My mom is the biggest Mexican food fan in my family. She could eat Tex-Mex fare every day of the week, however the bottomless bowls of chips, cheesy appetizers and entrees aren’t always kind to the waistline—or your cardiovascular system. But it’s easy to bring the fiesta home while reinventing these dishes into fresher, heart-healthy recipes.
What Mexican food is heart-healthy?
Opt for lean protein. Choosing chicken, shrimp, beans, and even leaner cuts of steak will reduce the unhealthy fats you’ll find in the richer pork, stewed beef and fried items.Go for low-fat dairy. When you make your own Mexican food, you can reduce the amount of cheese or make swaps like using non-fat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.Choose corn over flour tortillas. Not only is this an easy way to turn your dishes into gluten-free Mexican recipes, but it also reduces the fat and refined carbohydrates. And don’t forget options like brown or cauliflower rice bowls and salads or lettuce wraps, instead of burritos and enchiladas.Watch the dips and sauces. Salsa is a light and fresh, veggie-packed option, and guacamole, although high in calories, if loaded with heart-healthy unsaturated fats that a good for you when eaten in moderations. But beware of queso and other creamy sauces.Keep the beans, but pass on the refried ones. Beans are a great way to add fiber and plant-based protein to your diet, but some of those refried beans use large amounts of lard or shortening. You can either make them yourself and use smaller amounts of healthier fats, or try stewed pinto beans or even a bean salad.
These swaps, suggestions, and more are incorporated into the tacos, salads, skillets, casseroles and even a few sweets you’ll find in this collection of healthy Mexican recipes. CLICK HERE PIN THIS COLLECTION OF HEART-HEALTHY MEXICAN FOOD IDEAS
More healthy recipes to try:
12 Whole30 Soup Recipes40 Light and Healthy Chicken Salad Recipes8 Easy, Healthy and Low-Carb Shrimp Recipes
