Reply #21: THANK you, and

[Bluerthanblue]

my own experience with refugees from West Africa underscores the difficulty many mothers have providing foods that they feel comfortable giving thier families.
Preparing foods in a manner that is in keeping with thier culture and palate takes quite a bit of time- MOST easily available, and less expensive ingredients are 'tainted' with preservitaves, and other chemicals that are particularly worrisome to the people I work with. Raw, pure foods are a rich persons luxury in America.
To eat WELL in the US (and by 'well' I'm saying foods which are not super processed, filled with known carcinogens and FRESH) cost BIG money.

There are many of us who can't afford to 'eat well'. Trying to eat healthy, within very restricted budgets and single parent rushing to the next event pressures, isn't easy. It is something we have to pay particular attention to, if we DON'T want to end up with weight problems. I have met several obese well to do people, but it is also interesting to see how many of them have solved thier struggle with food through gastric by-pass, personal trainers, liposuction and other costly venues.

There are MANY poor people who are not fat, and many rich people who are- But your observation is 100% correct. Being 'fat' is not a sign that someone is 'supernourished'- It is often a sign of very poor nutrition, and the stress of working several jobs, with little time to devote to 'home-making'.

Thanks for your great post-