Healthy Cinco De Mayo Recipes

May 5^th is right around the corner, and you know what that means—Cinco De Mayo celebrations! With great food, drinks, dancing, and festivities, what’s not to love about it? The problem is that Cinco De Mayo might just be too much fun. This holiday gives Thanksgiving a run for its money in the gluttony category. Perhaps it is not quite as much of a ‘sit down and eat all day’ type of occasion, as is Thanksgiving, but generally speaking, the foods (and drinks) consumed are not the best for you. After downing platefuls of nachos, chips, quesadillas, and other fattening appetizers, it’s time to wash them down with some sugary margaritas each containing up to 800 calories! You’re at (probably over) your daily caloric intake, and your entrée hasn’t even arrived yet. Now comes the plate of greasy tacos loaded with meat, cheese and sour cream to top off your meal. Dessert? Good luck.

You’re probably thinking, “But it’s Cinco De Mayo, it’s just one day!” We agree with you. We’re here to give you a condensed Cinco menu with some traditional favorites made healthier!

Vegetarian bean & butternut tacos with salsa Verde:

Beans are a great and filling source of protein and the butternut squash adds a smooth, creaminess to keep your cravings satisfied. If you’re not a vegetarian, go ahead and add some grilled lean chicken or shrimp to these to spice up your night.

Nutrition: (based off recipe on link below) Per serving: 406 calories; 9 g fat ( 2 g sat , 4 g mono ); 3 mg cholesterol; 70 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars;13 g protein; 13 g fiber; 517 mg sodium; 1006 mg potassium.

 Shredded turkey and pinto beans burrito:

Turkey is a great source of protein and contains very little fat—far superior to beef, when it comes to calories and fat content. Beans provide more protein and added fiber to keep you feeling fuller faster and longer. Throw some veggies in there and sprinkle it with homemade salsa and you have a complete, nutritious, and delicious meal!

Per serving: 392 calories; 12 g fat ( 5 g sat , 4 g mono ); 84 mg cholesterol; 37 g carbohydrates; 38 g protein; 6 g fiber; 652 mg sodium; 616 mg potassium.

If you are craving an appetizer, here are some quick and easy tips for a healthy nacho platter:

è Use chicken, not beef

è  switch to low fat cheese, and sour cream (try to cut out the sour cream altogether)

è Use whole grain chips and go heavy on the veggies, light on the fillers.

And finally, the moment you have all been waiting for; the margarita! There is really one simple change that can cut out between 300-500 calories from your drink alone! Instead of using the pure sugar and calorie laden margarita mix, use fresh cute lime wedge juice (or if you’re feeling lazy, store bought lime juice). Go ahead, have a second drink you deserve it!  (Approximately 150 calories per ‘rita)

For more healthy meals, as well as ingredients and cooking directions for the ones above, follow this link!

Also, don’t let the sugar crash from those margaritas bring down your night, grab an all-natural, low-sugar, healthy pick-me-up Phix Energy and celebrate like it’s your 21^st birthday!