Written by Janna Boloten, MHM, RD | Director of Nutrition and Scientific Affairs at Danone Canada

As dietitians, we share a common goal: to translate complex research into everyday guidance that helps Canadians make healthier choices. To ensure our work at Danone is grounded in the latest science, I recently attended the Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS-SCN) Annual Conference in Halifax. The defining theme was clear: true nutritional health comes from practical, evidence-driven, food-based strategies.

The conference demonstrated that health through food can be achieved in a variety of ways, meaning Canadians can enjoy 'healthy eating' in a way that is relevant, feasible, and sustainable for them – and ideally when a few core food groups are included!

Here is a look at my top takeaways and what they mean for everyday nutrition.

The Power of Whole Grains
Clinical studies consistently show that diets rich in whole grains have a positive association with heart and gut health, and are associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases. Despite these benefits, public intake of whole grains remains below recommended levels due to barriers like taste preferences, labelling confusion, and budgets.

Knowing the science is only the first step; we must provide easy ways to incorporate these foods. Simple shifts—like checking labels for "100% whole grain," exploring new grains like barley and quinoa, or adding oats to your morning—turn clinical evidence into sustainable habits.

Supporting Women’s Health Through Nutrition and Exercise
Navigating dietary guidance is particularly challenging for women as their needs change across life stages, especially during menopause. A dedicated session provided evidence-based updates to address common misconceptions:

• Prioritize Protein Quality: Rather than focusing on highly specific "protein timing" rules, evidence suggests simply eating enough high-quality protein (like eggs, poultry, tofu, or Greek yogurt) to match your daily activity levels.
• Combine HIIT and Resistance Training: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with resistance (weight) training is clinically proven to help women maintain muscle and support bone and heart health at every life stage.

Bridging Nutrients and Diet Quality
Achieving isolated nutrient targets does not automatically equal a healthy diet. We eat whole foods and meals, not isolated ingredients, and if long-term health is the goal, diet quality matters just as much as meeting nutrient targets.

For instance, rather than relying on a fibre supplement or multivitamin to meet daily needs, enjoying a fibre-rich snack—like a prebiotic yogurt paired with berries and oats—provides fibre alongside protein, calcium, and essential vitamins. Effective dietary guidance must look at the whole plate and consider the real-world eating habits and preferences of Canadians.

Translating Science into Lifelong Health
The CNS conference reinforced that effective public health nutrition is rooted in accessible, evidence-driven habits. At Danone Canada, this philosophy guides our work. We are committed to staying current on the latest nutrition research that impacts Canadians, in order to stay relevant as a company, and provide nutrition education as well as nutritious products.