African American Diet - Weight Factors

The traditional diet of African Americans included these foods: eggs, ham, sausages, grits,sweet potatoes (often-times fried), spinach, kale, turnip greens, mustard greens, collard greens, swiss chard, okra, tomatoes, blackeyed peas, legumes, chicken and fish.

The traditional African American breakfast was generally the most hearty meal of the day. We can learn much from this, as when dieters take on this pattern and make dinner the lightest meal of the day, weight loss occurs at a quick rate.

Coffee and tea were generally the common beverages in the traditional African American diet. As a note, lactose intolerance is common in African Americans.

In relation to the old ways, here is how the conventional diet for African Americans has progressed:

- frying is a preferred method of cooking over other methods
- bar-b-que, fried chicken, collard greens, sweet potato pie and cornbread are among foods favored in the modern day African American diet
- the modern day African American diet has increased in sodium intake
- diabetes is on the rise in African Americans

Returning to Tradition & Culture

An important part of weight loss, as well as getting in touch with our Diet History, is incorporating a daily diet that closely mirrors our ancestors. In the African American Diet, the following is a good start in that direction:

Vegetable Group - Incorporate the following foods: Okra, turnips & turnip greens, sweet potatoes, cabbage slaw, succotash.

Bread, Cereal, Grains - Incorporate the following foods: Macaroni, hominy, grits, cornbread, biscuits, rice and hushpuppies.

Protein Group - Incorporate the following foods: fish, lean pork, lean beef and chicken.

Limit fat intake and up activity level to a moderate state.

The introduction of modern foods into the modern day diet has proved disastrous for almost all ethnic groups. Modern foods are fattier foods, richer foods, creamer foods, sugary foods, fast food and super-sized foods and servings.

To read how the ethnic makeup effects an individual's weight click here.

To read how climate effects an individual's weight click here.

Health risks and health benefits associated with ethnic groups which impact weight - click here.

To read how an individual's job and social status effects weight click here.

To read how Spirituality effects weight click here.

To read how Relaxation effects an individual's weight click here.

Ethnic Diet Equation

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