Guías alimentarias basadas en alimentos

Food-based dietary guidelines - Bahamas

Official name

The new dietary guidelines for the Bahamas.

Publication year

The Bahamas launched its food-based dietary guidelines in 2002.

Process and stakeholders

The guidelines were developed in a process led by the Ministry of Health in coordination with the Ministries of Education and Agriculture, the Department of Statistics, universities, non-governmental organizations, the FAO, the Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama and the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute.

Intended audience

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

Food guide

The Bahamas food guide is a goat-skin drum divided into different food groups. At the top of the drum there are images of people doing physical activity.

Messages

  • Use our drum to help you choose a variety of foods daily.
  • Limit the amount of fatty and greasy foods you eat each day as much as possible.
  • Make starchy vegetables, peas and beans a part of your diet.
  • As often as possible, choose foods with less sugar and less salt.
  • Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.
  • Drink plenty of water every day.
  • It is advisable not to drink alcohol, but if you drink, do so in moderation.
  • Make physical activity and exercise a part of your lifestyle.
  • Choose foods for their nutritional value not for the name brand or cost.
  • Breast milk is the best choice for infants to start a healthy life.