Balancing Flavor & Nutrition on Cinco de Mayo

While Cinco de Mayo brings visions of cheesy, indulgent Tex-Mex dishes, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health in your celebrations – enjoy both with these nutritious swaps!

Pump up the Plants
Load up on fresh, flavorful toppings like pico de gallo, salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and avocado. They add massive flavor for minimal calories. You can also use avocado in place of heavier cheese or sour cream – its creamy texture satisfies while providing heart-healthy fats. Serve tacos, burritos or burrito bowls over fiber-filled bases like cauliflower rice, quinoa or shredded romaine instead of refined tortillas or chips. Then pack in extra veggies like sautéed peppers, onions or zucchini noodles.
The more colors, the more antioxidants!

Protein-Packed Possibilities
For leaner protein, opt for shredded chicken breast or ground turkey. But don’t overlook plant proteins like black beans, lentils or crispy baked tofu crumbles. They’re just as filling without the saturated fat.

Spice Up the Flavor
To keep sodium in check, use spices liberally instead of overly salty taco seasoning packets. Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and oregano give you that zesty, signature Mexican flavor punch.

Savvy Cheesy Tricks
Can’t do Mexican night without queso? Go for smaller portions of full-fat cheese and boost the flavor with zesty additions like diced jalapeños, fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.