Vietnamese Dietary Guidelines

1. Consume foods according to the body requirement.
2. Mothers milk is the best and most appropriate food for infants. Mothers should eat, drink and sleep sufficiently to have enough milk to completely breastfeed their children during the first four months and continue to have milk as long as 18-24 months. Promote complementary feeding in the fifth month (add oil, vegetable and a protein source to the porridge)
3. Reduce salt intake to below 300grams/month/person
4. Limit sugar consumption. Adults as well as children must not take candy, cakes or sweet beverage before the meal. It is recommended that everyone takes about 500grams of sugar every month.
5. Limit fat consumption. Increase oil intake to an average of 600grams/person/month. Each household should have a jar of sesame-peanut powder with little salt.
6. Consume appropriate amounts of protein-rich food. Eat both animal and vegetable proteins (meat, eggs, milk, beans) and at least three meals with fish per week. Increase the intake of products from soybean such as tofu and soybean milk.
7. Increase intake of fibre. Consume a large amount of vegetable, roots, tubers and fruits; they provide vitamins and minerals. In addition, fibre can help wash out all toxicants and excess cholesterol.
8. Set up a healthy family meals. Build the household VAC ecosystem to ensure a variety of clean and fresh foods to make family meals delicious, wholesome, clean, economical and affectionate. Commonly a meal should consist of rice, soup, vegetables, protein-rich food, dessert and drinking water. A variety of foods should be eaten.

In order to have a good appetite and good digestion, maintain a dynamic, healthy lifestyle. Take up regular and appropriate sports activities. An average of three meals/day is recommended. Avoid big meals in the evenings.

 

Last updated: April 3, 2001.