[lead]Cinco de Mayo is a favorite holiday of mine. Partially because it just so happens to be my birthday, but also because it’s just so fun and festive. [/lead]
Not to mention that I love Mexican food…fajitas, tacos, and margaritas! All so flavorful and delicious! I love holidays that center around food and think it’s possible to have a flavorful fiesta while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few Cinco de Mayo specific tips….
- Hold the Sour Cream
- Most traditional Mexican dishes are topped with sour cream. Consider holding the sour cream when you order or ask for it on the side, then you can control the amount you need
- Go Light on the Rice
- Often a filler, rice can really fill you up without giving you many nutritional benefits
- Opt for extra black beans and fresh ingredients instead
- Watch out for the Cheese
- Burritos and taco can often be packed with extra cheese, and while I do love me some cheese, sometimes it’s just too much
- Ask for just a little cheese or consider fresh avocado for a dose of heart healthy fats that will leave you full and satisfied
- Don’t fill up on Chips
- The free chips and salsa provided at many Mexican restaurants can really add up to a lot of empty calories (and sodium) while you are waiting for your meal
- It’s easy to continuously snack on chips and before you realize it, you’ve consumed your entire dinner in just chips
- If you want a few chips, portion some out on a napkin or cocktail plate and then wait until your delicious meal comes
- Or simply ask the waiter to remove the chips from the table
There are definitely healthy options available when enjoying a little fiesta, some of my favorites include:
- Tacos
- Usually made with smaller tortillas, tacos can be a great source of lean proteins (grilled fish, lean chicken or even shrimp)
- Be careful of toppings, choose shredded lettuce, fresh pico de gallo style salsa and fresh avocado when possible
- Try these great Grilled Fish Tacos or Grilled Steak Tacos for a light and fresh recipe
- Fajita style salads
- All the great flavors of fajitas….lean chicken, lettuce, tomato, avocado, sautéed peppers, onion, jalapeño and tomatoes, without the empty tortilla calories
- Be careful of your dressing, opt for a vinaigrette based dressing or ask for the dressing on the side and use sparingly
- Fajitas
- Great source of lean proteins such as grilled chicken, steak or shrimp
- Easy to load up on veggies…bell peppers, squash, mushrooms or grilled onions
- You control the toppings, so you can load up on fresh guacamole and beans, instead of sour cream and cheese
And don’t forget the Margaritas! Be careful of recipes containing too much Sweet & Sour (i.e. added sugar) and choose options made with agave and fresh lime juice. A fantastic light Margarita recipe here!
Cheers to you and yours this Cinco de Mayo!
Here are some great Cinco de Mayo recipe ideas for a light but still satisfying fiesta on my Pinterest Board.
