We’re back with another episode of Health & Hip Hop with Hot 97.9’s host, Shani Sweets. Shani sits down with Donnae Ward, Health Equity Coordinator at Advance Community Health, for a conversation on how to make healthier choices while still enjoying your favorite holiday meals.
Donnae reminds us that healthy eating isn’t about giving up what you love, it’s about being more mindful and intentional. She encourages listeners to think about how they’re eating and to shift their mindset about what “healthy” really means.
Importance of cooking and preparing food at home
She also breaks down why cooking at home is one of the best steps toward better health. “If you cook more food at home, you have more control over what you’re eating,” she explains. “Most of the time when you go to restaurants, we don’t know how much sodium or how much is being processed. When you cook your food at home, you have control over the ingredients.”
Cooking at home gives you the chance to experiment with fresh ingredients, control portions, and create meals that are both satisfying and nourishing.
Mindfulness in the Kitchen
Being mindful in the kitchen is key! You don’t have to completely change your favorite recipes to eat healthier. Sometimes it’s as simple as making small swaps, like using less salt, baking instead of frying, or adding more vegetables. These little adjustments let you keep the traditional flavors, or as Shani Sweets puts it, “grandma recipes”, while making your meals a little healthier.
Support Available at Advance Community Health
Advance Community Health has registered dietitians who are committed to helping you achieve your health goals. Some of the services our nutrition department offers are:
- Nutrition Education
- Diabetes Counseling
- Diabetes Education Classes
- Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)
- Diabetes Self-Management Education and Training (DSMES)
If you’re looking for inspiration for healthier swaps, be sure to watch It’s Giving Health: Holiday Special on YouTube, with Donnae and Jasmine Westbrooks-Figaro, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES, co-founder and director of Eatwell Exchange, Inc.
The Health & Hip Hop series, hosted by Shani Sweets, continues to provide a bridge between entertainment and public health by creating a platform for conversations that educate our local communities.
Full Interview
You can watch the full interview below or go to Advance Community Health’s YouTube Channel! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!
Stay tuned for upcoming Health & Hip Hop interviews.
