Adopting a healthy diet is often perceived as a necessary burden. While it's undeniably crucial for overall wellness, it can also evoke feelings of restriction and self-denial, often influenced by a Eurocentric perspective. Even in the Caribbean, where I hail from, numerous nutrition initiatives are based on the American food pyramid, which can misrepresent what healthy eating truly means for local populations. Yet, it's important to recognize that nutrition and healthy eating are not universally applicable dietary guidelines; rather, traditional cuisines and food cultures should also be acknowledged and celebrated.

In this article, I will delve into the significance of cultural foods in promoting a balanced diet.

Understanding Cultural Foods

Cultural foods, often referred to as traditional dishes, embody the rich traditions, beliefs, and practices of specific geographic regions, ethnic groups, religious communities, or multicultural societies. These culinary delights are not merely meals but are infused with meaning, often influenced by longstanding beliefs regarding their preparation and usage. Furthermore, they serve as a representation of a community’s broader cultural identity, weaving a narrative that connects past and present as they are handed down through generations.

Cultural foods can range widely, showcasing regional specialties like pizza, pasta, and tomato sauce from Italy, or kimchi, seaweed, and dim sum from various Asian countries. Additionally, they may reflect a history of colonization and cultural blending, such as the unique fusion of West African and East Indian culinary traditions seen across the Caribbean islands. Moreover, these foods often hold significant importance during religious celebrations and events, reinforcing their place at the heart of our identities and the bonds we share with our families and communities.

Cultural Foods Should Be Fully Integrated into Western Nutrition Frameworks

Incorporating cultural foods into healthy eating is essential, yet this message is often overlooked or underrepresented.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is regarded as a cornerstone of nutrition recommendations in the Western world. These guidelines advocate for meeting individuals at their own cultural crossroads, embracing their unique food traditions. Similarly, the Canadian Food Guide emphasizes the significance of cultural heritage and culinary traditions in promoting healthy eating habits. Despite these recommendations, the field of dietetics still requires significant progress to attain true cultural competence, defined as the ability to engage effectively and respectfully with diverse populations, free from biases and stereotypes.

Throughout my journey to becoming a dietitian, I observed that while there was some acknowledgment of cultural dietary needs, genuine interest and practical application were often lacking. In many cases, healthcare professionals had limited access to resources aimed at addressing cultural diversity.

What Does Healthy Eating Truly Entail?

Healthy eating is generally characterized by a diverse intake of nutritional elements from dairy, protein sources, grains, fruits, and vegetables — commonly referred to as the five food groups in the United States. The core principle is that each food group offers vital vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining overall health. The USDA's MyPlate, which has succeeded the food pyramid, visually represents a balanced meal as comprising half non-starchy vegetables, a quarter protein, and a quarter grains.

Contrastingly, the Caribbean embodies a rich tapestry of six food groups — staples (carbohydrate-rich foods), animal-derived products, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and fats or oils. It is noteworthy that traditional one-pot meals can defy clear separation on a plate, as they often integrate multiple food groups into a single dish. Take, for instance, the classic dish known as oil down, which features breadfruit (the staple — a starchy fruit with a texture akin to bread when cooked), alongside non-starchy vegetables such as spinach and carrots, and proteins like chicken, fish, or pork.

These dietary guidelines illustrate how cultural foods can align seamlessly with healthy eating practices. Nonetheless, there is a pressing need for enhanced cultural competence and more institutional resources to enable the effective implementation of these nutritional guidelines.

Healthy eating is far more adaptable than what is often portrayed online

The foods you crave are frequently influenced by effective food marketing strategies that tend to adopt a Eurocentric perspective, often overlooking the rich cultural diversity present worldwide. A simple search for “healthy eating” yields numerous lists and images showcasing asparagus, blueberries, and Atlantic salmon, typically featured on the tables of a white family. This absence of cultural representation or diverse imagery subtly implies that local and traditional foods might not fit the mold of healthy eating. In reality, the essence of healthy eating is a flexible notion that does not adhere to a specific appearance, ethnicity, or a prescribed list of foods.

Here are some foods frequently highlighted on health websites in Western contexts, along with their traditional counterparts:

• Although kale is recognized as a superfood, dasheen bush and spinach offer equally impressive nutritional benefits.
• Quinoa is celebrated for its high protein and fiber content, yet rice and beans provide similar advantages.
• While chicken breast is often touted for being low in fat, removing the skin from other chicken parts also makes them low in fat and richer in iron.
• Atlantic salmon is known for its omega-3 fatty acids, but local varieties of salmon and other oily fish like sardines are also excellent sources.

If kale, quinoa, and Atlantic salmon are scarce in your locality, it does not mean your diet lacks quality. Contrary to mainstream health narratives, a wholesome plate is not confined to Eurocentric ingredients, and traditional foods are neither inferior nor nutritionally inadequate. Healthy eating manifests differently across communities and regions, influenced by factors such as food accessibility, sustainability, and cultural food practices. The concept of healthy eating is fluid, varying according to your geographical location and cultural heritage. It is essential that this messaging reflects a broader diversity.

The Significance of Cultural Foods in Our Lives

Cultural foods and time-honored culinary traditions serve as a profound link to our community and health practices. They anchor us to our ancestral roots, promote social interaction in the present, and help in crafting lasting memories for the future. Moreover, these foods play a crucial role in enhancing dietary adherence and overall success. For instance, when my mother teaches me how to make oil down — a delightful one-pot meal comprising breadfruit, taro leaves, pumpkin, coconut milk, and smoked bones — I am not just learning to cook but also reconnecting with the rich food traditions brought over from West Africa while enjoying cherished family moments.

In a similar vein, I engage with the culinary heritage of East India each time I whip up a vegetarian curry, like dhal (split peas) flavored with turmeric or saffron. To those unfamiliar, these dishes might not conform to the Western standards of nutritious or healthy cuisine; however, they are abundant in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and an array of vegetables.

How Does Culture Shape Our Eating Habits?

Culture significantly influences the foods we consume, our spiritual practices, and our views on wellness, healing, and healthcare. Studies indicate that your perceptions of certain foods and your openness to trying new culinary experiences are primarily shaped by your cultural background. Additionally, your categorization of what constitutes food versus what doesn't is inherently tied to your cultural context. As a result, the concept of healthy eating must be perceived and understood within a cultural framework.

When nutritional guidance and support lack inclusivity, diversity, and a comprehensive understanding of cultural contexts, we dilute the scientific principles and deprive communities of valuable culinary insights and experiences. Furthermore, a breakdown in trust and communication between dietitians and the communities they serve can lead to health disparities and unfavorable health outcomes. If trust in your dietitian is lacking, the likelihood of adhering to their advice diminishes significantly.

Cultural foods play essential social roles and are fundamental to the health of communities as well as the individuals within them. Recognizing and respecting cultural food variances is vital for effective nutrition counseling and achieving positive health outcomes.

What’s Next?

It's crucial to recognize that cultural cuisines adhere to the principles of healthy eating, regardless of whether they have been gentrified, showcased on social media, or fit within Western dietary frameworks. These foods represent comfort, lifestyle choices, and vital sources of nutrition for many immigrant and non-immigrant families, not just in the United States but across the globe.

Cultural foods beautifully illustrate the concept of balanced nutrition by incorporating multiple food groups and offering a diverse range of nutrients:

• Ugali (?????): a fundamental Tanzanian dish crafted from cornmeal, typically accompanied by traditional meat and vegetable dishes.
• Ema datshi: a fiery stew from Bhutan, enriched with yak cheese and often featuring mushrooms, green beans, and potatoes.
• Kalua pork: a time-honored dish from Hawaii, frequently served alongside grilled fish, eggplant, or taro.
• Schäufele: succulent roasted pork, generously basted with German beer, commonly paired with potato dumplings and sauerkraut or creamy savoy cabbage.
• Pelau: a beloved one-pot meal from the Caribbean, showcasing caramelized chicken, parboiled rice, pigeon peas, and a colorful medley of vegetables and fresh herbs.

Cultural cuisines seamlessly align with healthy eating patterns. Many of these dishes combine a variety of food groups and nutrients within a single meal, making them not only nourishing but also enriching experiences for the palate.

The Bottom Line

Embracing a healthy diet involves enjoying a variety of nutrient-dense food groups that contribute to overall well-being. It’s essential to recognize that the concept of healthy eating varies significantly among different communities and regions, emphasizing that there is no single definition or set of required foods.

While the dietary guidelines in countries like Australia, India, and Canada advocate for the inclusion of traditional and cultural foods in a balanced diet, nutrition education and counseling often fall short in promoting the significance of these diverse food practices. This gap highlights the need for greater competence and inclusivity in nutritional messaging.