Official name

Dietary guidelines for Saint Lucia.

Publication year

The Government of Saint Lucia approved the national food-based dietary guidelines in 2007.

Process and stakeholders

The guidelines were developed by the Ministry of Health, Human Services and Family Affairs, with the technical assistance of the FAO, the Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama and the Pan American Health Organization.

They have been officially endorsed.

Intended audience

The guidelines are directed at the healthy population over the age of 2 years.

Food guide

Saint Lucia’s food guide is a traditional ‘coal pot’ (a cooking device using charcoal). The ‘coal pot’ is divided into seven food groups: staples, foods from animals, legumes, fruits, vegetables, fats and oils, sugars and sweeteners. Outside of the pot there are images of people doing physical activity.

Messages

• Always try to eat ground provisions, peas and beans in your meals every day.
• Eat more vegetables and fruits every day.
• Buy less fatty and greasy foods and when you cook, use less fat and oils.
• Use less salt, salted foods, packaged seasonings and salty snacks.
• Choose fewer beverages and foods preserved or prepared with added sugar.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Drink water several times a day.
• Make physical activity part of your daily life.