My whole life I have lived in the very
southernmost tip of Texas, Brownsville. In my hometown we are very influenced
by the Mexican background and their way of life, including traditions,
practices, and especially cooking. Our diets consist of high calorie foods
along with greasy Mexican tacos, tamales, and tortillas, foods richer in
carbohydrates.
Diabetes is a very big issue down in “The 956”,
as we like to call it. And it all goes back to the lifestyle we are introduced
to and brought up with. The foods are cooked using what is basically lard, as
opposed to vegetable oil, or healthier alternatives. Don’t get me wrong, the
food is TO DIE FOR, and the first thing I do when I go home to visit is go to
the taco store “Ultimo Taco” and order my usual “seis tacos de bistek contodo.”
This being said, I don’t overdue it. Which, moderation isn’t a word that is put
into practice back at home, hence, a very overweight population, and that’s
where the problem is. People do not eat until they feel satisfied, they overdue
it and eat until they are too full to function.
The lack of healthier alternatives is also an
economical problem; they tend to be more expensive, where as “manteca” (refined
lard) is a lot cheaper. The poverty level is very high and the average per
capita earning is low.
Growing up in
the Rio Grande Valley with the lifestyle we have and eating the foods that are
native to my home, it is very hard to completely rid yourself of the foods and
the way of cooking. However it is possible to eat whatever you desire, in
moderation with the proper amount of physical activity, and to gradually adjust
your diet.
As you point out, it is interesting to consider how culture and socioeconomic status affect one's culinary preferences and diet. For example, the food in some parts of Mexico is quite different from the food that we encounter in South Texas. It seems like there's an emphasis on "flour" in some parts and "corn" in others.
ReplyDeleteBeing a nutrition major I liked how you linked diet to culture.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I am from South Texas as well and totally agree about the eating habits. Socioeconomic status definitely affects the quality of food and the quantity as well. Unfortunately, most people who are not educated in nutrition would prefer to buy unhealthy food to save money. Great writing!
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