At Food Ease Counseling, cultural awareness is at the heart of how we approach meal planning. Every client brings their unique experiences, traditions, and preferences to the table—literally. We believe nutrition counseling works best when it acknowledges the important roles of culture, tradition, and identity in our clients’ lives.
In a recent webinar hosted by Danone, The Power of Culturally Inclusive Care: Strategies for Diabetes Management and Risk Reduction, Ashley Carter and Jasmine Westbrooks-Figaro, registered dietitians and co-founders of EatWell Exchange, shared invaluable insights on incorporating cultural sensitivity into meal planning. Their presentation emphasized understanding not only what foods clients eat, but also how they eat—whether individually plated or family-style—and, importantly, that cultural identity doesn’t always dictate food choices.
At Food Ease, we incorporate these principles into our counseling sessions. For example, we never assume a client’s preferences based on cultural stereotypes. Instead, we prioritize open-ended questions to create meal plans that respect traditions while meeting individualized needs.
Let’s explore how cultural awareness and adaptable approaches like the flexitarian diet can foster inclusivity and create a more sustainable, balanced path to nutrition—especially for clients managing chronic conditions like diabetes.
Cultural awareness in nutrition goes beyond understanding food preferences—it’s about recognizing the role of food in connection, tradition, and identity. Yet, it’s also important to balance cultural awareness with an individualized approach, as not every client aligns with their cultural norms.
For example, rice might be a staple in many Asian households, but not all Asian clients enjoy or regularly consume it. Similarly, a Mediterranean client may prefer modern interpretations of traditional dishes. Asking questions like, “What foods do you typically enjoy eating?” or “How do meals look in your household?” is crucial for building trust and collaboration.
This approach is particularly significant for clients with diabetes, as dietary changes can feel especially restrictive. Respecting a client’s cultural food preferences while tailoring plans to support blood sugar management fosters both trust and adherence. For example:
The flexitarian diet—a predominantly plant-based eating pattern that allows moderate animal product inclusion—is a particularly useful framework for clients from diverse backgrounds. It provides flexibility, empowering clients to maintain cultural traditions, such as meat-centric family meals, while incorporating plant-based principles for balance.
At Food Ease, we embrace this adaptability by incorporating cultural favorites into meal plans. For example:
This inclusive approach ensures meal plans are both nutritionally sound and personally meaningful.
We know cultural awareness goes beyond identifying staple foods. It means understanding:
These nuances guide our collaborative discussions during consultations. For example, a client who observes Ramadan might need tailored advice for fasting periods, while another client might seek creative ways to modify traditional dishes for specific health goals.
Ashley Carter and Jasmine Westbrooks-Figaro from EatWell Exchange emphasized the importance of asking, not assuming. A Latino client may prefer quinoa bowls over tortillas, or an Italian client might be gluten-free. Open-ended questions allow us to build plans tailored to each client’s unique preferences.
Cultural sensitivity becomes even more critical when working with clients managing diabetes. Dietary changes to support blood sugar control can sometimes feel overwhelming or isolating, especially when they seem to conflict with cultural traditions. However, by respecting and incorporating these traditions, dietitians can create sustainable and satisfying plans.
For example:
We believe clients shouldn’t feel they have to give up the foods they love. Instead, we work together to adapt these foods in ways that support their health and well-being.
There’s no such thing as “good” or “bad” foods. Instead, try to approach nutrition with mindfulness and moderation, celebrating all foods in the context of a balanced diet.
For clients with diabetes, this means moving away from restrictive mindsets and focusing on balance. For example:
This positive, inclusive mindset fosters a healthier relationship with food and improves adherence to nutrition plans.
For dietitians:
For clients:
Cultural awareness is essential for creating inclusive, client-centered nutrition plans—especially for individuals managing diabetes. At Food Ease Counseling, we celebrate individuality and cultural diversity by combining open conversations, adaptable frameworks like the flexitarian diet, and a commitment to honoring traditions.
Ready to explore how culturally aware meal planning can support your goals? Book a discovery call with Food Ease Counseling or learn more about our personalized services here. Together, we’ll build a plan that respects your unique preferences and lifestyle, creating a path toward balance and nourishment that feels authentic to you.
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Feel free to contact us! Just leave your email here, and we will get back to you shortly.