My approach has always been to be mindful, inclusive, and respectful of the impact culture has on what a person chooses to eat and how they choose to prepare it. I try not to assume that there is only one healthy way to prepare foods or that one cuisine is superior to another. I did not need to learn or be advised to be culturally competent. Though this came naturally to me, I am appreciative that more efforts are being made to expand cultural awareness in nutrition. To be honest, my insight into the need for reverence for cultural backgrounds comes from my experience as a Black American and the belittling of the food (soul food) I grew up eating.