Obesity 2

Obesity 2

Scientists are confirming what many of us have suspected all along. Obesity is a major concern for black girls under 15 years of age.

In the last 30 years obesity increased 40% in white girls but a staggering 150% in black girls. Scientists are not sure exactly what is the cause but lifestyle seems to be a major factor. 43% of our girls watch television 4 hours a day, and African-American females report fewer bouts of exercise than any other race, thus inactivity is a bad thing. These scientists need to go to our Aunt and Uncle's house for Sunday dinner and the mystery will be revealed; for our beloved soul food may have something to do with it.

Our diet traditionally is high in fat, starch and salt. That is pork, beef ,rice, potatoes, macaroni and cheese and then dessert. Avoid the meat and starch trap, and start looking at the nutritional labels found on most foods compare the fat and salt content of beef hotdog and cheerios cereal. Stay away from products that have 25 to 30 % fat or salt.

Exercise...does that word bother you? Probably so but there is nothing you can do for yourself that is cheaper than walking, that can have such a positive impact on our life. Exercise is truly the ONLY FAT BURNER. If you are moving you are burning calories, so walking, swimming and bicycling, are relatively inexpensive ways to burn calories.

Next time you go shopping with mom or dad get those juicy red apples and/or oranges instead of the chips and cookies.