Whether you’re Latino or not, chances are you have a special place in your heart for the delicious foods of the culture. From hearty stews, to savory rice-and-beans dishes, to creamy guacamole, these familiar flavors signify comfort and tradition. But if you have diabetes, you may think you have to avoid these traditional comfort foods. Not true, says celebrity chef Ingrid Hoffmann—and to prove it, she has partnered with the American Diabetes Association to write a new cookbook full of healthier versions of beloved Latin dishes.
“Traditionally prepared Latin foods tend to be carb heavy, deep fried, and full of salt and fat,” says Hoffmann, cooking personality and author of Latin Comfort Foods Made Healthy: More Than 100 Diabetes-Friendly Latin Favorites. “This is a major concern for people with diabetes or prediabetes. But you don’t have to say goodbye to your favorite flavors just try their healthier easy-to-prepare versions instead!”
Diabetes is an urgent problem in the Hispanic/Latin communities. 12.8 percent of Hispanic adults in the United States live with diabetes. With a focus on pure and clean ingredients and staying within the guidelines of the ADA, Hoffmann has transformed traditional Latin favorites into nutritious, diabetes-friendly meals.
Not only has Hoffmann developed healthful and delicious versions of traditional Latin comfort foods, she really practices what she preaches. A self-described “Lupus warrior,” Hoffmann has experienced firsthand the healing power of food. Her research led her to embrace an alkaline diet that allowed her to get off her medications and live a happy, active, and delicioso life. The recipes in Latin Comfort Foods Made Healthy demonstrate Hoffmann’s philosophy of easy, simple recipes with a healthy twist. In the book, you’ll find a variety of popular Latin dishes, including oatmeal arepas breakfast bread, exciting appetizers such as corn and cheese phyllo empanadas, cucumber guacamole, filling soups including Colombian chicken ajiaco, green chile pork posole, and beef sancocho.
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