The country of many mouthwatering delicacies – Mexico, is next in the series of cuisines throughout the world. Still, some people express concerns about the nutritional value of Mexican cuisine. Well, then what are you waiting for? Read on with Illume to find out more about the true nutritional value of Mexican cuisine.
Who doesn’t like a massive bowl of nachos covered with cheese, guacamole, and sour cream? It’s the meal that everyone first thinks of when they go to a Mexican restaurant. Would you be disappointed if we told you that nachos served this way aren’t exactly healthy? The good news is that you can still enjoy nachos. Even better, you can eat tacos guilt-free on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and any other day! Stay with us for the remainder of this piece to find out which meals will not raise your blood pressure, waistline, or doctor’s eyebrows.
Beans equal Fiber
You probably think of refried beans when you think of beans and Mexican food, right? They’re delicious, but the rich flavor is frequently derived from fat. We won’t get into all the fat in lard, but we can advise you how to eat beans in a healthy way.
First and foremost, beans have high content of fiber and here are some ways to make healthy dishes with beans. If you simply mash them and season to your taste, you may refry cooked beans without fat. Of course, if you’re preparing them at home.
If dining out, instead of refried beans, order a side of pinto or black beans. Frijoles de la olla are slow-cooked beans with onions and garlic.
Beans are undervalued! This modest cornerstone of all Mexican cuisines contains protein, vitamins B1 and B6, as well as a variety of other minerals.
Did we forget to mention fiber? There is a bean song to remind you of how healthy beans are. You know the one—beans, beans, they’re healthy for your heart, the more you eat— pretty much that’s all you need to remember.
If you’ve ever considered yourself a meat-and-potatoes person, you’ll like what comes next.
A Protein Eater’s Paradise
Protein is one thing you won’t run out of if you eat meals Mexican-style. Whether you prefer beef, chicken, pork, or fish, there are healthy options for any and all three. The trick here is to avoid the fattier portions of meat.
Today, many Mexican eateries provide healthful options. For burritos and tacos, opt for grilled meats if possible.
Carnitas (little meats), which are similar to the renowned American dish pulled pork, are a common protein seen on a Mexican table. Carnitas are usually a fattier portion of meat that is also fried. If you do order carnitas, eat only the lean meat and give the pancita (pork belly) to a friend.
You can eat meat without feeling like you need spend an extra hour in the gym with dishes Mexican-style.
The Enchilada
What are you waiting for if you’ve never had an enchilada? Enchiladas are the quintessential comfort meal.
A filling of meat and cheese is wrapped in a corn tortilla. Enchiladas, which are topped with either a red or green sauce and occasionally a sprinkling of cheese, make you feel divine.
Let’s be honest: it’s not always easy to locate a fat-free enchilada.
Enchiladas Suizas, which are cooked with a lot of cheese and cream sauce, are a popular meal. Excellent, though a bit rich in fat. If you order enchiladas and they come drenched in cheese or crema, eat half and share the other half with the same person whom you shared the pancita.
Since it is the perfect combination of meat and vegetables, this dish will fill you up with protein, fiber, and other vitamins.
Another option for a healthy enchilada is to request a vegetarian enchilada. Yes, that is a real thing, and if you’re interested, spinach enchiladas will delight your taste senses!
Avocado
Avocados are used in a variety of Mexican recipes. And it’s famous for its nutritional value.
While it is true that we are in a price war for avocados and that there is a shortage in some regions, that is not going to stop us! It should not stop you either.
Avocados are high in the nutrients listed below.
Vitamins (C, E, K, B6)
Riboflavin
Niacin
Folate
Magnesium
Potassium
Beta-Carotene
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
All of that in a single piece of green fruit?
You’ve likely heard that avocados are heavy in fat, which is correct, but it’s the good type of fat. The sort that benefits your heart, eyes, and bones.
Avocados can be eaten mashed or cubed in guacamole, or sliced and used as a stuffing for tacos and burritos.
Mexican Soup
Sopa is a popular dish in Mexican cuisine. And, like many soups from different cultures, it’s high in nutritious ingredients and low in calories.
Look for broth-based Mexican soups whether ordering or making them at home.
Order the black bean soup if you want to boost fiber. Chicken tortilla soup is another broth-based dish that is really delicious. Order the Caldo de Camarón for something a bit more unusual (shrimp soup) The shrimp can be served shelled or unshelled after being simmered with potatoes and carrots in a tomato broth.
Do you want to try something completely authentic? Pozole is what you’re looking for. It is a pork, vegetable, and hominy stew. You’ll obtain protein, vegetables, plus a good dose of capsaicin if the cook adds spicy chiles.
Capsaicin, the substance in peppers that gives them their spicy taste, offers health advantages as well. Capsaicin has the potential to:
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Increase Metabolism
- Reduce Pain
Capsaicin is also considered to be beneficial to the digestive system.
All of these health benefits of eating soup and peppers come with a bonus: people who focus on the soup will eat less for the rest of the meal.
Burrito Bowl
Is the burrito a legit Mexican dish? Only few people seem to know the answer. Also, burritos are said to have existed since the Mexican Revolution.
We might never find out the truth. What we do know is that burritos may be found on the menus of nearly every Mexican restaurant in the United States. We also know that burritos contain calories.
The tortilla needed to construct a burrito has between 200 and 300 calories. Unwrap it, and there you have it: a burrito bowl.
If you want to make a healthy bowl, which is why you’re reading this, start with brown rice, beans, and lean grilled meat like chicken or steak. Top with lettuce, salsa, and a dollop of guacamole.
Taco
Taco Tuesday was mentioned a few paragraphs earlier. We know that you are looking forward to it, too.
Tacos are one of the simplest dishes that have great nutritional value in Mexican cuisine. You can control not just what you fill a taco shell with, but also the portion size if you make it yourself.
Grilled chicken, lean steak, or grilled fish are all great protein options for tacos. Toppings should include tomatoes, onion, salsa, cilantro, and a small amount of cheese. Leave out the sour cream!
When you use a baked tortilla to make tacos, you receive more fiber and less fat than when you use a flour tortilla.