The “plate method” provides a visual guide to healthy eating
Sir: I have seen various responses to Canada’s revised food guide.
In 2017, I was devastated to be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), as it has wreaked havoc on many of my family members.
One of the easiest ways to know how much and what to eat is exemplified by the plate method - regularly promoted by the Centre for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), which appears to me to be one of the most unbiased organizations I know!
Rather than measuring out all my portions of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and fats) and not knowing how exactly to combine them for efficiency and effectiveness, this visual version of the food guide as a plate with proper portioning tells me exactly how much and what to eat.
Perhaps a little research (or teaching) is in order for the general public, but I think that this is one of the best models we can offer!
By following this “plate method,” (albeit a little less heavy on the quarter of carbohydrate allowed) I have achieved a healthy weight and reversed my diabetes.
There is a new paradigm emerging of diabetes as being reversible instead of being chronic and progressive. This has given me hope and determination to maintain my new and improved eating habits!
That, and the satisfaction that these portions afford, due to lessening of insulin reactivity (that previously led to uncontrollable carb cravings).
I would dearly love to promote this healthy method of eating (as opposed to dieting!) to assist others in gaining back their health. Sincerely,
Barbara Ozburn
Bright’s Grove
City should use our tax dollar to properly clear the streets
Sir: We have been very fortunate this year with only one minor snowstorm and two bouts of freezing rain as we draw to the middle of February.
But why is there little to no indication of snow removal, sanding or salting of our residential streets?
I have resided in Sarnia almost five years and have observed little in the way of being proactive with regards to essential services for citizens, but high standards for complacency.
We have radar weather reports indicating far in advance when to prepare for winter fronts moving in, but here in Sarnia, crickets.
I contacted the city after our first snowfall, but it fell on deaf ears. Rest assured, our taxes will increase annually while services dramatically decline.
Let’s put our tax dollars to good use for citizens instead of boasting of a budget surplus.
William Shanessy
Sarnia
The police handling of sexual assault trial was shameful
Sir: Regarding the Feb. 13 court decision that found former gymnastics coach Dave Brubaker not guilty of sexual assault and sexual exploitation, and the criticism levelled by the judge at police handling of the case.
Shame on the Sarnia Police and the investigating officer involved. We as honest, taxpaying citizens trust them to know the legal system, to know the law, and to take the appropriate steps when dealing with sensitive information.
It is the responsibility of police to help our voices be heard, to protect us, and they failed. The not guilty verdict was the exact opposite of what the Crown had set out to achieve.
There are reasons why women don’t come forward to share their stories of sexual assault and sexual abuse. There are reasons why women still feel oppressed in today’s culture.
It is why we lean on each other to have our voices heard, and why we gather together in women’s marches across the world to stand united!
Many women live with the guilt and shame of sexual assault and never speak of the abuse.
To all survivors who come forward to speak their truth, to those brave enough to stand up to sexual abuse, know that you are not at fault.
Amy Spadafora
Sarnia