Taco Day is October 4th, and you’ve probably noticed that we here at Healthy Dining always like a good food celebration! So in the spirit of this legendary and oh-so-delicious food, we’ve put together a Food Friendzy Fiesta this week that is all about Taco.
Taco Day is October 4th, and you’ve probably noticed that we here at Healthy Dining always like a good food celebration! So in the spirit of this legendary and oh-so-delicious food, we’ve put together a Food Friendzy Fiesta this week that is all about Taco. He’s been around in his most basic form as long as anyone can remember, but historians theorize that he officially went from “food in a tortilla” to “Taco” in the silver mines of Mexico back in the 18th century. He’s done a little travelling since then, working his way into the United States, popular culture and very grateful bellies and has evolved in some really tasty ways, including the fish taco, tacos al pastor, gourmet veggie tacos and just about anything that anyone can dream up to drop inside a soft corn or flour tortilla or maybe even get a little wild with a crispy, baked shell. Hey, Taco’s muy bueno with whatever you come up with.
Join the big Taco Fiesta on Taco Day, Taco Tuesday, or any old day you get a craving – and stick to your diet – with these tips from our dietitians:
- Crispy baked is good; crispy fried not so much – If you prefer a good crispy shell, opt for a baked version instead of fried. It will have the same crunchy texture without the added calories and fat that can add up to extra pounds in the long run.
- Pile on the produce – whether it’s lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, peppers or even something sweet like Mango, vegetables and fruit can add lots of nutrition and filling fiber to leave you feeling fuller faster.
- Choose lean proteins to fuel the fiesta – Grilled, broiled, baked, steamed and similarly prepared lean proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, beans and even leaner cuts of beef are the way to go to stay energized and in your skinny jeans.
- Know your toppings – Salsa can be a tasty and low-calorie topping, while creamy options like those mayo-based sauces or sour cream can be high-fat additions. Even guacamole, which is loaded with healthy unsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals, can pack on the pounds with extra calories. Enjoy your favorites in smaller amounts.