Eating heart-healthy this Cinco de Mayo doesn’t have to be difficult. By keeping an eye on a few key ingredients, you can keep your heart celebrating all year long.
- Pack your meal with fresh veggies. Tomatoes, corn, lettuce, peppers and avocados are all good sources of nutrients, fiber and even protein. Instead of buying salsa in a jar, chop up a few tomatoes with onion, pepper and cilantro to enjoy a healthy pico de gallo salsa to top your dish.
- Look for whole-grains. Spring for baked corn tortillas, which have fewer refined carbs than flour tortillas. Try oven-baked corn or bean chips instead of fried chips, and swap white rice for brown.
- Get your protein. Beans are a great source of protein, but choose whole black or pinto beans instead of refried beans. Fish is also a good source of protein, but aim for grilled fish instead of fried. If you’re looking for plant-based protein, consider a nut- or soy-based meat substitute.
- Skip the fat. Go without the dollop of sour cream on top of your dish, and look for a low-fat or plant-based cheese. If you still need that creamy topping, try a spoonful of low-fat Greek yogurt. When browsing chips, tortillas and beans, look for those made without added lard and oil.
- Watch the salt. Chips, canned beans, premade salsas and guacamoles, and boxed rice mixes tend to have high levels of salt. Where possible, look for low-sodium options or make these dishes from scratch so you can control how much salt goes in.
Going plant-based this Cinco de Mayo
If you want to try your hand at a totally plant-based entré, try our Vitaliz Haystack recipe for an easy-to-assemble, flavorful version of taco salad.
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