Family, faith, food, music, art, and dance bind together, forming the soul of the African American. We must also weave good health into our fabric of life. The Network for a Healthy California—African American Campaign invites you to take steps to learn about your personal health recommendations and enjoy this cookbook. Soulful Recipes is full of delicious recipes and tips to help you make eating healthy and being active a part of your family habits. Some recipes are healthy twists on family favorites and some are new foods to try.

You can be a Champion for Change in your family by making new traditions that improve the health of your family. Not sure where to start? Go for the vegetables first. Fill about ½ of your plate with salad and vegetables and then add other foods. Simple changes to the amounts and types of foods you eat can build good, life-long habits for your family. African Americans suffer from obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain types of cancer more than other groups. You can help to prevent and manage these health problems by eating fruits and vegetables and being active. Start your day off right with a healthy breakfast, and pack healthy snacks and lunches to keep you going during the day. If you eat out, choose menu options that are full of fruits and vegetables or ask for fruit instead of dessert. Back at home, make eating dinner together a priority to stay connected. Studies have shown that families that eat together have better nutrition for the whole family.