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.