High-risk nutritional behaviors are those that can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. These behaviors can vary depending on culture, but some common examples include:

• Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated and unhealthy fats.
• Not eating enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Overeating or undereating.
• Binge eating or purging.
• Using tobacco products.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.

High-Risk Nutritional Behaviors in Two Cultures

Mexican Americans

Mexican Americans are a diverse group with a rich cultural heritage. Their diet is typically high in beans, rice, corn, and tortillas. However, many Mexican Americans have adopted Westernized eating habits, which can lead to high-risk nutritional behaviors.

Some of the high-risk nutritional behaviors commonly practiced among Mexican Americans include:

• Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated and unhealthy fats. This is due in part to the increased availability and affordability of processed foods in the United States.
• Not eating enough fruits and vegetables. This is due in part to cultural factors, such as the belief that fruits and vegetables are not as filling as other foods, and to environmental factors, such as the lack of access to affordable and fresh produce in some communities.
• Overeating or undereating. This can be due to a number of factors, including stress, poverty, and lack of access to healthy food options.
• Binge eating or purging. This can be due to a number of factors, including body image concerns, mental health conditions, and trauma.
• Using tobacco products. Mexican American adults are more likely to smoke cigarettes than non-Hispanic white adults.
• Excessive alcohol consumption. Mexican American adults are more likely to binge drink than non-Hispanic white adults.

African Americans

African Americans are another diverse group with a rich cultural heritage. Their diet is typically high in soul food, which is often high in fat and sodium. However, many African Americans have also adopted Westernized eating habits.

Some of the high-risk nutritional behaviors commonly practiced among African Americans include:

• Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated and unhealthy fats. This is due in part to the increased availability and affordability of processed foods in the United States.
• Not eating enough fruits and vegetables. This is due in part to cultural factors, such as the belief that fruits and vegetables are not as filling as other foods, and to environmental factors, such as the lack of access to affordable and fresh produce in some communities.
• Overeating or undereating. This can be due to a number of factors, including stress, poverty, and lack of access to healthy food options.
• Binge eating or purging. This can be due to a number of factors, including body image concerns, mental health conditions, and trauma.
• Using tobacco products. African American adults are more likely to smoke cigarettes than non-Hispanic white adults.
• Excessive alcohol consumption. African American adults are more likely to binge drink than non-Hispanic white adults.

Historical Perspectives and Belief Systems

The high-risk nutritional behaviors practiced among Mexican Americans and African Americans can be traced back to a number of historical factors. For example, both groups have a history of poverty and discrimination. This has led to limited access to healthy food options and to higher rates of stress, which can contribute to unhealthy eating habits.

In addition, both cultures have a number of traditional beliefs and practices that can influence their dietary choices. For example, in Mexican culture, food is often seen as a symbol of love and community. This can lead to overeating and to a reluctance to eat healthy foods that are not part of traditional Mexican cuisine.

In African American culture, food is also often seen as a symbol of community and culture. However, African Americans have also been disproportionately targeted by the food industry, which has led to an increase in the availability of processed foods and sugary drinks in African American communities.

Role of the Health Care Provider

Health care providers play an important role in caring for individuals with high-risk nutritional behaviors. They can provide education about the risks of these behaviors and how to reduce them. They can also work with patients to develop individualized plans for eating healthy.

Here are some specific ways that health care providers can care for individuals with high-risk nutritional behaviors:

• Education: Health care providers can educate patients about the risks of high-risk nutritional behaviors and how to reduce them. They can also provide information about healthy eating and lifestyle choices.
• Family roles: Health care providers can talk to patients about the importance