Oooh, this sounds so yummy! The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has put out a new edition of its book, The New Soul Food Cookbook for People with Diabetes. The book is written by two dietitians - Fabiola Demps Gaines and Roniece Weaver - so you know the recommendations are safe and healthy. Gaines and Weaver are the food whizzes who came up with the Soul Food Pyramid.

The idea behind both this book and the Soul Food Pyramid is simple: people like to eat and they like to eat yummy foods. Also, one the reasons people choose certain foods over others is culturally based. There are certain foods that people, especially African Americans, traditionally opt for that we now know are killers, especially combined with overeating and a sedentary lifestyle. The book aims to help make soul foods healthier rather than trying to make those who enjoy them switch to a celery and cottage cheese-type of diet. Let's be honest: that just won't cut it for most people! Gaines and Weaver provide healthier versions of soul food favorites, as well as other handy tips including food substitutions. For example: how about pork tenderloin instead of fatty pork chops?

To read more, check out Gaines and Weaver's excellent website (where they operate under the name Hebni Nutritional Consultants, Inc.). There you can read about their mission to educate people, especially African Americans, about healthy eating. You can also order their books and check out some sample recipes. Also visit the ADA's online store or call (908) 672-6024 to learn more or to order a copy of the New Soul Food Cookbook.