A Young Woman's Ode to Overweight

At a time when overweight affects over 60 percent African American women, young women are especially at risk. However, we can and must learn to recognize cultural norms and use them to "teach" young people about health. One of my twenty year old daughter/niece/sister friends is into spoken word and recited a poem to me that she'd written after interacting with a classmate. It touched me because I realized it's going to take a lot more than telling someone to eat fruits and vegetables to turn around the epidemic of overweight in the African American community. We're going to have to focus on the whole body, mind and spirit to get the message of healthy living across. For a starter I found these 5 healthy living tips for twenty-something women on the web:

1. Start an exercise routine of cardiovascular exercise and strength training to benefit your general health and well-being.

2. Eat right to help maintain your weight plus prevent chronic diseases in the future. Find what's 'right' for you, but for best results choose moderation of all foods and a variety of more fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

3. Don't smoke cigarettes for greater life-long health.

4. Drink in moderation. Have fun at the party, but be safe and don't overdo.

5. Have a great support group. Family and positive friends you hang out with can get you through the ups and downs of this very exciting time of the life cycle.

20-Somethings-What a Young Man Thinks about Food and Nutrition

This month we're looking at Twenty-Somethings, that age in your life when you're young, care-free, and probably just beginning to make your mark on the world. The other day I googled nutrition and twenty-somethings and found 5 Healthy Living Tips for Young Men (www.fitday.com):

1. Exercise Regularly four to six days per week to make it a life long behavior.


2. Don't Push Yourself Too Hard, which is important for safe and healthy fitness.


3. Eat Right to maintain overall health.


4. Avoid Drinking and Smoking contributes to healthy living practices.


5. Visit the Doctor because regular physical exams and check-ups keep you on point as an advocate for health promotion and prevention.

I think the focus on young men is important because the last thing they might be thinking about is nutrition and health. But what do I know - a young man I asked to comment on the subject proved me wrong. His thoughts are below:

"Being a young male in my mid-twenties, eating well portioned and healthy meals are few and far in between. I often eat an abundance of fried foods, which has been shown to have adverse effects on the body over an extended period of time. Because I'm single with no dependents, it's sometimes easier and more convenient to eat fast foods versus a home prepared meal. As I've grown older, it has become increasingly difficult to digest most fast foods. Eating home cooked meals have definitely become the best way to stay fit and also save money. There is a vast difference in the way I feel when eating out, which makes me feel sluggish and bloated, versus eating self-prepared foods, which gives me a feeling of empowerment and energy. I've found that fresh fish, spinach ravioli, ground turkey, cheese, vegetables, spaghetti and brown or white rice are the combination of foods to keep my body running smooth. On the flip side, I've discovered cutting back my consumption of red meat has helped regulate my weight and reduced many digestive problems. One dilemma I see with young men my age is eating 1 or 2 large portioned meals a day. I've noticed that eating 3 small to moderately portioned meals keeps me more energized throughout the day. That's something that I have not done consistently over the years. Making the transition to well balanced and portioned meals on a regular and more consistent basis makes for longer and healthier living. You are what you eat!"