Causes of Obesity: Culture

 

Most people are overweight or obese because they eat too much of the wrong foods and don't exercise enough.  When I think about typical, mainstream American fare, pizza, burger, French fries, hot dogs, beer and soda come to mind.  Notice I said "mainstream."  When I think of the eating habits of African Americans, two things come to mind.  There are other factors but for the purpose of this post, I will focus on two.

Food Prep

Look at any soul food menu worth its grain of salt, no pun intended, and you'll find "greens" (mostly collards, mustards occasionally), yams (sweet potatoes), string beans, cabbage, beans (black-eyed peas, pintos), corn bread, chicken, turkey and fish.  These are healthy foods and most African Americans love them- myself included!  The problem is the way in which these foods are prepared. 

 

For instance, although the use of pork meat and fat (fat back) when cooking vegetables and beans is not as widespread, many still use it to enhance the flavor of food.  A healthier option would be turkey meat or turkey bacon.

 

Excessive use of sugar and butter can lead to weight gain.  The yam is an excellent source of vitamins and because of its naturally sweet flavor, it tastes great plain.   But a common soul food yam recipe calls for sugar, butter and even marshmallows.  Sugar provides empty calories which can lead to weight gain.  Read more about sugar

 

Chicken and fish are great sources of protein when baked, broiled, steamed and eaten without the (chicken) skin.  However, the prep method of choice among many African Americans is frying.

 

Portion size & balance of meals

Like most Americans, African Americans struggle with portion sizes.  The proper serving size of meat is palm-sized but it is common for folks to eat two to three times that amount in one sitting.

 

Finally, the average soul food meal is carb dominant and I am not referring to the vegetables.  A typical meal might include multiple servings of macaroni and cheese, candied yams, corn bread plus dessert; peach cobbler anyone?  The healthier option is to double the amount of vegetables, include a lean protein source and a small serving of pasta, bread, rice, etc.

 

Coming Soon…The exercise factor!