Reclaiming cultural foods with Dalina Soto

Have you ever been told to swap rice for quinoa or skip the plantains in the name of “healthy eating”? In this episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast, we sit down with Dalina Soto, a Dominican-American registered dietitian and author of The Latina Anti-Diet, to explore how mainstream nutrition has unfairly vilified cultural foods. Food is more than just calories—it’s tradition, culture, and connection. Dalina shares why reclaiming our cultural foods without guilt is a powerful act of healing.

We dive into the impact of diet culture and weight stigma on communities of color, unpack the problematic history of BMI, and discuss how the wellness industry often overlooks cultural nuance. Dalina also offers practical ways to heal your relationship with food while honoring tradition, showing how reconnecting with cultural foods can be an act of self-care and resistance.

If you're living with diabetes or prediabetes and want personalized support from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist covered by insurance, visit diabetesdigital.co to connect with our culturally aware and weight-inclusive team. And if you love the show, don't forget to rate and review us on iTunes or Spotify—it makes a huge difference! For additional resources and show notes, head to diabetesdigital.co/podcast.