and guidance. Nutrition Month
Not to mention what is “good for you” is not the same 2021 is an opportunity to share timely examples of
for everyone. There is no one-size-fits all approach to how your work takes these factors into consideration,
healthy eating. Dietitians understand the science of whether you work with clients, communities or the
nutrition and the unique needs of each person based population at large! Topics you will notice in this
on their health, their preferences and their culture and guide include how dietitians nourish patients in long
food traditions. term care, support cultural safety, advocate for social
justice and address restrictive food ‘rules’, myths and
Nutrition Month 2021 will centre on the idea that misinformation.
healthy eating looks different for everyone. Dietitians
will push back against simplified notions of ‘a healthy
meal’ and ‘rules’ and share examples of how culture,
food traditions, health conditions and personal I had the privilege of connecting with a variety
circumstances influence what healthy eating can look of dietitians working in many areas of dietetic
like. The theme was developed through a series of practice with different personal and cultural
conversations with members of Dietitians of Canada. viewpoints when preparing this guide. We
aim to highlight their roles and ability to guide
Canadians to provide personalized advice and
trustworthy information. We hope the glimpses
Why this Theme? into these dietitians’ perspectives will help shape
The focus this year is to highlight how dietitians stand your advocacy efforts and activities this year for
alongside our patients, clients and communities, Nutrition Month.
providing nutrition support and guidance. As dietitians, Whitney Hussain, RD
we recognize that each client has their own culture
4 Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide © Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved.
Key Dates for the 2021 Nutrition Month Campaign
February 24: Public Relations Campaign launch
March 1: First Day of Nutrition Month
March 17: Dietitians Day Celebrations -
virtual community event!
12pm - 3pm ET
New! To bring the DC community together on
Dietitians Day, there will be a bilingual webcast. This
learning and networking event will be free for DC
members - save the date!
Find all the resources to support your Nutrition Month
activities at NutritionMonth2021.ca
© Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved. Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide 5
Culture and
Food Traditions
Culture and food traditions shape how we and our Geoffrey Svenkeson, RD is a
clients eat. Whether it is using a bowl, eating a mixed dietitian who works in Community
meal rather than following a perfect “healthy plate” Dietetics with First Nations
model of eating or being curious and learning from the communities in Saskatchewan.
communities we support, these traditions have impacts
on our nutrition care.
“Food is an essential and central part of life within all Why does this Nutrition Month theme resonate
cultural groups in Canada, and dietetic practice reflects with you?
this rich diversity and complexity. Understanding and
appreciating these many facets is central to our practice The theme of finding your healthy resonates with
so that we, as dietitians, can assist all Canadians in my personal and professional views on wellness. It’s
accessing culturally safe and appropriate food and important to recognize that health does not mean the
nutrition advice, care and support” - The Integrated same thing to all people, nor is it possible for everyone
Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice - to achieve it to the same degree.
Version 3 (2020)
How do culture and food traditions influence
We hope you are able to gather new perspectives conversations you have with clients or
on culture and food traditions through our chats communities?
with the following dietitians: I work with individuals who share culture and lived
• Geoffrey Svenkeson, a dietitian with First experiences that differ from my own. I believe the
Nations communities in Saskatchewan cultural, social, and emotional elements of food are just
• Michelle Jaelin, a TV and media as important as the physical nourishment it provides our
communications dietitian, sharing nutrition, bodies. This lens facilitates conversations with clients
food tips and cultural cuisine content for Asians and communities to build on the wealth of traditional
• Emily Bell, a dietitian with Health Canada knowledge and uphold cultural practices within
evolving food and social systems.
6 Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide © Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved.
The limited amount that I was taught throughout RESOURCES
university about Indigenous Peoples was based on The Dietitians of Canada Aboriginal Nutrition
generalizations. There is such variety among Indigenous Network is a community of dietitians working
Peoples in family units, local communities, and across towards reducing health inequities between
territories. Our formal education focuses on particular Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities,
points in history rather than the dynamics of peoples as well as helping dietitians become confident
and communities with evolving values, beliefs and in providing culturally appropriate care.
practices. As a dietitian, I am always learning with each
unique client. Related sessions available on DC’s Learning
on Demand:
How can resources and tools be adapted to meet • Truth, Reconciliation and Food from Kelly
the needs of First Nations communities? Gordon, Fiona Devereaux, Rhona Hanning
Ask First Nations communities! My nutrition knowledge and Sandra Juutilainen. (Free for DC
and experience in developing programs does not members)
equate to knowing what is best for a community of
Nutritional considerations for northern First
which I am not a member. It is important to recognize
Nations adolescents from Melissa Hardy
that no singular resource is going to resonate with
all individuals. In my practice, I may not even discuss • Part 1 Focus on nutrient deficiency and
food the first time I meet with a new client. I need to chronic disease
get to know the individual before reflecting on how I • Part 2 Food sovereignty and mental health
can best offer support for their health goals and select
Here are some additional resources
relevant resources. As a dietitian, I am always learning
recommended by Geoffrey:
with each unique client. I am fortunate to be part of an
exceptional group of dietitians, who work in Indigenous • Cultural Safety and Humility - First Nations
communities across Saskatchewan, that have vast Health Authority
experience in developing tools and resources. A • Indigenous Ally Toolkit - Montreal Urban
recognized limitation of this group, at present, is that Aboriginal Community Strategy Network
it consists only of settlers as Indigenous Peoples are • Indigenous Canada Course – University of
underrepresented in the field of dietetics. Alberta
• Plate Visual - Dietitians Working with First
Nations Saskatchewan
• Gifts from Our Relations – National
Indigenous Diabetes Association
© Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved. Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide 7
Michelle Jaelin, RD is a dietitian about racism and food?
who works on TV and media
I think it’s important for dietitians to emphasize the
communications, sharing nutrition,
importance of parents exposing their children to many
food tips and cultural cuisine
different food cultures at an early age. Introducing
content for Asian Canadians
new and different foods early on raises good eaters.
Parents should also work on being positive role models
around foods, including unfamiliar ones. New foods
What are some common misconceptions about should always be approached with an open mind and
“healthy eating?” a positive attitude. If you don’t like a particular food
I love this question, because there are many in the or cuisine, it’s disrespectful to say “gross” or “that’s
nutrition world. In the social media space, the images unhealthy” or to turn your nose at it. While it’s ok to not
of healthy eating often only have one look: Raw, like a certain food or cuisine, showing respect for other
plant-based or vegan – with lots of fresh produce and food cultures is a must.
green salads on pristine white countertops, which is
often associated with being clean or virtuous. Another What does the expression “Don’t Yuck my Yum”
misconception is perfectly prepared meals in glass mean?
containers to be consumed throughout the week. While Food is so tied to people’s identities so viewing another
all these examples may be healthy eating for some, culture’s food as “yucky” is parallel to racism and
the reality is it’s highly individual and unique to each othering. This phrase in particular is a response to Asian
person. Healthy eating is different for everyone and food (and people) being seen as “exotic” or “different,”
depends on culture, dietary restrictions, religious beliefs, centering whiteness as the norm or superior. The history
food preferences, cooking skills, nutritional needs, of xenophobia towards Asian Canadians includes
environment and so many other factors. anti-immigration laws and stereotypes of migrant
workers, perpetual foreigners and cheap restaurateurs
I’ve always been fascinated with how different people is expressed in how the food (and people) are seen as
around the world eat. It’s the reason why I went into “yucky” or “foreign.”
nutrition! Coming from a Chinese background, the way
I ate growing up was different from mainstream nutrition If you could tell Canadians one thing about healthy
advice, and I spent many years learning to accept that. eating this Nutrition Month, what would it be?
It’s now something I celebrate, and I encourage other
Forget about all the trendy diets and find your own
dietitians and students to celebrate their own unique
healthy. It may be incorporating a family ancestral
food culture and remain authentic to themselves and
way of cooking and eating from your own culture. I
their heritage.
encourage you to dig deep to find out what that is!
What does anti-racist nutrition advice look like?
How can dietitians help parents talk to their kids
8 Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide © Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved.
The role of dietitians is to assess the diets of their RESOURCES
clients and recommend changes to help them reach Don’t miss the webcast on Dietitians Day
their health goals. Dietitians need to practice cultural (March 17th) for more on providing culturally
competence and cultural safety. This means: safe and appropriate nutrition care.
• Learning about what and how different Here are some additional resources
populations eat. recommended by Michelle:
• Understanding how these foods may not be
what “science” traditionally deems as healthy. • The racism in healthy food: Why we need
• Learning about clients’ dietary patterns to stop telling others what to eat - The
with compassion, without judgment and McGill Daily
recommending changes that the client can do, • Don’t Yuck My Yum: Delicious Kids Books
based on their cultural needs. That Dismantle Anti-Asian Racism
• Having conversations around exposing • “Hearing the Voices”: African American
children to many different food cultures at an Nutrition Educators Speak about Racism
early age. in Dietetics
• Advocating for the client or population to • Japan as Other: Orientalism and Cultural
ensure access to foods they eat. Conflict -Intercultural Communication
• When creating recipes and using one from a • The Western Fetishism with Orientalism -
culture other than your own, avoid saying your Worth the Salt
recipe is “better” or “healthier.”
• Recognize how power imbalances are present
when working with racialized communities
or clients. Providing a safe space for learning
and dialogue to build trust can help empower
clients to reach their health goals.
Anti-racist nutrition is constantly challenging your own
and others’ stereotypes of how and what other cultures
eat. Don’t be afraid to educate, advocate and be a part
of positive change!
© Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved. Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide 9
Emily Bell, MSc, RD is a dietitian How can the Canada’s food guide plate be applied
who works at Health Canada’s to different styles of eating?
Office of Nutrition Policy and
We recognize that there are many different ways to eat
Promotion.
healthily. It’s important to understand that the Canada’s
food guide plate is a visual tool to help support a healthy
pattern of eating.
How does Canada’s food guide address the idea
that ‘Healthy eating looks different for everyone? The foods shown on the plate are only examples of
This year’s nutrition month theme goes hand in hand healthy food choices. These foods were chosen based
with Canada’s food guide, which is designed to be on a number of considerations, such as cost, variety,
flexible and relevant to all living in Canada. The food cultural relevance and availability as fresh, frozen,
guide promotes health and overall nutritional well-being, canned or dried. There are many healthy food choices
and does so by recognizing the diverse contexts within beyond those depicted on the plate. Choosing a variety
which we live, learn, work and play. of different foods within each food grouping can help
meet nutrient needs while at the same time aligning with
The food guide recommends a variety of healthy foods a preferred eating style.
and acknowledges that there are many different ways to
make healthy choices. It encourages everyone to enjoy In addition, the size and amount of each food shown on
their food and make choices that reflect their personal the plate is not meant to show how much to eat at one
preferences, culture and traditions, budget, life stage time. Rather, the plate demonstrates the proportions of
and lifestyle. Furthermore, it recommends cooking food groupings in relation to one another as a visual cue
more often, allowing people to make foods and choose or reminder to follow when building healthy meals and
ingredients that they like and that work for them and snacks. It helps to communicate our recommendation
their families. that vegetables and fruits should make up the largest
proportion of foods throughout the day.
Eating according to the food guide can help Canadians
reduce their risk of developing certain chronic diseases. This concept of proportionality can be used whether
Health Canada recommends that individuals with meals or snacks are served on a plate, in a bowl, on a
specific dietary requirements should seek additional shared platter, buffet-style or others. It applies to snacks,
guidance or specialized dietary advice from a registered breakfasts, mixed dishes and family meals – and even to
dietitian. smaller portions for younger children, who may require
less food.
10 Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide © Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved.Why did Health Canada choose to recognize RESOURCES
culture and food traditions in the new food guide?
Canada is a country that prides itself on its diversity, and Here are some additional resources
so the inclusion of culture and food traditions in the new recommended by Emily:
food guide is important. Culture and food traditions can • Canada’s food guide recipes
influence how, what and when people eat, as well as • Translated Food guide snapshot
the ways we learn and share food skills. Celebrating and • Adjust recipes to meet your needs
sharing cultural food practices across generations and • Cultures, food traditions and healthy
with friends and neighbours keeps food traditions alive, eating
while fostering a sense of community and contributing
towards the development of food skills and knowledge.
Canada is large and geographically diverse with many
different food options available throughout its regions.
Including culture and food traditions in Canada’s food
guide encourages people to choose foods they enjoy
and that are available to them, recognizing that healthy
food choices and eating habits can vary widely.
The food guide also acknowledges that in Canada,
there are a variety of cultural backgrounds and
languages spoken. To help make the food guide
more accessible to our diverse population, the food
guide snapshot is currently available in 31 languages,
including 9 Indigenous languages. All snapshots
were reviewed by dietitians who speak the respective
language.
© Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved. Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide 11Health Conditions
Dietitians support individuals with an array of health Piraveena Piremathasan, P.Dt,
conditions using their evidence-based knowledge CDE, CBE is a dietitian who
and expertise. We collaborate with fellow health works in the Cardiometabolic Risk
professionals to tailor the nutrition focus for both the Program and General Services at
client’s health needs but also for their own informed a multicultural community health
centre within the CIUSSS West-
decision desires.
Central Montreal.
The following the dietitians provide their
perspective on supporting individuals with a
What are some common misconceptions that you
patient-centered focus:
hear about healthy eating in your practice?
• Piraveena Piremathasan, a dietitian who works The one thing I hear most frequently is how you have to
in a Cardiometabolic Risk Program forego the pleasures of enjoying food when one lives
• Christine Francis, a dietitian who works in a with diabetes or people living with diabetes can’t eat
long-term care facility sugar or carbohydrates. As a result, the misinformation
• Whitney Hussain, a dietitian who supports pushes people to cut out foods that have always been
surgical and home tube feed clients in the part of their diet. The question I ask these clients is “are
community you satisfied with the way you’re eating?” I believe we
need to focus on balance and accepting all foods in
our diets, without imposing labels on certain foods or
eating patterns. All food is healthy as long as you are
conscious of the choices you make in relation to your
health motivators and values. As a dietitian, I emphasize
on how eating can be both nourishing and a satisfying
experience.
12 Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide © Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved.What challenges do you face while helping your
clients find their healthy? RESOURCES
Assumptions of our role as a dietitian can be a challenge The Diabetes, Obesity and Cardiovascular
and that it is more than just providing basic nutritional Network is one of DC’s largest networks
advice. Having a good line of communication with providing leadership and support to dietitians,
our colleagues to discuss nutrition interventions in a providing innovative services, sharing
collaborative way is important. knowledge and resources and facilitating
collaborations.
I often get referrals for restrictive diets to support
my clients. If the interventions suggested by health For client resources and the latest in evidence-
professionals differs from my assessment, it’s imperative based practice, visit pennutrition.com. There
to have open conversations to understand the views are many culturally adapted handouts available,
of the referring physician, provide my professional including on diabetes.
thoughts and build a care plan tailored to the client.
Find healthy eating resources on topics like
When I work with a new client, my assessment includes diabetes at www.unlockfood.ca
their medical history, medications, social supports,
Here are some additional resources
financial circumstances and food accessibility before
recommended by Piraveena:
deciding with them what the best approach is for their
nutrition plan. I work with clients to personalize eating • Diabetes Canada
patterns that fit their cultural and food preferences, • Diabetes Quebec
financial situation and time constraints. It has always • Association of Diabetes Care & Education
been a gratifying experience helping my clients ‘find Specialists
their healthy’ based on their values, unique needs and • Diabetes Educators Calgary
readiness. • Weight Neutral for Diabetes Care
© Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved. Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide 13What challenges arise when loved ones state that
Christine Francis, RD, DDEPT the residents should be on an overly restrictive diet
is a dietitian who works in a long- in order to be “healthy”?
term care facility managed by
This appears to be more common than not, both
Extendicare Inc.
when communicating with the residents’ loved ones,
along with the circle of care. The notion that overly
restrictive diets to manage and treat health conditions
is a collective understanding, whereas recent research
What does “healthy eating” mean in the context of has demonstrated the importance of liberalizing
a long-term care setting? diets and oral intake in long term care (for example,
In long-term care facilities, the focus shifts from treating discontinuation of a “diabetic diet” and focusing on
acute illnesses and managing chronic diseases, to diabetic interventions instead). In turn, this creates an
promoting quality of life. Each resident’s care plan and opportunity for the dietitian to provide education and
goals are much different than the others, where one may awareness in regards to the impacts that restrictive
require supplements to support their weight and oral diets may cause, along with outlining the importance
intake, and others may require additional interventions of adequate nutrition and hydration. Therapeutic
to maintain adequate hydration and normalize their diets are available, ordered as clinically required and
electrolytes. Whether it is maintaining their current level assessed by the facility’s dietitian in collaboration with
of functioning, ensuring they are still able to safely chew the interprofessional team with the resident’s care top of
and swallow, or providing comforting foods, the wishes mind.
and rights of the residents are always respected and
considered. Because of the nature of living within a
long-term care facility, and usually requiring assistance
with the activities of daily living, residents often look
forward to their mealtimes where they are able to dine
together and enjoy a meal in a communal setting.
Having a choice between menu options and entrees
creates a sense of belonging and autonomy for the
residents, while allowing them to still feel involved in
their care and decision making.
14 Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide © Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved.RESOURCES
The Dietitians of Canada Gerontology Network Whitney Hussain, RD is a dietitian
is one of the largest DC networks. Whether who supports surgical and home
tube feed clients in the community.
you work in a hospital, long term care, or the
community, this network will support your
practice and skills to manage seniors’ health
conditions and quality of life through nutrition.
How is the Nutrition Month theme applicable to
Related sessions available on DC’s Learning your practice?
on Demand: When most of us think of the eating process, we think
• Best practices for nutrition, food services of consuming food through our mouths. I have the
and dining in LTC with Dale Mayerson privilege to work with individuals requiring tube feeding
• Improving intake with self-directed dining where meals look a little different. I have worked with
for residents in LTC with Stefanie Finch RD, many individuals in hospital but now privately in the
Cathy Mesner RD and Suzanne Quiring RD community where they are experiencing a huge
• Making the Most of Mealtimes (M3): transition from eating by mouth to primarily via tube.
Improving food intake in long term care It’s overwhelming and scary, but my role is to bring
with Natalie Carrier PhD, RD, Heather Keller normalcy to their new feeding routine! It’s not having
PhD, RD and Christina Lengyel PhD, RD “feeds” but rather “meals” or “snacks.” It’s taking flushes
• Diabetes management for older adults of water throughout the day like how we would sip
with Jodi Crawford RD and Anar Dossa on fluids. It’s giving the client the choice of when they
RPh, CDE want to eat rather than structured three meals a day.
It’s providing all the options available to them for their
administration of meals, via pump, gravity, syringe or a
Here are some additional resources mix of them all. And it’s giving the client the choice of
recommended by Christine conventional formulas or blended meals because they
• Meal planning In Long Term Care And should have control over what nourishes their bodies.
Canada’s Food Guide - Dietitians of
Canada What does “healthy eating” mean in the context of
• A Guide to Healthy Eating for Older a tube feeding?
AdultsOverall recommendations and My goals of a “healthy” tube feed is ensuring they
guidelines to support healthy eating in meet their nutritional needs. But that’s the easy part.
older adults - UnlockfFood.ca The biggest challenge is the transition to adjusting to
• Nutrition guidelines for seniors that are 65 feeding via tube when they are back home. As part of
years and older - Alberta Health Services research I am involved with looking at the experiences
• Summary of effects of following restrictive of tube feed users in the community and the anecdotal
diets in older adults - PEN: Practice-Based experience from clients, common themes are trying
Evidence in Nutrition to understand and navigate a confusing health care
system and knowing who to refer to for advice. They
are experiencing a medical diagnosis related to their
reasons for tube feeding (like cancer, an accident,
stroke) alongside learning a new method for feeding
that involves medical equipment, new terminology and
a new tube connected to them. That’s a lot to cope with
all at once. They sometimes feel isolated since they feel
they no longer can have meals with their loved ones like
before, impacting their social connections. It brings me
© Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved. Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide 15so much fulfilment being able to see my clients become
confident in their new way of eating, being independent,
and working together to make their meals integrated in
their lifestyle so it doesn’t impact their quality of life. This
involves meeting and working with their loved ones to
be part of the process so they too can better understand
the user’s meals so it’s no longer an “uncomfortable”
meal time experience and that this is just a different
way to eat. And that the possibility of blending family
meals is totally an option! Every time I work with a new
client, they teach ME new tips and tricks and provide
such immense insight on ways I can become a better
healthcare provider.
RESOURCES
The Dietitians of Canada Home Care Network
is a group of passionate members promoting
the critical role of dietitians within the
interdisciplinary home care teams across
Canada. Not only can home care dietitians
optimize nutrition intake of individual clients
living at home, they can also help clients:
maintain independence, reduce health care
spending, and lower risks associated with
malnutrition, tube feeds and falls.
Here are some additional resources
recommended by Whitney:
• My Patient Refuses Commercial Tube
Feed Formula, Now What? - DC Learning
on Demand
• Blenderized Feeding Options: The Sky’s
the Limit - Practical Gastroenterology
• Home Tube Feeding with Blenderized
Foods - The Oley Foundation
• Best Practices for Nutrition, Food Service
and Dining in Long Term Care Homes -
PEN: Practice-Based Evidence in Nutrition
16 Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide © Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved.Personal Circumstances
Personal circumstances can also shape the nutritional which means there are many opportunities for dietitians
needs of the Canadians who dietitians support and to work with this population.
ensuring equity is critical. Advocating for social justice
and considering factors that impact a client’s ability What assumptions do healthcare providers make
to implement nutrition recommendations all play an when counselling patients with a disability?
important part of nutrition care. From personal experience and conversations with
others, weight stigma is prevalent among many
The following the dietitians provide clinicians who assume that people with disabilities
their perspective: don’t or can’t exercise and may unfairly blame
someone’s mobility level and health status on their
• Jackie Silver, person of disability advocating for weight. Clinicians should be aware how difficult it is for
people with physical and intellectual disabilities people with disabilities to maintain their weight when
• Irena Forbes and Karen Giesbrecht are dietitians they spend much of their time sitting (despite being
working in community food and HFI advocacy physically active). Instead, providers can ask questions
in Metro Vancouver & the Fraser Valley, BC like “what kinds of physical activity do you do?” or “what
are you able to do in the kitchen in terms of cooking
and food prep?” to obtain non judgemental insight.
This is why I take a non-weight-centric approach with
Jackie Silver, RD, is a dietitian who
clients and would rather see them making sustainable
advocates for people with physical
behaviour changes which improve quality of life.
and intellectual disabilities
What can a dietitian do to meet accessibility needs
of their clients?
Why does this Nutrition Month theme resonate
with you? Before meeting with clients, you can check to ensure
your workplace is physically accessible (ramp and
The Nutrition Month theme resonates with me because elevator; spaces are wide enough to accommodate
people with physical (such as spinal cord injury or wheelchairs, accessible parking available). Inform
cerebral palsy) or intellectual disabilities (such as autism the client in advance if the space has accessibility
or Down’s Syndrome) have unique nutritional needs constraints and ask if there is anything you can do
that often differ from the general population and thus to improve the experience. With COVID-19, most
it is crucial to tailor nutrition advice to each individual. counselling has gone “virtual” which is much more
Further, one in five Canadians over the age of 15 (about convenient for the disability population.
6.2 million people) has one or more kinds of disabilities --
© Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved. Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide 17During the counselling session, come up with creative
ways to problem solve. For instance, a client who is Irena Forbes, RD and Karen
quadriplegic and has poor hand motor function may Giesbrecht, RD are dietitians
have a hard time cooking but may love selecting working in community food and HFI
recipes each week, which helps them get involved in advocacy in Metro Vancouver & the
Fraser Valley, BC.
their meal prep. A client experiencing chronic pain and
fatigue may often not have the energy to prepare meals.
Recommend simple, energy efficient ways to eat healthy
by choosing nutritious frozen options or take-out from
restaurants. It’s also important to keep in mind that Why does this Nutrition Month theme - find your
individuals with disabilities may be struggling financially, healthy - resonate with you?
so focus on making budget-friendly recommendations. There are some universal recommendations for
nutrition, such as eating more fruits and vegetables,
yet what is healthy and manageable for us can change
TIPS TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY OF
in the different seasons of our lives. The COVID-19
NUTRITION ADVICE ONLINE pandemic impacts how we all cope. In addition, some
These steps will make people with disabilities feel people care for multiple generations in their family.
seen and included in your content: Some do not have access to a kitchen, or compromise
the quantity and quality of food they consume because
• Add an image description for those with they cannot make ends meet.
visual impairments
• Include captions on videos for people who The latter is known as Household Food Insecurity (HFI),
are deaf or the inadequate or insecure access to food because
• Include images of people with varying of financial constraints. This limits how people “find
disabilities to be more inclusive their healthy.” Everyone has the right to adequate and
personally acceptable food, but that is not the case for
many in Canada, and beyond our borders.
RESOURCES How can I understand the experiences of HFI when
providing nutrition counselling?
Here are some additional resources
People experiencing HFI can be defensive about their
recommended by Jackie:
life and rightly so. Our vulnerable neighbours may
• Position of the Academy of Nutrition and overindulge in shame and grief as they struggle to cope.
Dietetics: Nutrition Services for Individuals Everyone has their unique strengths and faces their own
with Intellectual and Developmental barriers. Start with being curious. As dietitians, we know
Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs nutrition, but not our clients’ life experiences. Storytelling
• Nutritional Health Considerations for and story-listening can be transformative.
Persons with Spinal Cord Injury
• How to make social media more
accessible
• Inclusive Design for Social Media: Tips for
Creating Accessible Channels
18 Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide © Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved.• Language matters. Asking “where do you buy
food?” assumes financial means. Instead, try RESOURCES
“how do you access food?” The Household Food Insecurity Network
• Ask about assets and constraints. Is there (HFIN) provides support to Dietitians of Canada
space for food prep and storage? Or access to members who are involved in household
transportation? food insecurity (HFI) and poverty reduction
• Hydration is a good starting place for work by facilitating access to practice tools
assessment. However, clean water may not be and resources, professional education and
readily accessible, especially for individuals networking opportunities. The Network also
without a home, or who live in remote supports DC advocacy work, as HFI is identified
communities. as a priority issue.
• Do not assume people have strong literacy
skills and access to technology, or that a lack
of income means there is a lack of education, Related sessions available on DC’s Learning
budgeting skills, or food literacy. on Demand:
• Address systemic inequalities including • Household food insecurity: How
colonialism and racism that disproportionately should dietitians respond? with Delone
impact individuals and communities Abercrombie MPH, RD and Donald Barker
experiencing HFI. MA, RD
• Advocate with clients for adequate income and • Applying research and advocacy to
systemic changes, such as policies that provide household food insecurity with Joy
jobs with livable wages and benefits. This is the Hutchinson MSc, RD, Mary Ellen Prange
only way to address the root cause of HFI. MHSc, RD and Valerie Tarasuk PhD
Abundant food and adequate income is a privilege. In
response, we honour the resilience of those who live
with the stress of poverty and its ripple effects. We may Here are some additional resources
have good advice to give, but it will only help when our recommended by Irena and Karen
clients have a secure home and the income to stock • Addressing Household Food Insecurity
their kitchen cupboards. in Canada: Position Statement and
recommendations - Dietitians of Canada
• Proof Canada
• Food Secure Canada
© Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved. Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide 19Sponsored
What nutritional challenge facing Canadians today
Isabelle Neiderer, RD would you like to highlight?
is a dietitian with
There is no doubt that there are many barriers to
Dairy Farmers of Canada
healthy eating. While some people over consume
nutrients that are important to limit, Canadian diets
are also often low in several essential nutrients crucial
for health. Calcium, which is essential for optimal
Why does the Nutrition Month 2021 theme bone health throughout life, is particularly important
resonate with you? in this regard. Calcium intake from food sources has
I have no doubt that the 2021 Nutrition Month significantly declined over an 11-year period between
campaign will be very relevant to many people. CCHS 2004 and 2015 resulting in widespread
Given the various cultures, food traditions, personal calcium inadequacy across the Canadian population.
circumstances, preferences, preoccupations and Dietary calcium inadequacy affects an alarming 82%-
nutritional needs, everybody is unique and so is their 86% of girls 9-18y, 66%-73% of boys 9-18y, 73-94%
diet. Canadians also need the help of dietitians to cut of women 19-70y, 44%-64% of men 19-70y and more
through all the nutrition misinformation and confusion than 90% of men and women 71+y. This decrease
out there in order to best support their health. They in dietary calcium intake between 2004 and 2015
need practical tips and advice too on how to eat a in the population is associated with a decrease in
healthy diet as they juggle the many pressures of daily the intake of milk products over that period. As we
life. So this year’s campaign is sure to hit the mark encourage Canadians to eat healthful diets rich in
and help guide Canadians toward healthy eating fruit, vegetables and other plant-based foods, let’s not
decisions for themselves and their family. forget the importance of meeting essential nutrient
needs for overall health and wellbeing. To find out
more about this important topic and obtain other
Do you have any suggestions for dietitians as they
relevant information, visit dairynutrition.ca and the
plan their Nutrition Month activities?
resources offered by DFC in the DC digital exhibit hall
Get involved any way you can because Canadians (Starting February 2021).
need your trusted words of advice! To support the
education efforts of dietitians across the country, How long has DFC been supporting Nutrition
Dairy Farmers Canada (DFC) is pleased to offer an
Month?
impactful, educational poster again this year. In
addition, we produced a series of digital versions DFC is proud to have supported the Nutrition Month
featuring a diversity of individuals and meals that program for over 30 years. Encouraging Canadians
showcase how the many factors that influence to eat well and live a healthy lifestyle is important to
food decisions can be synonymous with healthful DFC and its team of registered dietitians. Research
diets. The poster can be ordered in French and indicates that the Nutrition Month campaign motivates
English, free of charge, on the DFC website at the majority of Canadians to improve their eating habits
DairyNutrition.ca/2021. We also offer a number which makes this an important initiative to support.
of wholesome recipes on Cookspiration and in
There is also a natural fit with milk products given their
the Nutrition Month Recipe e-Book (available at
high nutritional value. I would like to wish every dietitian
www.NutritionMonth2021.ca) to help people put
a very successful Nutrition Month!
nutrition advice into practice. People can also visit
our website at DairyFarmersOfCanada.ca for more
tasty and nutritious recipes. Furthermore, I invite
everyone to visit our special website WhatYouEat.ca
(French MonAlimentation.ca) for more exciting tools
and information. We hope dietitians will find these
resources useful.
The content, planning and execution of Nutrition Month is protected by Dietitians of
Canada’s Guidelines and Principles for Private Sector Relationships.
The Nutrition Month Sponsor Prospectus is available on the Dietitians of Canada website
20 Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide © Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved.Activity and Ideas
Make this the year you take part in the campaign! 2. Share the free Recipe e-book!
This year may feel a little different as we advocate for Share the free, downloadable e-book containing
our profession during the time of a pandemic. There are 15 nourishing recipes, hand-picked by dietitians
many ways to share Nutrition Month content to engage to celebrate Nutrition Month 2021. Available from
those around you, to promote dietitians, the value NutritionMonth2021.ca
you bring in your workplace and your community… • Consider printing colour copies of the recipe
but virtually! Plan a Nutrition Month activity using the e-book and mailing to your social media
resources available at NutritionMonth2021.ca and followers as a giveaway prize!
included in this guide. • Share a link to the resource in your workplace’s
newsletter
1. Get social!
Adapt the posts in the Nutrition Month 2021 Social 3. Try a new recipe!
Media Toolkit, or create new content using the In addition to the recipe e-book, there are new recipes
story ideas in this guide for social media or for your for Nutrition Month in Cookspiration that are perfect
newsletters and websites. Don’t forget to include for sharing! Cookspiration is a free, bilingual app and
#NutritionMonth in your tweets and direct your followers website from Dietitians of Canada.
to www.nutritionmonth2021.ca Cookspiration.com
• Find graphics sized for use on websites, email • Organize a virtual cooking class featuring one
signatures and social media banners in the of the recipes
Nutrition Month resource on Dietitians.ca • Work with your cafeteria to feature and promote
• Follow @DietitiansCAN and @UnlockFoodCA a recipe weekly
to see a digital campaign that promotes • Make recipes at home and post the results
dietitians, starting in March! on your social media channels using the
#NutiritionMonth hashtag
Share photos with the DC community by tagging • Download and promote the Cookspiration app
@DietitiansCAN and using #NutritionMonth with your patients and clients
© Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved. Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide 214. Give a (virtual) presentation! discuss key issues. Share photos and proclamations on
Our presence has pivoted to being virtual during this social media with the hashtag #NutritionMonth. Sample
time so consider ways to engage the public in an online proclamation templates can be found in the Nutrition
setting: Month Resources on Dietitians.ca.
• Virtual presentations to organizations or your
workplace 9. Start a celebration
• Virtual cooking classes using recipes from the Dietitians Day falls on March 17, 2021. It’s the perfect
Nutrition Month recipe e-book, Cookspiration. time to promote the profession. Use social media to
ca wish your dietitian colleagues a happy #DietitiansDay
• Provide brief nutrition tid-bits through Instagram and to educate Canadians about our profession. Don’t
or Facebook lives, or develop an educational forget to organize a virtual video get-together with your
video for TikTok local dietitians and to join the DC webcast!
• Share your personal dietitian story and how
you help your communities find their healthy 10. Start a conversation
through a YouTube video or Instagram post Dietitians are important members of interprofessional
teams and have a significant impact on the health
5. Write about it! of patients, clients and communities. Take action by
Get inspired by the Dietitian interviews and story ideas connecting with doctors, other health care providers
featured in this guide to write articles for your workplace and community leaders to discuss the types of clients
newsletter, website, blog or social media accounts. with whom you can have the most impact and the best
Ask your Human Resources or Communications way to refer them to you. Connect with your HR
department to share it on your work’s intranet site or representatives and colleagues to ensure dietitian
communications bulletin. You can also submit an article services are covered in your workplace extended
to a community newspaper to share the message on a health benefits!
wider scale!
6. Share at your workplace!
Use content from the Suggested Resources and the ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Social Media Toolkit as inspiration to write tips to share (FREE FOR DC MEMBERS)
in the elevators, lunchroom, stairwells, water-cooler area, When someone asks what it’s like to be a dietitian,
cafeteria, common room, staff bulletin board or your how do you answer? You might tell them about a
work’s intranet site. Or organize a virtual wellness activity client that made great strides in improving health
with your colleagues to share the Nutrition Month because of your advice, or the critical role you play
theme. Direct people to NutritionMonth2021.ca for more in a hospital patient’s recovery. Maybe your story is
information! about working with community partners to increase
access to healthy food or teaching food skills to
7. Share via email! young children.
You can promote Nutrition Month with every email you
send! Add a graphic found in the Social Media Toolkit Stories are an important part of making an
to your email signature and you’ll be sharing Nutrition emotional connection with decision-makers to
Month messages every time you press “send.” advocate for policy change, while also inspiring
other dietitians on their professional journey. The
8. Organize a proclamation Advocacy Toolkit is a collaborative learning space
to learn the skills to influence change. Access the
Take the lead and reach out to local politicians to
Toolkit at Dietitians.ca/advocacy and share your
arrange an official proclamation for Nutrition Month
stories in the discussion forum.
and/or Dietitians Day (which is March 17, 2021) and to
22 Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide © Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved.Suggested Resources
In addition to the resources at NutritionMonth2021.ca and those suggested throughout this guide, use the resources
from UnlockFood.ca to remind Canadians that Dietitians can help them find their healthy!
Culture and Food Traditions Personal Circumstances
All about homemade baby food Nutrition tips for shift workers
Managing family meals Tasty meals when cooking for one
Cooking with kids 10 tips for planning meals on a budget
Cooking with kids of different ages
About Dietitians
Health Conditions
How can I find a dietitian near me?
Eating well with Celiac disease
What can I expect when I go and see a dietitian?
10 heart healthy kitchen tools
Is there a difference between a dietitian and a
Diverse Foods and Flavours: Healthy Diabetes nutritionist?
Recipe Booklets
Top 5 reasons to see a dietitian
Healthy habits to cope with stress
What kind of training and education does a dietitian
Allergies and Intolerances have in Canada?
© Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved. Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide 23Story Ideas
For Newsletters, Local Media, Social Media and Blogs
Every year, dietitians, students and others share Referencing Materials
hundreds of stories during Nutrition Month that are
If you use or adapt Nutrition Month materials, please add
evidence-based, practical, helpful and often include
this reference note:
recipes to illustrate a point. Writing an article for your
workplace newsletter, website, blog or creating content
Adapted from the Dietitians of Canada’s Nutrition Month
for social media is a great way to promote healthy eating
materials. Find more information about Nutrition Month
habits and to help others become familiar with the role
at NutritionMonth2021.ca
and value of a dietitian. What will you write or post
about this year?
HERE ARE SOME TOPIC IDEAS TO SPARK YOUR
CREATIVITY!
You can refer to the resources in this guide, including
the suggested resources list, to support your content!
If you are planning a media segment or column for Culture and Food Traditions
your local newspaper, contact media@dietitians.ca for • Why does this Nutrition Month theme resonate
suggested key messages and additional information. with you?
• How do culture and food traditions influence
How to amplify your content conversations you have with clients or
communities?
• Ask the Human Resources or Communications
• How can resources and tools be adapted to
department at your workplace to share articles
meet the needs of clients or communities?
on the intranet site, social media channels or
• What assumptions do health care providers
communications bulletin.
make when giving food and nutrition advice?
• Submit an article to your community newspaper
• How can dietitians help parents talk to their kids
• Write a blog post and share it on social media
about racism and food?
and tag @DietitiansCAN
• What does the expression “Don’t Yuck my Yum”
• Create a vlog, Instagram story or Facebook live
mean?
• Contribute your piece to an established blog or
• How can Canada’s food guide plate be applied
website
to different styles of eating?
24 Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide © Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved.Health Conditions Personal Circumstances
• If you could tell Canadians one thing about • What are common misconceptions about
healthy eating this Nutrition Month, what would “healthy eating”
it be? • What are assumptions healthcare providers
• What might surprise Canadians about your area make when counselling patients about food
of practice? and nutrition how can they be avoided?
• What challenges do you face while helping • What questions do you ask to ensure your
your clients ‘find their healthy’? advice meets the needs of your clients?
• What does patient or client centered care look
like in your area of practice? About Dietitians
• How do you decide which dietary pattern is
best for your client? • How can I find a dietitian near me?
• How do you counter assumptions about • What can I expect when I go and see a
dietitians in your field made by other health care dietitian?
providers? • Is there a difference between a dietitian and a
nutritionist?
• Top 5 reasons to see a dietitian
• What kind of training and education does a
dietitian have in Canada?
• Where do dietitians work and what do they do?
• Are dietitians covered by employee health
benefits?
© Copyright Dietitians of Canada 2021. All rights reserved. Nutrition Month 2021 Activity and Ideas Guide 25GOOD FOR YOU. Dietitians Help You Find Your Healthy. Visit NutritionMonth2021.ca for more resources and information Dietitians of Canada / Les diététistes du Canada 99 Yorkville Ave, Second Floor Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 1C1 T H A N K Y O U TO TEL : 416.596.0857 THE NUTIRITION FAX : 416.596.0603 MONTH OFFICIAL Email : contactus@dietitians.ca SPONSOR: www.dietitians.ca | www.dietetistes.ca
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