African-American Women: Take Note

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Sisters Rejoice

Dr. Ro’s book provides these ideas to get you started:

1. To change your life, you have to change your mind.
“I was aware as a child that black people had all kinds of health problems because of what they ate,” Dr. Ro says. Having “a touch of sugar,” as her mother called diabetes, described practically everyone in her family and community. People become stuck in a lifestyle, rationalizing that it’s OK to eat unhealthy foods and to avoid exercise. To break out of that pattern, examine your family medical tree to discover any health issues. Ask yourself some tough questions about how you feel, what you eat, and how much activity you get regularly. Be honest with yourself about where you are headed, and make a mental commitment to change.

2. Your body is special: Get it moving.
Black women often have stronger bones than their white counterparts, Dr. Ro says. They typically have more muscle, which is a huge plus when it comes to burning calories. Exercise increases the calorie-burning effect of muscle. Unfortunately, Dr. Ro says, black women often do not exercise to maintain that muscle strength. Therefore, much of this muscle advantage is lost due to inactivity, resulting in excess body fat. This is unfortunate, Dr. Ro adds, because the curvaceous figures that are so valued by black women can be enhanced, not diminished, by exercise. It’s true: If you don’t use it, you lose it.

3. Soul food is good for you.
Really. Just prepare it without all the fat, cheese, fatback, whole milk, and bacon grease. And don’t forget to scale back on huge portions. It’s not that difficult to add some new soul to your old favorites—satisfy your yearning for soul food without sabotaging your resolve to break unhealthy eating habits.