National Black Church Initiative is a subsidiary
of the DC Black Church Initiative
The
Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables
A Scientific Overview for Health
Professionals
A review of the literature from 1999 to 2001 by Dianne Hyson, Ph.D.,
M.S., R.D.
Produce for Better Health Foundation [read
more]
It Has What? Find Out How Many
Calories
are in Your Daily Meals
Ever wonder how many calories are in the daily
foods that you consume? This growing list is a shocking revelation
of a few of the factors that keep you from your ideal weight. Calories
in Daily Foods
(Coming Soon: A List of Healthy Products in Each
of these Categories)
Fresh vegetables and fruits should make up
the largest part of your healthy foods grocery list. Vegetables
and fruits have vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and they are
usually low in calories. We all need at least five to nine servings
of vegetables and fruits every day to choose a variety of fruits
and vegetables that everyone in your family will enjoy.
Most of your grain and cereal products should
be made from whole grains, not from refined flours. This part
of your list includes whole grain breads, whole grain pastas,
and whole grain breakfast cereals. Whole grains are important
for vitamins, minerals, and for fiber, which is often lacking
in modern diets. Read labels to look for 100 percent whole grain
or 100 percent whole wheat to be sure you are getting whole
grain products.
Your protein and meat choices should consist
mostly of fish, poultry and lean meats. Eggs, nuts, seeds and
legumes are also good protein choices. Choose fresh and frozen
unbreaded meats and fish. Avoid breaded, deep-fried convenience
foods that you put in the oven. They are high in fats and sodium.
Beverages should be kept simple. Water, low
fat milk, juices and herbal teas are all good choices. If you
choose soft drinks, choose diet sodas and soft drinks to avoid
extra sugar.
Dairy products should include low fat milk,
yogurt and cheese. If you do not want cows' milk, choose soy
and rice beverages, calcium fortified orange juice, or goats'
milks and cheese.
Be careful with dressings, cooking oils and
condiments. They are sneaky sources of refined sugar and poor
quality oils. Read labels to choose dressings made with olive
oil, canola oil or walnut oil. Choose low fat mayonnaise for
your sandwiches and choose canola oil and olive oil for cooking.
Frozen foods are a convenient way to keep
vegetables on hand. There are also prepared meals that you can
pop into the microwave or oven. These can be convenient and
healthy if you choose low fat versions with good portion sizes.
Read labels and chose frozen foods wisely. Avoid frozen pizzas,
pocket-sandwiches, deep-fried appetizers, and breaded foods.
Foods in cans and jars are also very convenient.
Look for low-sodium soups, vegetables and sauces. Avoid high
fat gravies and high calorie foods like canned spaghetti and
ravioli products.
For sandwiches, choose peanut butter or other
nut butters, low fat turkey slices or sliced roast beef. Avoid
processed lunch meats, sausages and hot dogs.
Don't load up on high calorie treats and
desserts. Choose fresh fruits, healthy nuts, seeds and whole
grain crackers for snacks.
The National Black Church Initiative
is developing a grocery list for all of its congregants. Soon, you
will be able to login and get important information concerning calories
and the suggested grocery list that we recommend.
The Importance of Food
Choices to Health
Unhealthy
diets and physical inactivity are leading causes of premature death,
disabilities, and high health-care costs in the United States. According
to the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), poor
diets, along with physicalinactivity, cause about 310,000 to 580,000
premature deaths each year (Table 1;McGinnis & Foege, 1993).
That is five times the number of people killed by guns, AIDS,and
drug use combined.
Unhealthy eating is a major cause
of obesity, heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes,high blood cholesterol,
high blood pressure, osteoporosis, tooth decay and other healthproblems.
Poor diet can result in disabilities and loss of independence from
stroke,heart disease or osteoporosis-related hip fracture, or blindness
and limb amputations due to diabetes.
This segment is taken from The
Center for Science in the Public Interest pamphlet titled "Anyone's
Guess; The Need for Nutritious Labeling at Fastfood and Other Chain
Restaurants" [Click
Here for the Whole Pamphlet]
Table 1: Leading
Contributors to Premature Death
(deaths per year)
Diet and Physical Inactivity
310,000 - 580,000
Tobacco
260,000 - 470,000
Alcohol
70,000 - 110,000
Microbial Agents
90,000
Toxic Agents
60,000 - 110,000
Firearms
35,000
Sexual Behavior
30,000
Motor Vehicles
25,000
March 31, 2007 National Black Church Initiative
will present a C-SPAN discussion entitled The Black Church: the
Value of Good Nutrition and its Future
- Press Release 1 (use headings on all press release
introductions) .pdf
- Video Tape Box
NBCI calls for a trippling of fruits and vegetable
consumption in the black community over the next three years.
Press Release 2 (use heading on press release) adobe .pdf files
Video
of Good Food & Active Living for African American Families
Featuring Duane Martin, Tisha Campbell-Martin
Easy steps to great
health through Good Nutrition
As the health crisis continues
to rage in the African American community, the
black church must assume a more activist role as health advocate
for good nutrition. Multiple public health studies commissioned
by universities, foundations and the federal government confirmed
that poor nutrition, lack of physical exercise, and the lack of
access to primary care are the chief reasons for the widening of
the health gap.
Good Food & Active Living
for African American Families (NBCI is currently seeking permission
to reprint this booklet that serves as the companion piece for the
video)
Unhealthy
diets and physical inactivity are leading causes of premature death,
disabilities, and high health-care costs in the United States. According
to the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), poor
diets, along with physicalinactivity, cause about 310,000 to 580,000
premature deaths each year (Table 1;McGinnis & Foege, 1993).
That is five times the number of people killed by guns, AIDS,and
drug use combined.
