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Eating is good though it also depends on what one consumes. Diets are a good recourse but it still depends on what comprises it. Normally that would be headlined by fruits and veggies with the rest complimentary and added in moderation.

When one thinks of the African-American way of eating, it all boils down to cultural practices which are eventually linked to soul food. Soul food is defined as a variety of cuisine that hails from African-American descent and normally involves fried foods and lots of fatty meats normally partnered with that popular sauce known as gravies.

Given that fact, does soul food have any chance of being healthy? Depending on how one cooks and prepares them, there is a way. Baking, roasting or broiling meat are good alternatives to consume stuff that fall under the soul food niche rather than traditional frying.

Other than the meat, there is also an intriguing diet that could be used as a guide. Known as the African Heritage Diet Pyramid, Oldways has come up with something that African-Americans can use as a model too.

As one would guess, the food pyramid is based on traditional diets, something seen as healthier to what Blacks consume to date. It combines the culinary suggestions from the American South, Caribbean, South America and Africa, a guide that should help people looking healthier food consumption and lives.

Like most diets, it focuses on the consumption of leafy greens as well as vegetables, grains and starches. It differs from what the USDA’s suggested dietary guidelines, placing the consumption of greens at the top of the pyramid and how often they should be consumed in a week.

Meals under the African Heritage Diet Pyramid include an abundance of fruits and veggies, tubers (i.e. sweet potatoes), beans, nuts, rice, flatbreads and other grain-based food. Aside from that, it also includes healthy oils, homemade sauces and marinades of herbs and spices plus fish, eggs, poultry and yogurt.

Sweets are also include in the mix though the consumption is of course suggested to be in moderation similar to meats.

Outside the food consumed, the diet also includes the promotion of uplifting activities for the body and soul. Exercise is of course suggested as well as needed time off to improve one’s habits such as sleep to keep the human body working at its best.