August 06, 2025

96. From Culture to Kitchen, A Healthy Plate

59 minutes

From Culture to Kitchen, A Healthy Plate

My interview with Lorena Drago

In this episode, we cover:

Chef Robert and Lorena Drago, a registered dietitian specializing in diabetes management and multicultural nutrition, discussed the importance of accurate dietary information and cultural considerations in diabetes care. They explored common myths about diabetes in Hispanic communities and shared insights about nutritious foods from Latin American cuisine, including beans, legumes, and various fruits and vegetables. We ended the conversation with Lorena's practical advice for managing blood glucose levels while enjoying traditional foods, along with tips for healthy grocery shopping on a budget, and she offered free webinars for further education.

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Nutrition and Cultural Diversity Journey

Lorena shared her journey into the field of nutrition, motivated by her curiosity about the relationship between food and health, particularly how food affects diabetes management and connects with different cultures. She recounted an anecdote about being confused by the Spanish word for "orange" in a commercial, which led her to discover the cultural diversity within the Hispanic community, especially within Colombia's different regions. Chef acknowledged Lorena's experience and background, setting the stage for the main discussion.

Hispanic Diabetes Diet Myths Debunked

Lorena discussed common myths about diabetes in the Hispanic community, emphasizing that there is no single Hispanic diet and that dietary choices can be modified to manage diabetes. She clarified that all fruits contain carbohydrates, and blood glucose response depends on the type and quantity consumed, not just the sweetness. Chef Robert agreed and expressed frustration with misleading nutrition information online, advocating for consulting certified dietitians for accurate guidance. Lorena also noted that diabetes-friendly foods vary by cuisine within the Hispanic community.

Hispanic Cuisines and Bean Benefits

Lorena discussed the diverse Hispanic cuisines in the United States, focusing on Mexico as the largest subgroup. She highlighted the nutritional benefits of beans and legumes, emphasizing their protein, fiber, and mineral content. Lorena advised patients to consume more beans and legumes, noting their affordability and convenience, even suggesting canned beans as a quick option.

Avocado's Journey to Trendy Superfood

Lorena discussed the evolution of avocado from a lesser-known food among Hispanics to its current popularity as a trendy "It" food, noting its health benefits and the shift in perceptions about dietary fats. She also highlighted other nutritious foods from Latin American cuisine, including chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, corn, chilies, and nopal cactus pads, emphasizing their health benefits and cultural significance. Chef Robert listened and engaged with comments, expressing interest in some of the foods mentioned.

Blood Glucose Management Strategies

Lorena shared her step-by-step approach to helping clients manage their blood glucose levels while enjoying traditional foods. She begins by assessing how clients monitor their glucose and gathers detailed information about their diet. Lorena then recommends paired testing for 2-3 days to track blood glucose responses to meals. Finally, she provides personalized recommendations aligned with American Diabetes Association guidelines, focusing on maintaining target blood glucose levels while incorporating traditional foods.

Healthy Eating Strategies and Recipes

Lorena discussed strategies for healthy eating, focusing on nutrient-dense options and carbohydrate management. She suggested making a French toast alternative with fruits, nuts, and a sweetener like date paste, which has a lower glycemic response than sugar or sugar-free syrup. Lorena emphasized the importance of tracking carbohydrate intake and using tools like CGM values to adjust meals accordingly. She encouraged trying the French toast recipe three times a week and enjoying sweetbreads about twice a week.

Budget-Friendly Healthy Grocery Tips

Lorena shared tips for healthy grocery shopping on a budget, emphasizing the importance of buying in-season produce and using frozen foods, which can be more cost-effective and just as nutritious as fresh options. She advised using AI for meal planning, shopping during senior discounts, utilizing coupons, and incorporating soy foods like tofu for protein. Chef agreed and highlighted the benefits of frozen foods, noting that many people overlook them due to misconceptions about freshness.

Diabetes Management and Professional Guidance

Chef and Lorena discussed the importance of clear communication and professional guidance for individuals managing diabetes, emphasizing the need for consulting healthcare professionals and diabetes educators to separate myths from facts. Lorena expressed joy in helping people gain the knowledge and skills to manage their condition effectively, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced need for frequent visits. She shared her social media platforms in both English and Spanish as the best ways for listeners to connect with her for further support.

Diabetes Management Webinar Series

Lorena Drago, a diabetes management expert, offered three free webinars on managing post-meal blood glucose levels, which she will contact participants about directly. Chef interviewed Lorena about diabetes management and concluded with a rapid-fire Q&A game. Chef mentioned that the podcast episode would be available in about a week, after a brief delay due to a family celebration of their new grandchild.

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