Why We Must See Food Beyond Fuel

The Cultural Significance of Food in Black Communities

Family meals have always been a central component of my experience as a Black American. From family reunions to holiday dinners, food has always been more than just a source of nutrition but an opportunity to gather, connect, and celebrate. Yet, the moment I became a healthcare provider, I realized how easy it was to overlook the more profound significance of food when focusing solely on nutrition and fitness. 

I know this might sound like blasphemy for those who genuinely believe that “food is fuel”; however, reality has taught me this is far from the case. This lesson I have especially learned in the context of the Black community, where traditional "Black" dishes are often dismissed as unhealthy and overshadowed by the promotion of Western styles of eating like the Mediterranean diet. This has led to a widespread misunderstanding that diminishes the value of food as central to cultural expression and identity, especially in Black communities. 

In addition, this approach can inadvertently ignore the rich, nutrient-dense culinary traditions rooted in Black culture. The even harsher reality is that social determinants of health (SDoH)—such as limited access to nutritious foods and the rising cost of living—play a significant role in the nutrition-related health disparities seen in Black communities. As we explore Part 2 of our 4-Part Falling Into Wellness series, it's crucial to understand that food is more than just fuel; it's a vital element of cultural identity, community, and well-being. Thus, it’s critical that healthcare providers better appreciate and integrate cultural sensitivity into nutritional advice so that they can help foster a more inclusive approach to nutrition and fitness.

Why We Must Think of Food Beyond Fuel

When we reduce food to mere calories and macronutrients, we risk missing the profound cultural and emotional connections individuals and communities have with their meals. One of the things that I’ve discovered over the years is present in many Black communities is that food is often a source of comfort, a link to ancestral roots, and a means of strengthening communal ties. Therefore, here are five reasons why understanding and respecting this cultural significance is essential for healthcare providers:

1. Many Black Dishes Are Inherently Nutrient-Dense

Contrary to popular belief, many traditional Black dishes have a long-rooted tradition of being nutrient-dense. For example, vitamins, minerals, and fiber can be found in many conventional Black dishes, such as collard greens and black-eyed peas. In the past, these meals were traditionally prepared in ways that maximized their nutritional value. Due to modern-day challenges such as food deserts and the higher cost of fresh produce, it has become increasingly difficult for many in Black communities to maintain these healthy eating habits. However, complicated doesn’t mean impossible, and many communities still hold onto and support many of these nutrient-dense dishes as part of their regular diet. 

2. There are Health Disparities Outside Our Control

It should go without saying that health disparities in Black communities cannot be fully understood without considering the broader SDoH. Factors like limited access to affordable, nutritious food, inadequate healthcare, and economic instability significantly impact dietary choices. Sadly, some healthcare providers fail to consider these determinants' impact on their patients and clients. As a result, they may inadvertently perpetuate health inequities by promoting diets that are neither accessible nor culturally relevant. That’s why we must take a holistic look at the circumstances impacting the lives of our patients and clients to ensure that we’re not contributing to the adverse outcomes we aim to address. 

3. Reframe Nutrition With Culture In Mind 

Having obtained my nutrition certifications years ago, before SDoH was widely discussed as a factor in nutritional choices, I said many things to clients that needed to be corrected. Today, I can say, without a doubt, that instead of advising clients to abandon their traditional foods in favor of Western dietary trends, healthcare providers must offer guidance on adapting these traditional recipes to meet modern nutritional needs. For instance, suggesting alternative cooking methods or ingredients that maintain the dish's cultural integrity while improving its nutritional profile can be a more effective and respectful approach. It’s likely to be an approach that clients and patients will be on board with as it doesn’t require them to make drastic changes they might not want to be making. 

4. Building Trust is Non-Negotiable 

Trust takes time. Providing culturally competent care is a surefire way for healthcare providers to build trust with their patients or clients. When providers respect their patients' cultural practices and dietary preferences, it fosters a more trusting relationship. I’ve seen this firsthand as a health coach, to whom women specifically came because they knew what they wouldn’t have to experience with me. They knew they wouldn’t have someone recommending an overly restrictive diet, nor would they have someone telling them what foods they could or couldn’t eat. Thus, I learned how crucial trust is for encouraging patients and clients to engage more actively in their healthcare and to follow through with nutritional recommendations.

5. The Role of the Community is Essential 

For many Black communities, food is a communal experience. I don’t know about you, but I’ve enjoyed many Sunday dinners, barbecues, and church gatherings that revolve around shared meals. Those shared experiences are more than ensuring that people have physical sustenance - which is also essential to consider in many low-income communities. However, community meals provide something else that I believe is equally important - emotional and social nourishment. Recognizing and honoring this communal aspect of food can help healthcare providers offer more holistic and practical nutritional guidance that their patients and clients will likely follow through on.

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Incorporating cultural sensitivity into nutritional guidance is not just about promoting better health outcomes; it’s about respecting and honoring the rich traditions that shape a community's identity. By acknowledging the cultural significance of food, healthcare providers can offer more relevant and effective care.

Continuing this conversation is essential as we move forward in our Falling Into Wellness series. Don’t miss out on the next installment! Subscribe now to be notified about Part 3 in our four-part Falling Into Wellness series, where we’ll explore how pain doesn’t equal gain regarding our physical fitness.