Uno, Dos, Tres, Quatro, Cinco De Mayo is here and I can honestly say that I do not know anyone who does not love Mexican food. The spice, the flavor, the party aromas, that make you want to be festive and fun!
But, while pumping up the spice, you can also pack on the pounds.
According to Registered Dietician, Julie Upton as reported on HuffingtonPost.com, "Mexican food is inherently simple ingredients. Just stick with the simple ingredients. There’s no reason you have to do a seven-layer dip."
Below you will see some of my “simple” recipes for a fabulous fiesta, but first let’s get the party started with a drink.
Who doesn’t like to start the party with a margarita? This limey delight is a favorite especially here in the Southwest.
According to Forbes.com, just one party-in-a-glass is 740 calories. Most of the time, margaritas are made with margarita mix, tequila and triple sec. Different variations of flavors are added to it such as strawberry, mango, etc.
Tip #1
Use A Lighter Margarita Mix or Diet Soda
My first tip has to do with modifying your margarita. There are many variations of lighter or “Skinny Margaritas.” My favorite trick is to use a diet lemon/lime soda and only half of the margarita mix. It adds a fizz minus extra calories.
Tip #2
Make a Mocktail Instead of a Cocktail
FAKE SANGRIA
½ cup of pineapple juice
2 bottles of Perrier
¼ cup of strawberries
¼ cup of raspberries
1 orange (sliced)
3 limes
3 lemons
1 apple (sliced)
1 pink grapefruit
4 tablespoons of stevia powder
Pour pineapple juice and Perrier into a pitcher with all fruit except lemons and limes.
Squeeze juice from lemons and limes, then slice remainder of fruit and add to mixture. Add in stevia powder and stir.
Let sit overnight.
Tip #3
Use Low-Carb Whole Wheat Tortillas for Enchiladas
CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
2 pound pkg. of chicken tenderloins
4 small low-carb whole wheat tortillas
½ cup green peppers
¼ cup chopped black olives
1 8-ounce jar of crushed tomatoes
1 jar of salsa
¼ cup of Monterrey Jack cheese
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Grill or stirfry chicken in medium skillet.
Add in green peppers, black olives and crushed tomatoes.
Fill tortilla shells with meat mixture.
Fold shell tightly, sealing off all four corners and place in baking pan.
Pour salsa on top and bake in pre-heated oven for about 20 minutes.
Makes 2 servings.
Serve with mixed greens and 2 tablespoons of lime avocado dressing:
½ of avocado
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
¼ cup of Greek or plain yogurt
Salt and pepper
Tip #4
Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream on Fajitas
BEEF FAJITAS
(4) 6 ounce stewing beef cut into strips
2 tbsp. of olive oil
1 bunch of cilantro, cleaned and trimmed
½ cup of sliced red bell peppers
½ small, yellow, Spanish onion diced
¼ cup of Monterrey Jack heese
Greek yogurt
4 small low-carb whole wheat tortillas
Salsa
In large skillet stirfry beef in olive oil until tender, cover and set aside.
Add onions, peppers and cilantro.
Fill each pita with beef and pepper/onion mixture.
Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt and salsa.
Makes 4 servings.
Serve with side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Tip #5
Opt for a Salad Entrée Instead of Eating Rice or Beans
FAJITA SALAD
6 ounces chicken breasts, diced
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 bunch of cilantro, cleaned and trimmed
¼ cup of sliced red bell peppers
¼ small, yellow, Spanish onion diced
¼ cup of Monterrey Jack cheese
1 small avocado peeled, cored and sliced
Greek yogurt
2 cups of romaine lettuce
Salsa
In large skillet stir-fry chicken in olive oil until tender, cover and set aside.
Add onions, peppers and cilantro.
Pour over bowl of romaine.
Add in cheese and avocado.
Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt and salsa.
Sources:
“Cinco De Mayo Recipes: 10 Simple Nutrition Tricks For A Healthier Fiesta – HuffingtonPost.com.” Huffington Post. Web 4 May. 2012.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/04/cinco-de-mayo-recipes-mexican-recipes_n_1476289.html#s=937771
“The Most Fattening Cocktails – Forbes.com.” Forbes Magazine. Web 4 May. 2012.
http://www.forbes.com/2005/08/09/cx_sy_0810featslide_2.html?thisSpeed=35000
Joanne Sgro-Killworth is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training.
Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com/
She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her husband and son, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.
Edited by Jody Smith