Several recent studies throughout the U.S. have concluded that the all-about-you mentality of many mainstream diet programs doesn't resonate with black women whose focus lies in strengthening their families, communities and churches, according to an Associated Press article.

Now, there's a new approach: Rather than pushing black women to adapt to those programs, researchers are developing new programs that emphasize improving health as a pathway to better serving God.

I can attest to that. At my church, The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in Queens, our pastors constantly allude to being healthy in order to do God's bidding. But both Rev. Floyd Flake and his wife Rev. Elaine Flake put their energy where their mouths are. Rev. Elaine recently took part in the annual Breast Cancer walk.

Read the full article and see what you think.

-- Amanda Barrett, amNY.com