FOOD & WELLNESS
By Celebrity Chef Ameer Natson
Fried chicken and gravy is delicious, but it’s also dangerous
for your heart. That alone might seem to come from the
Department of the Obvious, but just how dangerous a
Southern-style diet can be might surprise you: Researchers at the University of Alabama say it can boost a person’s
heart attack risk by 56 percent for at least 5.8 years, based
on a study of 17,400 black and white Americans 45 or older
who completed a physical exam and food questionnaire.
As a celebrity chef I’m asked quite often, “Do you prepare
soul food items and dishes,” for your music industry, and
sports clients? As I happen to cook for some of the most
sought after… I respond before Culinary training, and becoming Chef to the stars, I learned to cook amazing
dishes at the hands of Mom and Grandma.
What I’ve found most interesting is my clients that are not
of African-American decent love our traditional cuisine
because of the flavor and love that’s incorporated into many
of our dishes but it’s unhealthy nature, “Is killing us softly,”
in the words of Lauryn Hill.
“Soul Food” is a term of endearment, used to describe food
traditionally prepared and eaten by African-Americans.
Soul food originated in the South during American slavery, when African slaves were given only the leftover and
undesirable cuts of meat, while the slave owners received
the meatier and less fattening cuts. During that time, slaves
also used various means of food preparation to make meals
more palatable. Those foods and means, however, were also
more likely, to be less healthy.
As a result of the Emancipation of slaves, and their migration to other parts of the country, Soul Food can now be
found all over the U.S., very much a part of the American
loved by other nationalities nationwide.
While leaner meats may be available, meal preparation and
food traditions have been established as part of history.
Even today, these traditions are hard to break, despite all the
health information made available about the content, and
the risk factors associated.
Additionally, food prices have historically been
a barrier with better eating habits as more cost is
associated with healthier food items. Less healthy
foods are typically less expensive.
Regularly eating less healthy foods without significant exercise or activity to burn the calories contributes to disproportionately high occurrences of
obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular health problems, and diabetes.
As a result, African-Americans tend to lead shorter
lives compared to other races and ethnicities.
“Love your heart, Save your life
We don’t just want soul food,
we need food for our souls.”
-Chef Ameer
10 Tips for Healthier
Soul Food
Switch to whole grains.
Switch to lean cuts of meat, fish, and skinless turkey and chicken.
Switch to fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk.
Only buy cheeses marked “lowfat” or “fat free.”
Use turkey instead of pork to season your dish.
Buy low or reduced-sodium or no-salt-added versions of food.
Use two egg whites for each whole egg and margarine or oil instead of butter.
Use light mayonnaise instead of the regular variety,
and nonfat yogurt instead of sour cream.
Use fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables and not
canned or processed types.
Love your heart and create a healthier version of
your favorite soul food dishes.
Lobster and
Mac and Cheese
Tandoori Lamb Chops
Crisp Raspberry Salad