ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the American Diabetes Association (Association) introduces its new interactive nutrition tool in English and Spanish. The Create Your Plate tool allows users to create a balanced meal by prompting them to choose popular ingredients common in the Latino community. The tool also provides preparation tips and portion sizes, utilizing the Association recommended Create Your Plate method.

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The Association considers nutritious choices an important health topic for the Hispanic community as Latinos are hit especially hard by diabetes. The overall rate of diabetes in Hispanic adults is nearly twice as high as the rate in non-Hispanic whites. The method empowers individuals to choose the right amount of non-starchy vegetables, starchy foods and protein to build a meal they want to eat that will allow them to better manage their blood glucose levels and lose weight. Making healthy choices and eating nutritious, well-portioned meals is a key part of diabetes prevention and management.

“We encourage Hispanics and everyone trying to lead a healthier lifestyle, lose weight or manage their diabetes to try the new tool. You will learn about the importance of a balanced meal and the role it plays in managing blood glucose levels,” says Margaret (Maggie) Powers, PhD, Rd, CDE, president-elect, health care and education for the American Diabetes Association. “We believe the plate method can help you quickly plan meals that are tasty, healthy and ones you will enjoy. Share your meals with others through social media by using #CreateYourPlate.”

The Association is collaborating with celebrity chef and author Ingrid Hoffmann to promote healthy eating and the new interactive Create Your Plate tool in the Hispanic community. Through modifications to her favorite recipes, Ingrid incorporates taste and nutrition into healthy meal options. “Change starts with small steps. Those small steps add up and can lead to big results,” Ingrid says. “Nutritious changes are not about dieting; they are about changing your lifestyle to make better choices.” 

To learn more about the Create Your Plate tool, activities and free resources available during Hispanic Heritage Month visit diabetes.org/hhm for English and diabetes.org/mh for Spanish.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. For the past 75 years, our mission has been to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.