Mexican cuisine is like a fiesta for your taste buds. The fillings, sauces, dips, and toppings are all delicious, but they are also full of calories and fat. If you’re trying to eat healthier but are craving satisfyingly spicy Mexican foods, such as tacos, fajitas, or enchiladas, you will have to make some sacrifices. Say goodbye to the corn or flour tortillas! Don’t worry; you won’t even miss them. The following substitutions are delicious and are sure to hit the spot.
Mexican Cuisine: Wraps
It’s time to think outside the box (or wrap, in this case). All of these meals can be made as salads, which will save you loads of calories and will also help you get your recommended daily servings of vegetables. Use your favorite type of lettuce, top it with seasoned ground beef, steak, or chicken, and add grated cheese. For a spicy salad, make homemade salsa with tomatoes, onions, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh coriander. You can even make your own dressing. Beat 2 pasteurized egg yolks until they become lighter and slightly thicker. Slowly drizzle in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil while continuing to stir. Add a teaspoon or two of your favorite cheese (blue or parmesan work great) and half a teaspoon of diced jalapeños. Finish with salt and pepper to taste. There you have a quick, easy, and delicious salad dressing that also has good fats and protein. If you prefer the ease of holding tacos and fajitas, you can also use a lettuce leaf in place of a tortilla wrap. The lettuce leaves can be stuffed and folded just like a wrap.
If you’re not a huge fan of salads or lettuce, you can make your own healthful wraps. Take 4 tablespoons of flaxseeds and grind them into a powder (coffee grinders work great for these hard, little seeds). Use freshly ground flax for better results, as flax meal can have a pungent taste if it’s old. Add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, 1 tablespoon of ground almonds, and 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum. Mix these ingredients together with a few tablespoons of water, and you will have a sticky ball of dough that can be rolled out and baked. If you find the dough too sticky to work with, you can substitute the xanthan gum for a beaten egg, which will make it easier to roll and shape. You can also amp up the flavor by adding your own blend of spices, such as garlic, onion, and chili powder. Bake the flax wrap at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes for a soft wrap and 6-9 minutes for a crunchier wrap. Fill with your favorite meat and toppings.
Mexican cuisine can be part of a balanced diet, as long as you choose lean meats, use a variety of veggies, and replace the nutritionally-lacking wraps with the healthier alternatives described above. You’ll still be able to enjoy the great flavor combinations but without the guilt!
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