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Answer: You should be commended for
working it out. That said, the hair issue is a big one
for all sistas as it is for me. Here are a few
suggestions for keeping your tresses dressed while
keeping your body running like a well-oiled machine.
First, if perms are out of the question (they usually
are for sisters whose hair is too
soft, fine, or damaged to stand up to the riggers of
chemical processing), then try natural styles. Any
reputable natural stylist in your area should be able to
tell you how to care for your hair, no matter what the
length is. If you want more versatility, try braids,
African twists, twists with extensions, weaving, or
interlocking. Any of these will give your natural hair a
breather as you work your body. And these are all style
options that give you the freedom you need to roll to
the gym (or wherever you work out) then off to class or
work, without the headache of figuring out “what to do
with my sistah-girl hair”? Good Luck!
Answer: YOU are practically on top of
the world if your problem is gaining weight. Since half
of all African American women are overweight, as
problems go, yours just might be a blessing! But not to
worry, so as not to trivialize your plight (I am aware
of you and yours out there somewhere who have a
legitimate concern for weight gain) here’s my take. My
first question is: How old are you? If you are under 25,
I’d say be patient, your time will come. If you’re
between 25 and 35 and you still consider yourself “too
thin”, it is probably a function of your individual
metabolism. It’s probably high. However, if gaining
weight is the goal, increasing calories is the number
one fix. Eat more of the healthy foods you currently eat
(larger portions), fruits and juices, vegetables and
whole grains (including pasta, brown rice with margarine
or a pat of butter), and enjoy whole milk dairy products
including cheese, and have an occasional ice cream
treat. You can even afford to have stuffing with your
turkey or chicken, as well as generous portions of fish,
but still little lean red meat (high-fat meat of any
variety is just not heart healthy). Eat more beans for
fiber, protein and complex carbohydrates (a healthy
thing to do, no matter what your nutrition goals are).
And finally, include weights in your work out to build
muscle and a little bulk. Together, these suggestions
ought to “beef up” your fitness and health picture.
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