No, I’m Not a ‘White’ Person Stuck in a ‘Black’ Person’s Body!!!

Hi, my name is Samkelisiwe Sishi better known as Sushi. I am a postgraduate at the University of KwaZulu- Natal (Howard College). Are you a vegetarian? Are you really from a township? You are a white person stuck in a black person’s body! These are some of the questions and comments that I usually get for being a young black woman who happens to be extra conscious of what she puts in her mouth.

The truth is, no I am not a vegetarian; yes I am from a township (Umlazi) and no! I am not a white person stuck in a black person’s body. “Great bodies are made in the kitchen, NOT the gym” is one of the quotes that I love by Mara Schiavocampo.

As a young black woman I was told that being overweight or thick was attractive and a sign of good health, funny enough I felt the exact opposite, always felt like I would feel and look better in a lighter weight...

To cut a long story short, I invested on a juicer (which is now my best friend) and started juicing my mostly green veggies, blended my fruits and completely changed my diet. Within just two months I hit the goal size that I had always dreamed of J J J and the same people who thought I was being ‘white’ wanted to know my secret.

But the truth to this whole experience is the fact that most of us young black women are made to feel like it’s okay to be overweight because that what men want and that’s a sign of good health and comfort but that is not the case, the case is certainly not about the weight but it is about your confidence, self-esteem, about how you face the world and people around you and believe you me, I have realised how much influence food has in one’s life because I live it.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!!! J