10 Healthy Recipes For Your Cinco de Mayo Celebration

There are many authentic Mexican dishes that have become staples for Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the U.S. From homemade chips and antioxidant-rich salsas to mezcal- and tequila-inspired cocktails, making your own, healthier Cinco de Mayo food traditions with these flavor-packed (and mostly vegetarian) recipes is simple. For inspo, we also include three low-sugar and low-calorie margarita recipes for a little conscious indulgence. Salud! Read on for our take on traditional Mexican-American inspired Cinco de Mayo recipes with a healthy twist. Your Healthy Cinco de Mayo Menu Baked Homemade Tortilla Chips (Image: Healthy Nibbles And Bits) Store-bought chips can be full of highly-refined oils and sodium. Create your own healthier version by making tortilla chips at home. These chips are baked, not fried and use heart-healthy olive oil. Top these baked chips sparingly with sea salt to minimize sodium content. Spicy Guacamole (Image: Rick Bayless) No celebration of Mexican food could be complete without guacamole. Guacamole’s main ingredient–avocados–are full of nutrients, fiber and antioxidants. Add in some onions and peppers to give your guacamole a flavorful kick, alongside anti-inflammatory benefits. This authentic recipe contains avocados, green chiles, garlic and onions. Instead of the standard cilantro, chef Rick Bayless (who has traveled extensively across Mexico to school himself on its authentic cuisine), suggests other Mexican herbs such as pipisa or papalo., Avocado and Mango Salsa This avocado and mango salsa is part guacamole, part salsa and fully delicious. Avocados are a great source of potassium and rich in folate, a B vitamin necessary for proper brain function and healthy pregnancy. Mangoes are brimming with vitamins A and C. Combine them for a simple yet deliciously nutritious treat for your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Mexican Ceviche (Image: My Latina Table) Ceviche is a light and refreshing dish often served along the coasts of Mexico. Containing fish, citrus fruits, fresh vegetables and spices, Mexican ceviche is full of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Keep in mind that ceviche is not cooked, so it is imperative to purchase high-quality fish and be aware of the risks of eating raw fish (though ceviche does contain a high amount of citric acid that decreases risk). Vegetable-Stuffed Tamales (Image: In Mama Maggies Kitchen) Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa stuffed with various toppings. Though making them can be a bit labor-intensive, their flavor makes it so worth it. You can stuff tamales with almost anything, but we love veggie-stuffed tamales for obvious reasons. These mushroom-stuffed tamales are slightly smoky, delicious and full of healthy ingredients. Healthy Mexican Frittata with Pico de Gallo If you want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo all day, try this frittata that features Mexican flavors. Frittatas are a delicious way to pack your breakfast full of veggies. We also love fresh, organic eggs due to their protein and nutrient content (vitamin D and choline!). Flavored with herbs and Mexican spices, this dish will start your day in the fiesta spirit. Tacos! Everybody loves tacos! Create your own delicious versions with a homemade spice blend. Packaged spices often contain added sugars and preservatives, while fresh blends full of fragrant and healthy spices are so easy to make. This spice blend contains chili powder, cumin and oregano, which all have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Low-Sugar Cinco de Mayo Libations Margaritas have become synonymous with Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the U.S. and for good reason! Americans love its mix of sweet, sour, salty and boozy flavor. But margaritas need to be done right, not laden with sugary mixes and bastardized recipes from chain restaurants, which are often full of artificial flavors, preservatives and high fructose corn syrup. Here are some low-calorie, low-sugar margarita recipes crafted with care to keep your Cinco de Mayo celebration on the healthy side. Tequila (or mezcal) is strong, so if you’re like us, just one of these tasty margaritas will do the trick. Keep in mind that all alcohol is diuretic, so make sure to drink a glass of water (or two) after your margarita. Grapefruit Jalape​​ño Margarita This tasty margarita might be low in sugar but it’s high in flavor and fun. Fresh grapefruit provides a sweet, yet tangy kick alongside vitamin C and antioxidants. Jalape​​ños contain a substance called capsaicin, which not only gives peppers their spice, but also provides anti-inflammatory properties. Light and Spicy Margarita This margarita is simple, yet delightful. It contains fresh lime juice, a little kick by way of fresh jalapeños and a subtle sweetness from just a touch of agave. This recipe requires that you infuse the tequila overnight, so make sure to plan ahead. Blackberry-Thyme Margarita This made-from-scratch margarita will elevate your Cinco de Mayo party with fruity effervescence. It contains fresh herbs, antioxidant-rich blackberries and sparkling water—a sophisticated twist on a seasonal favorite. Looking for more Cinco de Mayo-inspired recipes? Check out our Cinco de Mayo Food Traditions: Your Healthier Menu Straight From Puebla (Images: Shutterstock)

Cinco de Mayo Celebrations Can Be Healthy, Conscious Indulgences!

I’m going to use Cinco de Mayo–a gorgeous opportunity, in my mind, to enjoy all that Mexican flavors have to offer–to remind us all about the important balance between indulgence and portion control. There is room in your everyday diet to enjoy some of the best Mexican-influenced fare, including tequila, guacamole and tortillas. If you are mostly eating healthfully and making good choices with your nutrition, lifestyle and exercise, there is room to celebrate with food on occasion. I’m going to help you make sure these are conscious indulgences that make you feel good about your food choices, rather than overwhelmed and regretful. Having a plan can be an amazing tool; practice it when you celebrate Mexico’s independence this Cinco de Mayo. Indulge Consciously Let’s start with the libations. The first thing that leaps to my mind when talking about Mexican food is a beautiful Margarita with a salty rim and sassy lime. (Bring on the sand, the surf and the hot sun). Whether frozen, on the rocks or straight up, a Margarita is generally made up of tequila, triple sec, lime and sometimes sugar. The calorie content varies, depending on if yours is served in a small glass or a giant bucket-like glass and how much sugar is used. Be careful; calories can range from 160 to over 300. Tequila comes from the agave plant and is known for its sweetness and kick. While it has some benefits, including relaxing effects, cholesterol lowering properties and digestive aid properties, one tequila-based drink should do the trick. If you’re like me and cannot give up the salt, try adding a splash of cayenne pepper to your salt rim to boost the health properties. Also, use fresh lime to boost the tartness and increase the freshness and nutrition of the cocktail. Choose a small glass option and sip slowly and remember to order a glass of water or seltzer with your drink. RELATED: 3 Of Our Favorite Low-Sugar Margaritas Snack Mindfully Cocktail conquered, let’s move onto the second potential danger zone. Are those tortilla chips on the table your absolute downfall? Understood. They are crunchy, salty and delicious vehicles for the salsa, guacamole and bean dip! The nutritional contribution is going to be small – an ounce (about 15 chips) is approximately 140 calories in the commercially prepared version, with not much to offer besides calories and fat. Homemade and restaurant chips tend to be even higher in both. If you simply must (and I understand), do not feel bad. Say out loud “I am having 5 chips.” Put 5 chips on your plate and really, slowly, deliberately enjoy them. I know it may sound like a small amount, but sip, bite, and chat slowly and you will be satisfied until the main dish comes. You do not need to eat the chips out of the basket or go back for seconds! If it is in your power to turn down the basket before it hits the table, you will feel so proud of yourself that you won’t even miss the crunch. Eat Empowered Finally we get to the guacamole: a buttery, verdant, avocado-based dip with cilantro, onions, lime and just a perfect pinch of salt. While avocados are high in fat, they are full of those good, cholesterol-lowering fats and loaded with gorgeous nutrition in the form of potassium, vitamin A, B vitamins and more. There are approximately 25 calories in a tablespoon and a tablespoon or two can be stretched to really satisfy. See?! I have you consciously indulging in a margarita with 5 restaurant-made chips and 1-2 tablespoons of guacamole. You can still have an entrée salad with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onions, radishes and 3-oz. grilled chicken, shrimp or steak, dressed with vinegar as an entree.  Ole! RELATED: How To Eat Healthier Every Single Day Decadent and indulgent, enjoy your Cinco de Mayo with portion control and a plan. You will feel both satisfied and on track. Salud!