Healthy Mexican Food

You can make your diet very healthy by eating Mexican food. When you cook for yourself, you have control over every ingredient you add. People often remark that Mexican food is full of cholesterol and fat. While this may be true at some Mexican restaurants, it certainly does not have to be true when you cook it yourself. Using fresh ingredients is the best way to control what you eat.

In Mexico, cooks use fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and seafood. These foods are all rich in the nutrients you need to stay healthy. Fresh produces is also low in fat and calories. Picking up a meal at Taco Bell is not anywhere near real Mexican food.

Choose fresh tomatoes while they are in season at your local farmer’s market. They will be high in potassium, lycopene, and vitamins A and C. They also taste much better than the bland ones at the grocery store.

Dried beans are a staple in Mexican cooking. They contain both fiber and protein as well as antioxidants that help protect your body from many diseases. Black and pinto beans are low in fat. It is simple to make refried beans without adding any oil or lard.

Mexican food is known for its chilies. Chili peppers are high in capsaicin, a compound that provides pain and inflammation relief. Chilies lower your levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. They help prevent cardiovascular disease and contain vitamin A.

You can get a lot of vitamin K and potassium from avocados. Both of these substances help lower your bad cholesterol. Yes, they are high in fat, but it is a good fat that your body needs. Avocados contain omega-3 fatty acids that is sorely lacking in the modern diet. Avocados supply the kinds of fat you need to keep your joints and brain in working order.

Grilling your meats instead of frying them will remove some of the fats you do not need. You can also leave the cheese and sour cream off your food. Meat and beans will provide you enough protein so you do not need to rely on the cheese for that. If you want more flavor, put a spoonful of salsa on top of your main dish. To make flavorful meats in Mexico, the meat is cooked slowly for hours with the seasonings. This lets the flavor infuse the meat.

Salsas are easy to make. Chop up some cilantro, tomatoes, and onions. Add some fruit if you wish. Guacamole is another simple sauce that can be easily made with spices, tomatoes, and avocadoes. Do not eat the chips. Put these sauces with your main meal. Eat them with your beans or rice. Add some on top of your tacos, enchiladas, or tostadas.

You can take charge of your diet by cooking your own food. You get to control the flavors, portions, and ingredients. If you do not like one flavor, substitute another. Add other ingredients like rice, mushrooms, or different seasonings. The meal will be delicious and filling. Stay far away from America’s idea of Mexican food. This is where most of the calories and fat comes from. Pick some of your favorite authentic recipes and make them as part of your everyday meals. Mexican recipes are a great way to feed the family.

If you are looking for the perfect shrimp chalupas recipe or a dreamy Mexican chicken enchiladas recipe to give your family a special treat tonight, check out our wonderful collection of nothing but the best Mexican recipes at MexicanFoodRecipes.org and find the perfect recipe to make for your beloved brood this evening.