Table 1.

Examples of healthy eating messages at the surface-level (control) and deep-structure culturally adapted (intervention) for Latinos of Caribbean and non-Caribbean ethnic heritages.

LUCHA theme	USDA MyPlate Spanish (control)	Deep-structure culturally-adapted (intervention)		Deep structure and ethnic-specific adaptation components; as informed by the literature or formative research
		Caribbean	Non-Caribbean
General knowledge	The dietary fiber in vegetables, which are part of a healthy diet, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and can reduce the risk of heart disease	To eat more whole grains, substitute a whole grain product for a refined product, such as eating whole grain bread instead of white bread or brown rice instead of white rice. Remember to substitute, instead of adding the whole grain product	To eat more whole grains, substitute a whole grain product for a refined product, such as eating whole wheat bread instead of white bread or whole wheat tortilla instead of flour tortilla. Remember to substitute, instead of adding the whole grain product	Rice is a staple food in Caribbean cultures Tortillas are a staple food in Mexico and Central and South American cultures Appeal to replace product rather than adding, to maintain adequate energy intake
Culture	Use foods that are familiar to you and prepare new recipes. For example, add curry to chickpeas, cilantro to brown rice, or mango to your salads and smoothies	Caribbean food can be healthy and tasty. To follow a healthier diet that includes meat, just try to make it in small quantities and buy low fat meat! Cuts such as “sirloin” or “lean” ground beef have less fat. Poultry and fish are also a good option	To find healthy foods from your country of origin that taste fresh and delicious, shop in Latino stores!	Address negative attitude among all Latinos that healthy foods are not tasty Address negative attitude among Caribbeans that traditional foods are unhealthy and have large portions Concept of “healthy eating” for Caribbeans means limiting types of foods or nutrients (such as sodium and fat) and controlling portions Concept of “healthy eating” for non-Caribbeans means eating wholesome and fresh food from their country of origin Caribbeans tend to have high intake of red and processed meats and low intake of fish
Eating habits	Eat fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruits instead of cookies, brownies or other sugary sweets	If you crave dessert, eat fresh or frozen fruit instead of ice cream or mantecado, cupcake, or sweet bread. You can make a strawberry shake!	When eating food that has sauce, such as enchiladas, choose a sauce that does not have cream. For example: enchiladas verdes instead of enchiladas suizas	Sweets and desserts are a top contributor to energy in Caribbeans Address perceived barrier (uncontrolled craving of unhealthy food) among Caribbeans Enchiladas are habitually consumed among non-Caribbeans
Access and cost	Use fresh vegetables and fruits that are in season. They are easy to obtain, have more flavor and tend to be less expensive	Seasonal fruits and vegetables are usually cheaper and fresher! There are healthy low-cost meals available all year: beans, cabbage, sweet potatoes or canned tomatoes low in sodium, apples and bananas	Use fresh vegetables and fruits that are in season. They are easy to obtain, are fresh like the products of your country of origin and are usually less expensive. Your local market is a great source of seasonal products	Address the notion among all Latinos that healthy food is expensive Reinforce concept among all Latinos that relate “healthy eating” with more intake of fruits and vegetables Concept of seasonality may be unfamiliar to new immigrants Cost as perceived barrier was more salient for Caribbeans Beans are staple food for Caribbeans Concept of “healthy eating” for Caribbeans means reducing sodium Concept of “healthy eating” for non-Caribbeans means eating wholesome and fresh food from their country of origin
Cooking recipes	Two-step chicken Potato salad Chocolate and yogurt cookies Light white sauce Chicken, vegetable, and brown rice Sweet and sour chicken Pasta salad French bread	Rice with pink beans Chili with beans Light fruit shake Brown rice with vegetables Oven-fried Yucca Yellow plantain with meat casserole Baked tilapia with tomatoes Grilled vegetable kabobs	Chicken Veracruz Fast and Tasty Pumpkin Flan Corn salad Turkey tacos Cod with chickpeas in Harissa sauce Green enchiladas Healthy arepa of broccoli, carrot, paprika, and cilantro Lentil soup	Concept of “healthy eating” for Caribbeans means limiting types of foods or nutrients (such as sodium and fat) and controlling portions; recipes included healthy oils, low-sodium, low sugar, whole grain versions of traditional recipes Concept of “healthy eating” for non-Caribbeans means eating fresh flavorful foods; traditional herbs and spices were emphasized in recipes
Self-control	Cook more at home to control the ingredients of your meal!	It is normal to have cravings. When you eat something unhealthy try to limit the amount. For example, if you are going to eat some potato chips, serve yourself some on a plate and close the bag so you do not eat “without thinking”	When going to a party, walk around the table to see what foods are offered before serving. Save calories with smaller portions. For example, serve yourself a palm sized amount of rice instead of a whole plate of rice	Concept of “healthy eating” for Caribbeans means limiting types of foods or nutrients and controlling portions Perceived barrier (uncontrolled craving of unhealthy food) among Caribbeans Address perceived notion of indulging at special occasions endorsed by non-Caribbeans
Family	Avoid stress at mealtime by planning a weekly menu and posting it in a location for everyone to see, like a chalkboard in the kitchen	When celebrating with the family, remember to serve yourself smaller portions to follow a healthy diet. Staying healthy is important so you can take care of them!	Families can eat healthy together! Try every week for a family member to find a healthy, delicious recipe they want to try as a family!	Concept of “family” for Caribbeans is a motivator for support and caring and a barrier (enabling unhealthy/comfort foods) to eat healthy Concept of “family” for non-Caribbeans is being a role model and having a communal experience when eating (around food)