Breaking the Diabetes Cycle

Despite having two parents, three grandparents, and eight uncles with diabetes, Chef LaLa (Laura Diaz) is determined to change the course of history. "Mexican food has a bad rap for being high in calories, carbs, and fat. But it doesn't have to be," she says. "I grew up in our family restaurants, so authenticity is important to me. And health is equally important."

Inspired by her three passions in life (her son and family, cooking, and health), this Los Angeles-based chef uses her culinary and nutrition training to show people how to enjoy traditional cultural cuisine in better ways. As a motivational speaker for several health outlets, including the American Heart Association, NBA FIT, and the Let's Move! campaign, LaLa kept getting audience questions related to diabetes. "I realized people didn't have enough solutions for how to enjoy the foods they love while managing their diabetes," says LaLa, who is also a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association and an honoree for the Joslin Diabetes Center's Latino Initiatives. "Everyone talks about the diabetes epidemic, but I think we need to focus on the solutions."

And that's exactly what LaLa does.

"You can't hand someone [who is newly diagnosed with diabetes] a list of vegetables and expect them to change the way they eat. If tortillas or pasta or bread is a big part of their cultural cuisine, a better solution is to show them how and when to eat those foods."

Empowering People with Diabetes

LaLa also knows that managing diabetes is not a one-size-fits-all formula. "Every situation and every person is unique. My mom doesn't like to exercise, but she's very good at keeping her food portions in check. For my dad, controlling his portions isn't easy, but he never misses a day of exercise."

As someone who has struggled with her own weight, especially after the birth of her son, LaLa relates to the challenges people face when it comes to food choices. "I give people the knowledge they need to make healthy decisions. That's empowering -- and it can change the course of history."

Mexican-Americans are almost twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, according to a 2010 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention national survey.

"There is a misconception in my culture that diabetes is inevitable," LaLa says. "I know many people who are afraid to go to the doctor for fear of being diagnosed with diabetes and being told they won't be able to eat rice or tortillas again."

But LaLa is dispelling this myth one household at a time. She has appeared as a guest nutritionist on Dale con Ganas(the Latin version of The Biggest Loser), where she helps overweight Mexican families make light and delicious dinners. And you can download and print (in English or Spanish) LaLa's free family-friendly mini cookbook, Yummy for Your Tummy, at chefLaLa.com/cookbooks.

Get some of Chef's LaLa's lightened recipes now!