Parents Helping Children To Be Healthier
Using Culturally Inclusive Foods
Culturally traditional foods are portrayed as less healthy. However, food activist and nutrition experts say with certain tips, African-American & Latino families can create better habits with the foods they love.
From fried foods to palm-oil-based stews, traditionally African-American dishes get a bad rap when it comes to health.Popular soul food recipes, like mac and cheese, are linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association . With reasonable portions and ingredient swaps, however, African-American parents can model healthy eating to kids and help them create new relationships with food that still honor traditional meals and culture. Nyemb-Diop, M.S., Ph.D., a nutrition expert, coach, and food activist, offers parents a few tips on how to raise healthy little eaters.