Balancing Tradition and Nutrition: Carbohydrate Counts in the Hispanic Foods You Love
Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can bring a flood of changes. One of the biggest concerns is about food: “Does this mean we can’t enjoy the meals we’ve always loved?” The truth is, you don’t have to give up your favorite dishes — but learning how to manage carbohydrates is key.
Why Carb Awareness Matters
Carbohydrates have the most direct impact on blood sugar. For someone newly diagnosed, navigating meals can feel overwhelming at first. Many traditional Hispanic foods are rich in carbs — from sweet treats like buñuelos and pastelitos, to savory favorites like arepas, arroz con gandules, and tostones. Without the right information, it can feel like these foods are suddenly “off-limits.”
But food is more than fuel. It’s tradition, connection, and comfort. No one should feel like their diagnosis erases that part of life. The good news: with the right knowledge, you can enjoy these foods while still keeping blood sugars in range.
Finding Balance, Not Elimination
The goal isn’t to cut out cherished dishes, but to know what’s in them so you can make informed choices. For example:
A medium pastelito de guayaba has about 30g of carbs, similar to a slice of bread.
A cup of arroz con gandules is closer to 40–45g of carbs.
By being mindful of serving sizes and learning the carb counts of common foods, one can plan meals that feel both familiar and manageable.
Our Easy Reference Guide
To make this easier, we’ve created a simple resource: a chart of common Hispanic foods and their average carbohydrate content. This quick guide helps all understand what’s on the plate.
Living Fully, Eating Joyfully
Living with type 1 diabetes doesn’t mean losing the foods you love. It means learning how to balance them in a way that supports your body. Our goal is to provide tools that make that journey easier.
