March 02, 2004

By: James Sparks
Website: http://www.1st-in-steaks.com

MR. FOOD cooks up 'Quick & Easy' diabetic cooking for Latino Americans

With diabetes being a leading health risk for Latino Americans aged 45-74, the American Diabetes Association joined "OOH IT'S SO GOOD!" TV food personality Art Ginsburg, better known as "Mr. Food," and Miss America 1999, Nicole Johnson, to make living with diabetes a little more…well, tasteful.

With the release of the ADA bestseller Mr. Food's Quick & Easy Diabetic Cooking in a Spanish-language version, Mr. Food helps Latino Americans living with diabetes put together quick, easy dishes that taste like "real food" yet fit into diabetes meal plans.

"Understanding who is at greatest risk, diagnosing the problem early, and making changes to your diet can make all the difference between controlling the disease and having it control you," says Francine Kaufman, MD, President, American Diabetes Association. Spreading awareness of the disease, especially to high-risk groups such as Latino Americans, is vital. People love Mr. Food's no-nonsense approach to cooking, and they also relate to the personal stories of Miss America 1999, Nicole Johnson, who has diabetes herself and is a tireless advocate for increasing awareness of the disease.

According to the ADA, approximately 26% of Puerto Ricans, 24% of Mexican Americans and 16% of Cuban Americans aged 45-74 have diabetes. While the cause of diabetes is unknown, it IS known that genetics and diet are crucial risk factors for not only Latino Americans, but for all those at risk for the disease.

"I believe everybody-with diabetes or not-wants quick, great-tasting food that makes sense with today's busy lifestyles. And I show how it can be done every day-usually in less than 30 minutes," says Mr. Food, who, for over 25 years, has been putting together quick-and-easy meals for six to eight million daily viewers via his 90-second news insert nationally syndicated by CBS/King World.

Mr. Food's no-frills, fun approach to cooking, in concert with Ms. Johnson's efforts, led to the development of Mr. Food's Quick & Easy Diabetic Cooking in 2001. The cookbook quickly became the ADA's best-selling book of the year, featuring full-color photos and over 150 recipes from easy appetizers to entrées, and even desserts. Each recipe contains ADA exchanges and a complete nutritional analysis, as well as practical tips for incorporating diabetes guidelines into everyday life.

With hopes of reaching more Latino Americans at high risk for diabetes, the ADA released a Spanish-language version of Mr. Food's Quick & Easy Diabetic Cooking earlier this month. The cookbook retails for $16.95 and is now available to the public in both English and Spanish versions at mrfood.com or by calling toll-free 1-888-4MRFOOD.Complimentary copies of the Spanish-language version of Mr. Food's Quick & Easy Diabetic Cooking are now available for Mr. Food affiliates' on-air station promotions, contests and giveaways.

About The Author:

James Sparks is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-steaks.com.  Great tips on buying top quality meats, steaks and seafood from the finest ranchers and butchers.