Have you ever felt guilty after enjoying your favorite cultural dish, fearing it might disrupt your blood sugar? You’re not alone - and registered dietitian Dalina Soto wants to change that. She champions a refreshing, anti-diet approach that proves managing glucose doesn’t mean saying goodbye to the foods you love. Instead, her practical strategies help people with diabetes or prediabetes savor culturally meaningful meals while maintaining steady energy and stable blood sugar, all through balance, not bans.

Soto keeps things simple: think of each plate as a blend of four friends- carbs for energy, plus protein, fat and fiber to slow things down. Imagine a vibrant bowl of rice paired with grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and colorful veggies. No strict measuring cups here - just thoughtful proportions. Her mantra? “Add, don't subtract.” Toss beans into your family's stew or layer extra veggies onto your weekend tacos. Even snacks join the fun, trying apple slices with nut butter or yogurt topped with berries, so you stay energized between meals without those sudden glucose roller coasters.

But it's not just about what's on your plate. Soto encourages a mindset shift: see blood sugar shifts as helpful clues, not failures. Stress, sleep, even a busy day - they all play a role. By responding with curiosity instead of criticism, you can gently adjust without guilt. Little steps, like stirring lentils into your soup or choosing whole-grain wraps, add up to real progress - all while keeping meals joyful and familiar.

In short, Soto reimagines blood sugar care as a flexible, food-friendly journey. By blending nutrients wisely, celebrating cultural flavors, and adopting a kind, curious mindset, you can achieve steadier glucose levels and greater mealtime satisfaction. This isn’t about perfect numbers, it's about nourishing yourself with confidence, joy, and a lasting sense of balance.