“We’re Not Meat Shamers. We’re Plant Pushers.”: How Owners of Local Vegan Soul Food Restaurants Promote Healthy Eating in the African American Community

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Crimarco ◽  
Gabrielle M. Turner-McGrievy ◽  
Marian Botchway ◽  
Mark Macauda ◽  
Swann Arp Adams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Educators ◽  
Cooking Skills ◽  
Black Belt Region ◽  
Soul Food ◽  
Restaurant Owners ◽  
Culturally Tailored Interventions

Obesity remains a prevalent public health epidemic, and African American (AA) adults are disproportionately affected by obesity more than any other ethnic group, particularly in the Southern region of the United States. Addressing poor dietary habits is important for improving obesity rates among AAs, but there has been limited research that has focused on specifically developing culturally tailored interventions. With a recent number of soul food restaurants serving exclusively vegan meals opening up across the country to appeal to AAs and others interested in eating healthier soul foods, there is a unique opportunity to explore how these restaurants might impact AA dietary habits. The purpose of this study was to assess how owners of vegan soul food restaurants located in states within the Black Belt region view their roles as promoters of health in their community and to identify strategies that they use to make plant-based diets (PBDs) more culturally appealing in the AA community. In-depth interviews were conducted with owners ( N = 12) of vegan soul food restaurants from seven states. Five themes emerged from the interviews related to (a) the restaurants providing access to vegan meals, (b) restaurant owners educating their customers about vegan diets and healthy eating, (c) using fresh ingredients to make vegan soul foods taste good, (d) addressing limited cooking skills among AAs, and (e) discussing nonhealth reasons to become vegan. The findings indicate there may be future opportunities for health educators to partner with these restaurant owners to improve healthy eating among AAs.

scholarly journals Racial/Ethnic Differences in Diet Quality and Eating Habits Among WIC Pregnant Women: Implications for Policy and Practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alla M. Hill ◽  
Danielle L. Nunnery ◽  
Alice Ammerman ◽  
Jigna M. Dharod
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
American Women

Purpose: One of the major federal food assistance programs, the Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), serves approximately 1.5 million low-income pregnant women per year; however, limited information is available on their dietary habits. This is critical because low-income women are at higher risk of gaining excess weight during pregnancy. Thus, the study objectives were to (1) determine the overall diet quality of WIC pregnant women and (2) examine diet quality and eating behaviors by race/ethnicity and other sociodemographics. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Setting: One of the 3 WIC offices in a north-central county in North Carolina, USA. Sample: Pregnant women (n = 198) in the second trimester. Measures: Interviews included sociodemographics, food security, diet, and eating behaviors. Diet quality was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2010 scores. Analysis: Descriptives, bivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis. Results: Average participant age was 26 years, and the mean HEI-2010 score was 56 of maximum score of 100. Specifically, African American women consumed significantly lower servings of whole grains (β = −1.71; 95% CI: −3.10 to −0.32; P < .05) and dairy (β = −1.42; 95% CI: −2.51 to −0.33; P < .05) compared with non-Hispanic white women. Hispanic women scored higher in daily intake of fruits (β = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.17-1.79; P < .05) and for consuming empty calories in moderation (β = 1.57; 95% CI: 0.06-3.09; P < .05). Frequency of intake of fast foods/outside meals was higher among African American women (57%, P = .025). Conclusion: Efforts are warranted to promote optimal nutrition among WIC pregnant women. Specifically, African American women are highly vulnerable to poor dietary habits during pregnancy. Further investigation of barriers/facilitators for healthy eating is necessary to address nutrition disparities among WIC pregnant women.

scholarly journals College Students and Eating Habits: A Study Using An Ecological Model for Healthy Behavior

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Sogari ◽  
Catalina Velez-Argumedo ◽  
Miguel Gómez ◽  
Cristina Mora
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Healthy Behavior

Overweightness and obesity rates have increased dramatically over the past few decades and they represent a health epidemic in the United States (US). Unhealthy dietary habits are among the factors that can have adverse effects on weight status in young adulthood. The purpose of this explorative study was to use a qualitative research design to analyze the factors (barriers and enablers) that US college students perceived as influencing healthy eating behaviors. A group of Cornell University students (n = 35) participated in six semi-structured focus groups. A qualitative software, CAQDAS Nvivo11 Plus, was used to create codes that categorized the group discussions while using an Ecological Model. Common barriers to healthy eating were time constraints, unhealthy snacking, convenience high-calorie food, stress, high prices of healthy food, and easy access to junk food. Conversely, enablers to healthy behavior were improved food knowledge and education, meal planning, involvement in food preparation, and being physically active. Parental food behavior and friends’ social pressure were considered to have both positive and negative influences on individual eating habits. The study highlighted the importance of consulting college students when developing healthy eating interventions across the campus (e.g., labeling healthy food options and information campaigns) and considering individual-level factors and socio-ecological aspects in the analysis.

scholarly journals Law enforcement personnel are willing to change, but report influencing beliefs and barriers to optimised dietary intake

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen MacKenzie-Shalders ◽  
Charlene Matthews ◽  
Joe Dulla ◽  
Robin Orr
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
The United States ◽  
High Protein ◽  
Short Version ◽  
Law Enforcement Personnel

Abstract Background Law enforcement personnel have been recognized as having a high risk for several lifestyle-related health conditions which, in combination with the nature of their work (sedentary roles interspersed with intermittent high-intensity activity, shift work, and a high stress-load), can have a negative impact on their health. The aim of this study was to investigate the dietary habits and factors or barriers influencing these habits within a cohort of law enforcement personnel in the United States of America. Method Cross-sectional data were obtained via validated paper-based surveys being the Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating, Food Choice Questionnaire and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants, Short Version. Results A total of 159 participants (median age = 27 [range 19–60] years; 74% males) participated. Barriers to healthy eating included being busy and irregular working hours. Overall, 91% (n = 143) placed high importance on consuming nutritious food and 80% (n = 126) on food high in vitamins and minerals. A further 80% (n = 127) emphasized high protein content and 41% (n = 62) followed a high protein diet. Barriers to healthy eating included busy lifestyle (60%, n = 94), and irregular working hours (41%, n = 64). Overall, 80% (n = 127) were very willing to make changes in eating habits to be healthier. Conclusion Law enforcement officers know what they should eat and report convenience and health the most important factors guiding their food choices. Knowing this, officers find challenges putting good dietary practices into practice due to factors like a busy lifestyle and irregular work hours. Reportedly “very willing” to make changes in their eating habits to be healthier, future interventions should focus on how to effect changes to their eating habits as opposed to focussing on what to eat.

African-American Grandmothers as Health Educators in the Family

2005 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 343-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey A. Watson ◽  
Suzanne M. Randolph ◽  
James L. Lyons
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Educators ◽  
Full Model ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Teaching Role ◽  
Truck Accidents ◽  
The Family ◽  
Do So

More than 18,000 adolescents die each year in the United States from bicycle, motorcycle, car, and truck accidents. This study sought to understand the role of African-American grandmothers as prevention-oriented health educators in the family. Full Model Fitted Regression Analyses were conducted on a sample of African-American grandmothers ( N = 105) with 10- to 19-year-old grandchildren. Findings suggest that grandmothers who adopt a proactive, teaching role with their grandchildren are more committed to doing so, confident about doing so, and in a context to do so. In particular, grandmothers who co-reside with their grandchildren are more likely to teach them about how to prevent transportation accidents than those who do not co-reside. These findings could contribute to innovations in existing grandparent education curricula.

scholarly journals Claim More™: Empowering African American Women to Make Healthy Choices

2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rifky Tkatch ◽  
Shirley Musich ◽  
Jennifer Draklellis ◽  
Marla Hetzel ◽  
Jo Banks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
African American ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Health Educators ◽  
Community Based ◽  
American Women ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Health Related

Diabetes is a serious issue for African American women. The purpose of this project was to develop and test the feasibility of a culturally appropriate and faith-based healthy eating program for African American women at risk for developing diabetes. At total of 30 women from two churches completed a 12-week, faith-based program using a community-based approach with lay health educators in the church setting. Participants set healthy eating goals, attended weekly education classes, and received daily text messaging reminders related to their goals. Outcomes included high levels of social support, frequent engagement with the program, and improved healthy eating. This program demonstrated the ability to target African American women at risk for diabetes and engage them in a health-related program.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Obese African American Women Regarding Altering Traditional Soul Food Preparation

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Young
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Sampling Strategy ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Food Preparation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Soul Food

The obesity epidemic continues to be a major concern in the United States. The World Health Organization reported that 1.4 billion adults were either obese or overweight African American (AA) women have the highest incidence of obesity worldwide. A qualitative descriptive study was used to explore the perceptions of obese AA women about altering how they prepare soul food to make it healthier. The empowerment model and the health belief model were used to frame this study. Data were collected using a nonprobability purposeful sampling strategy. The sample for this study consisted of four focus groups with six to seven obese AA women ages 21–90 who prepared and consumed high-calorie soul foods and had a body mass index ³30. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using a constant comparative analysis. It was found that obese AA women were willing to alter their traditional soul food preparation only if it tastes good, recipes are available, it is cost effective, and it produces minimum food waste. Barriers that could limit participation in an intervention as well as recommendations for designing interventions are discussed.

scholarly journals Associations between Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010, Body Composition, Osteoarthritis Severity, and Interleukin-6 in Older Overweight and Obese African American Females with Self-Reported Osteoarthritis

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Macy Mears ◽  
Lisa Tussing-Humphreys ◽  
Leah Cerwinske ◽  
Christy Tangney ◽  
Susan Hughes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
African American ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Interleukin 6 ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
African American Females

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of immobility in the United States and is associated with older age, inflammation, and obesity. Prudent dietary patterns have been associated with disease prevention, yet little evidence exists describing diet quality (DQ) in older overweight or obese African American (AA) adults with OA and its relation to body composition. We conducted a secondary data analysis of a dataset containing alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), body composition, OA severity, and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) data from 126 AA females (aged 60–87 years) with OA to examine the relationships between these variables. Our sample had poor DQ and reported having higher OA severity as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Interleukin-6 was negatively correlated with AHEI-2010, and AHEI-2010 and the WOMAC physical function subcategory (WOMACpf) were significant predictors of IL-6 (odds ratio (OR): 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92–0.99 and 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07, respectively, p < 0.05) but not body composition. In conclusion, AHEI-2010 and WOMACpf were significant predictors of inflammation (IL-6) and AHEI-2010 accounted for ~16% of the variation of IL-6 (inflammation) in this sample.

scholarly journals Youth Understanding of Healthy Eating and Obesity: A Focus Group Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison C. Sylvetsky ◽  
Monique Hennink ◽  
Dawn Comeau ◽  
Jean A. Welsh ◽  
Trisha Hardy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Urban Youth ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Group Discussions

Introduction. Given the high prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States, we aimed to investigate youth's understanding of obesity and to investigate gaps between their nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, and perceived susceptibility to obesity and its co-morbidities.Methods. A marketing firm contracted by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta facilitated a series of focus group discussions (FGD) to test potential concepts and sample ads for the development of an obesity awareness campaign. Data were collected in August and September of 2010 with both overweight and healthy weight 4th-5th grade and 7th-8th grade students. We conducted a secondary analysis of the qualitative FGD transcripts using inductive thematic coding to identify key themes related to youth reports of family eating habits (including food preparation, meal frequency, and eating environment), perceived facilitators and barriers of healthy diet, and knowledge about obesity and its complications.Results. Across focus group discussions, mixed attitudes about healthy eating, low perceived risk of being or becoming obese, and limited knowledge about the health consequences of obesity may contribute to the rising prevalence of obesity among youth in Georgia. Most youth were aware that obesity was a problem; yet most overweight youth felt that their weight was healthy and attributed overweight to genetics or slow metabolism.Conclusions. Our analysis suggests that urban youth in Georgia commonly recognize obesity as a problem, but there is less understanding of the link to lifestyle choices or the connection to future morbidities, suggesting a need for education to connect lifestyle behaviors to development of obesity.

Religion, Race, and Humanism

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony B. Pinn
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
African American ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Richard Wright ◽  
Institutional Development ◽  
The United States ◽  
Unitarian Universalist ◽  
Racial Injustice ◽  
History Of ◽  
Lorraine Hansberry

This chapter explores the history of humanism within African American communities. It positions humanist thinking and humanism-inspired activism as a significant way in which people of African descent in the United States have addressed issues of racial injustice. Beginning with critiques of theism found within the blues, moving through developments such as the literature produced by Richard Wright, Lorraine Hansberry, and others, to political activists such as W. E. B. DuBois and A. Philip Randolph, to organized humanism in the form of African American involvement in the Unitarian Universalist Association, African Americans for Humanism, and so on, this chapter presents the historical and institutional development of African American humanism.

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