INTRODUCTION: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, disproportionately affecting the developing world and resulting in negative health and economic consequences. Unhealthy diet is a behavioral risk factor for NCDs and like NCDs, the mobile phone is ubiquitous in the developing world. This study investigates the use of text messaging on diet in Saint Lucia. METHODS: A 3 phase study explored using text messages and pamphlets on dietary behavior. Phase I - Pilot Test identified necessary modifications before implementing Phase II. Phase II - pre-tests and post- tests measured behavior. Phase III - focus group discussions explored the participants lived experiences. RESULTS: Phase I: Eight modifications were identified: (1) Two text messages should be sent/ day (2) One at 6:00pm and another at 7:00am (3) Messages should not contain special symbols (4) The text number appear as a specific name (5) Messages should state the desired action first (6) Messages should identify the detrimental things in foods (7) Questionnaires should include a line for participants telephone numbers (8) The consent sheet should be used as the participant opt-in. Phase II: The text message group showed significant decreases between T1 and T2 in consumption of soft drinks (p=.05), chocolate and candy (p=.01), sweet baked goods (p= .01), frozen desserts (p=.002). The text message intervention produced a greater change in consumption of fruit, vegetables, use of grocery lists, and meal planning. Phase III: Participants revealed that message presence and access are crucial for adherence, they value effective and interesting messages as well as mindfulness but messages involving reading, writing and deprivation were most ignored. Participants in the text group provided higher ratings for the intervention regarding overall experience and behavioral impact. Participants indicated that healthy eating is difficult because it is expensive, too time consuming, monotonous, and it is difficult to obtain well balanced meals outside the home. CONCLUSION: Text messaging may be an effective, sustainable, low cost, socially acceptable method of improving dietary risk behaviors for obesity, thereby reducing risk of development of NCDs.