Did you know that Cinco de Mayo was first celebrated on American soil? It's true! Even though the date commemorates Mexico’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla (NOT Mexican Independence Day), the first Cinco de Mayo parades and parties were help by Mexican-American communities in California and the West during the American Civil War. Today, Cinco de Mayo is observed in many countries as a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture.
Many of the foods consumed on this day are fried, smothered in cheese--or both!--and washed down with beer or tequila. You can indulge in the fun without defeating your diet and fitness goals by choosing healthier Latin-inspired foods. Here are is one of my absolute favorite Cinco De Mayo recipes to help you have festive meal today or any day of the week, plus a drink that won't derail your diet.
Many of the foods consumed on this day are fried, smothered in cheese--or both!--and washed down with beer or tequila. You can indulge in the fun without defeating your diet and fitness goals by choosing healthier Latin-inspired foods. Here are is one of my absolute favorite Cinco De Mayo recipes to help you have festive meal today or any day of the week, plus a drink that won't derail your diet.
Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients:
1½ tsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
¾ tsp. ground cumin, divided use
½ tsp. ground chili powder
1 lb. raw medium shrimp, cleaned, deveined
¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp. finely chopped lime peel
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
8 corn tortillas (or 6-inch whole wheat tortillas), warm
1 cup shredded red and green cabbage
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 medium avocado, sliced
Fresh cilantro sprigs (for garnish; optional)
Fresh lime wedges (for garnish; optional)
Preparation:
1. Combine oil, garlic, ½ tsp. cumin, chili powder, and shrimp in a medium bowl; mix well. Set aside.
2. Combine yogurt, remaining ¼ tsp. cumin, lime peel, lime juice, and cilantro in a small bowl; mix well. Set aside.
3. Heat medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add shrimp mixture; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until shrimp is firm and opaque.
5. Top each tortilla evenly with cabbage, tomato, shrimp, and avocado.
6. Garnish with cilantro and lime if desired; drizzle each taco with a small spoonful of yogurt mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 308
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 143 mg
Sodium: 687 mg
Carbohydrate: 33 g
Fiber: 8 g
Sugar: 3 g
Protein: 21 g
P90X/P90X2 Portions (per serving)
1 protein
½ carbohydrate/grain
1 vegetable
½ fat
P90X3 Portions (per serving)
1 protein
1½ carbohydrates
2 fat
Body Beast Portions (per serving)
2 proteins
1 starch
2 vegetables
2 fat
21 Day Fix Portions (per serving)
1 green
½ red
1 yellow
1 blue
Total Time: 18 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 3 min.
Yield: 4 servings, 2 tacos each
Ingredients:
1½ tsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
¾ tsp. ground cumin, divided use
½ tsp. ground chili powder
1 lb. raw medium shrimp, cleaned, deveined
¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp. finely chopped lime peel
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
8 corn tortillas (or 6-inch whole wheat tortillas), warm
1 cup shredded red and green cabbage
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 medium avocado, sliced
Fresh cilantro sprigs (for garnish; optional)
Fresh lime wedges (for garnish; optional)
Preparation:
1. Combine oil, garlic, ½ tsp. cumin, chili powder, and shrimp in a medium bowl; mix well. Set aside.
2. Combine yogurt, remaining ¼ tsp. cumin, lime peel, lime juice, and cilantro in a small bowl; mix well. Set aside.
3. Heat medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add shrimp mixture; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until shrimp is firm and opaque.
5. Top each tortilla evenly with cabbage, tomato, shrimp, and avocado.
6. Garnish with cilantro and lime if desired; drizzle each taco with a small spoonful of yogurt mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 308
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 143 mg
Sodium: 687 mg
Carbohydrate: 33 g
Fiber: 8 g
Sugar: 3 g
Protein: 21 g
P90X/P90X2 Portions (per serving)
1 protein
½ carbohydrate/grain
1 vegetable
½ fat
P90X3 Portions (per serving)
1 protein
1½ carbohydrates
2 fat
Body Beast Portions (per serving)
2 proteins
1 starch
2 vegetables
2 fat
21 Day Fix Portions (per serving)
1 green
½ red
1 yellow
1 blue
Total Time: 18 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 3 min.
Yield: 4 servings, 2 tacos each
If you’re going to enjoy a margarita, this is my favorite drink of all time. It has a bright flavor and is also light on calories just 140!
Combine 1.5 oz. of silver tequila, 1 oz. fresh lime juice, 1 oz. fresh orange juice, and 1 tsp. agave nectar in a shaker. Shake and serve over ice and garnish with a slice of orange or lime.
How will you celebrate this Cinco de Mayo? What’s your favorite healthy Mexican recipe?
‘Til next time…enjoy & drink responsibly!
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