Less meat and dairy. More plant-based protein and water.

That’s the gist of the new Canada Food Guide unveiled today by Health Canada.

Kevin Boon, the President of the BC Cattlemen’s Association is not surprised by that move, but he’s also not sounding the alarm.

“There are certain essential nutrients that are found in beef and in other proteins that aren’t found in other places,” he said. “The consumer has to really look at whether what they’re eating really best for their body, and everybody is different.”

Boon adds they believe that people need a balanced diet, with both plant and animal based proteins.

“It’s more important to us to make sure that our customers that want our products are happy,” he added. “Those others, that’s a choice that they made. We’re not going to change that.”

“It’s just making sure that we’ve got the products there that our customers do want.”

Boon pointed out that a move to plant-based proteins has been a growing trend in recent years.

The recommended proteins in the new Food Guide include lentils, lean meats, fish, unsweetened milk and fortified soy beverages.

Canadians are also asked to cut down on their intake of processed meats and saturated fats, which can contribute to cancer, diabetes and other diseases.