With the New Year upon us, many people are focused on their health. Whether the goal is to become more active or to incorporate healthier choices into your diet, Mexican cuisine can often fit the bar. Believe it or not, eating a taco salad can provide a variety of health benefits! Yes, you read that correctly.
Here, our team from El Tapatio delves into the taco salad world and why this is one meal you shouldn’t be quick to dismiss.
Eating fresh is always best!
First and foremost, indulging in a taco salad is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. A typical taco salad includes lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and peppers, which are all high in vitamins and minerals. For example, tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Lettuce and peppers are also high in vitamins C and A, which are vital for maintaining healthy skin and eyes.
Don’t forget the protein.
In addition to vegetables, taco salads often include protein-rich ingredients such as beans and meat. These ingredients provide the body with essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Protein is necessary for the growth and repair of all cells in the body, including muscles, bones, and skin. Eating a taco salad with beans and meat can help to support muscle growth and repair and may also help to keep bones strong. However, if you’re watching your food intake – selecting lean meat (like chicken) may be the better option.
Low cal when the right choices are made.
Another benefit of eating this dish is that it can be a relatively low-calorie meal. Many taco salad recipes call for using lean meats and low-fat dressing. This can help keep the meal’s overall calorie content in check. Additionally, the high fiber content of the vegetables in a taco salad can keep you feeling full and satisfied. So it may help to reduce the overall calorie intake throughout the day. Next time you order this meal, try subbing salsa for dressing, skip the sour cream and go light on the cheese.
Variety is the spice of life!
Finally, eating this dish can also be a great way to incorporate more flavor and variety into your diet. Tacos and salads are both versatile dishes that can be made with a wide variety of ingredients. This means that there are countless ways to enjoy a taco salad. This can help to prevent boredom with your diet, and may also help to encourage you to try new and different foods. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients and spices to keep this meal interesting.
El Tapatio serves the best taco salad in town!
Enjoying a taco salad can provide various health benefits. This includes increased vegetable intake, protein for muscle growth and repair, low-calorie and high fiber to help feel full, and various flavors that can help prevent boredom with your diet. So before you dismiss Mexican cuisine from the New Year’s resolution goals – stop into El Tapatio for the freshest, best taco salad in town!