Sisters speak out: 'too many Black women are too fat'

Ebony, Oct, 2004

But if you are obese, there are things you can do to alleviate the extra pounds. I encourage my patients to walk as much as they can. Most patients will tell me, 'I'm doing a lot of walking already,' but I let my patients know that if they've been walking a certain amount, their body is already used to that, so they have to step it up a pace. I tell them to park a little farther away, take the stairs and think more consciously about trying to do more exercise. Many companies are trying to incorporate healthy walking into their daily regimen.

Making better decisions also includes a change in diet that includes eating more fruits and vegetables. Steer clear of fried foods. Try to bake, broil, or grill, and stay away from fatty foods. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day and pay attention to portion sizes.

Most people don't pay attention to the amount of food they are eating. But look at what true portion sizes are and know that it's not the size of your hands and fingers all together. Your portion size is the size of the palm of your hand. It's all relative.

So, we have to learn to be more accountable for ourselves. It's not the industry that is making us fat. It is the individual who is making the choices. We make our own decisions.

Once you've finally got the weight off, keep it off through diet, exercise and healthy eating habits--the same way you lost it. Find a buddy who encourages you and stick to a daily regimen of activity and nutrition. All it takes is one step at a time. Although the first step is the hardest, it can be the best step of your life.