Giving Thanks and Eating Well: F.A.C.E. Diabetes and Anthony Anderson Encourage African Americans to 'Make Over Your Sunday Meal'

Actor/comedian to emphasize the importance of healthy recipes for Sunday suppers and Thanksgiving

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Nov 10, 2010, 07:00 ET

NEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of November as National Diabetes Awareness Month and the start of the holiday season, Eli Lilly and Company and actor Anthony Anderson are encouraging African Americans to "Make Over Your Sunday Meal" as part of F.A.C.E. Diabetes, the national Fearless African- Americans Connected and Empowered campaign, created to build awareness and foster support for African Americans with type 2 diabetes.

Anderson, known for numerous television and movie roles and now, as a spokesperson for F.A.C.E. Diabetes, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes seven years ago. He soon began looking for ways of improving his daily habits to keep his disease under control. As healthy eating is crucial to diabetes self-management(1), he set out to learn ways to make small substitutions to his favorite family dishes that would not compromise flavor nor quality.

"Gathering around the table to share dinner on Sundays is a deeply rooted tradition in many African American families, including mine," says Anderson. "It's an important time to take a break from my hectic schedule to cook together and enjoy time with my children before the start of another week. This month, I encourage all African Americans to learn how new habits in the kitchen can enhance old traditions while providing a healthier meal for the whole family."

On November 13, F.A.C.E. Diabetes will be teaming up with the Hebni Nutrition consultants, creators of "The New Soul Food Pyramid," in Dallas, Texas, to demonstrate simple, diabetes-friendly twists on traditional dishes. In addition, throughout the month, the F.A.C.E. Diabetes website, www.FACE-diabetes.com, will feature Anderson and the Hebni Nutrition Consultants in a "Make Over Your Sunday Meal" cooking demonstration, providing step-by-step instructions on how to make a healthier version of collard greens.

"With Thanksgiving around the corner and National Diabetes Awareness Month upon us, November is the perfect time to evaluate our eating habits and find creative ways to continue enjoying the foods we love while taking care of our bodies," says Roniece Weaver, Executive Director of the Hebni Nutrition Consultants. "Through F.A.C.E. Diabetes, individuals and families with diabetes can learn to prepare dishes that are not only delicious, but also healthful and diabetes-friendly."

For more information on how to make over your Sunday meal and the F.A.C.E. Diabetes initiative, please visit www.FACE-Diabetes.com. The F.A.C.E. Diabetes event in Dallas, Texas, will be at the Diabetes Health and Wellness Institute (part of the Juanita J. Craft Recreation Center) at 4500 Spring Avenue.

About the F.A.C.E. Diabetes Campaign

The Fearless African Americans Connected and Empowered (F.A.C.E.) Diabetes initiative is a grassroots movement targeting African Americans in the United States to help individuals, families, and neighborhoods overcome key barriers to success in living with diabetes. It is supported by Eli Lilly and Company, and national and local health advocacy organizations. For additional information about the F.A.C.E. Diabetes campaign and/or events, go to www.FACE-Diabetes.com.

About Lilly Diabetes

For more than 85 years, Lilly has been a worldwide leader in pioneering industry-leading solutions to support people living with and treating diabetes. Lilly introduced the world's first commercial insulin in 1923, and remains at the forefront of medical and delivery device innovation to manage diabetes. Lilly is also committed to providing solutions beyond therapy - practical tools, education, and support programs to help overcome barriers to success along the diabetes journey. At Lilly, the journeys of each person living with or treating diabetes inspire ours. For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com.

About Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.

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(1) National Diabetes Education Program. "Manage Your Diabetes." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://ndep.nih.gov/i-have-diabetes/ManageYourDiabetes.aspx. Accessed 17 March 2010.

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SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company