By Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

The Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group (VN DPG), a group of nutrition professionals with expertise and/or interest in vegetarian nutrition, recently introduced the first of four Culture Cuisine Plates – Latin Cuisine. This colorful handout features vegan foods that are commonly used in Latin American communities. The handout’s sections include

• Shifting to a plant-based diet
• Foods included in the Latin Culture Cuisine Plate (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, proteins, dairy substitutes).
• Regional plant foods of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean
• A sample menu
• Lists of common spices and common beverages

The Culture Cuisine Plates project was developed by VN DPG’s Diversity Team and was funded by a grant from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Additional Culture Cuisine Plates are being developed for African, East Asian, and Indian Cultures.

You can download a copy of the Latin Culture Plate here.