Goblackamerica.com
Healthy Eating
The National Medical Association says African-Americans should increase their dairy consumption to 3 - 4 servings a day to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, including hypertension and obesity.
According to the Center for Disease Control, 29% of African-American men and 51% of African American women are considered obese.
The USDA urges American consumers to eat more fruits and vegetalbes - 5 to 9 servings per day. African-American adults, on average, consume only 4.3 servings a day.
Studies have shown that, in general, African- Americans accept larger body size, feel less guilt about over-eating and are less likely to practice unhealthy dieting behaviors such as over-exercising or purging.
Results of a study conducted by the Network for a Healthy California showed that among Blacks who think they should eat more fruits and vegetables, over 75% listed difficulty buying such products at fast food places as the leading barrier. Other barriers were that fruits and vegetables are hard to get at work (64%), hard to buy in restaurants (32%) and too expensive (32%).
Limited access to healthy and inexpensive foods in poor neighborhoods is a major barrier for weight control and good health. Studies have shown that there are fewer grocery stores with affordable fruits and vegetables, whole grains and other healthy, low-fat items close to low-income neighorhoods. Fast food and processed foods are cheaper and more convenient to purchase.