The Love for Slave Food and Its Connection to Poor Health
The love for traditional Southern and African American foods, also known as slave food, runs deep. These dishes are often comfort foods that are passed down from generation to generation. However, the popularity of these dishes comes with a cost to health. The traditional slave food diet is often high in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar, which can contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
What is Slave Food?
Slave food refers to traditional Southern and African American dishes that date back to the time of slavery. These foods are often made with inexpensive ingredients that were available to slaves, such as gumbo, chitlins, black-eyed peas, and collard greens “Slop Food”. The dishes are often seasoned with MSG, high in sodium, and full of horrible Chemicals to give it that “ Grandma Touch”.
How Does Slave Food Contribute to Poor Health?
The traditional slave food diet is high in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar. Fat from meat, lard, or butter that is used in cooking can increase cholesterol levels and contribute to heart disease. Sodium, often added in the form of salt or preserved meats, can increase blood pressure and lead to kidney disease. The high sugar content in sweet tea and kool-Aid and soda can lead to diabetes and obesity.
Can Slave Food Be Healthy?
It is possible to enjoy the flavors of slave food in a healthy way. Traditional dishes can be modified to use less fat, salt, and sugar without losing flavor. For example, collard greens can be cooked with lean ham hocks or turkey bacon, and chitlins can be boiled thoroughly and served with a vinegar-based sauce. Eating smaller portions of slave food and balancing it with fresh fruits and vegetables can also help to reduce the risk of negative health consequences. Check out my Vegan Cook book called “Vegan Slave Food ”.
What Are Some Practical Ways to Eat Healthy While Still Enjoying Slave Food?
One practical way to eat healthy while enjoying slave food is to modify recipes. For example, fried chicken can be baked instead of fried, macaroni and cheese can be made with vegan Cheese and Almond Milk, and whole wheat pasta, and sweet tea can be replaced with water or unsweetened tea. Another practical way is to reduce the portion sizes of high-fat and high-sodium foods and include more fresh fruits and vegetables in the meal.
The Bottom Line
While traditional Southern and African American foods are a beloved cultural staple, they can contribute to poor health if consumed in excess. It is possible to enjoy these foods in a healthy way by modifying recipes and reducing portion sizes. By doing so, individuals can continue to enjoy the flavors of slave food while promoting good health.