Healthy Cinco De Mayo Switches

For many Americans, Cinco De Mayo is a good excuse to chow down on delicious Mexican food and possibly a margarita (or two) in celebration. The calories, saturated fat and sugar can add up fast, but they don’t have to. Check out these tips to make out your Cinco De Mayo celebration healthier.

Cinco De Mayo Food Swaps

Tortillas

Opt for whole-grain tortillas. For a tortilla to be considered whole grain, look for whole grain corn or whole wheat flour as the first ingredient. These tortillas will offer more vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fiber.

If you are watching your calories, watch the size of the tortillas. Tortillas come in so many different sizes (diameters) with different calorie levels. Even tortillas of the same size will have different calories because the thickness can vary.

Protein

Decrease the saturated fat by choosing lean cuts of meat or protein including fish and seafood, red meats (examples: cuts with sirloin, round in the name tend to be leaner or flank steak), pork loin or chicken breast/turkey breast.

Black beans and pinto beans tend to be fabulous choices for protein as well!

Sides

Salsa, in general is a healthier option for a topping, versus cream sauces made with butter or sour cream. If you are making Mexican at home, consider making your own Pico de Gallo with fresh tomatoes, onion, jalapenos, cilantro and lime juice, that way you can monitor the sodium/salt in it.

Instead of piling on cheese or sour cream, opt for avocado or guacamole.  Not only will this decrease your saturated fat, but guacamole with add onion, tomatoes, cilantro (healthy veggie and herbs to your diet)

Instead of refried beans made with lard, consider black beans for a side. There are lots of variations to black beans (hot and cold versions).

Margaritas

One 8-ounce frozen margarita can contain about 300 calories and 35 grams of sugar!  

You may consider rethinking that drink, especially considering when we are eating out many times margaritas are significantly larger than 8 ounces. Many restaurants have 12 ounces, 18 ounces and 32-ounce sizes, and  that could put your margarita at over 1000 calories with 154 grams of sugar!

If you’re at a restaurant, and margaritas are one of your favorites, consider ordering a “skinny” margarita.

If you’re at home, and looking for a healthy, alcohol-free alternative, consider a sparkling water with lime flavoring. Pour it in a fun glass and (add fresh raspberries and a lime wedge to make it special).

Healthier Mexican Restaurant Choices

If you’re eating out (or ordering out), healthier choices typically include fajitas with peppers, onion and chicken, shrimp, or steak (flank or sirloin).

You can save the tortillas, pass on the refried beans and have it served with a side of black beans for some extra fiber (just make sure they aren’t cooked in lard).

Grilled fish tacos or taco salad (minus the shell and sour cream) can be other good options.