What do I love about Cinco de Mayo Parties?
First I love a party just about anytime, second spring time is the best time to enjoy company on the patio, and lastly a themed party is always more fun!
When I started to cook healthier food for my family, I suddenly found entertaining a challenge. I wanted to provide my guests with creative, great tasting food. But, I still wanted to have healthy options for my family.
It took some time, but I’ve found I can absolutely have both. I love coming up with food choices and recipes that even those that eat a more standard American diet will enjoy. It’s best when they don’t even realize they are eating healthy!
Cinco de Mayo provides a great opportunity for healthy cuisine. It may not be the traditional party you find south of the border, but you will have traditional flavors and fun food.
Grab your maracas and lets plan a healthy Mexican themed party:
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Eat all the Avocados
Avocados are an excellent source of folate, fiber, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Whip up some guacamole, chop avocado for taco toppings, or use mashed avocado in place of mayo in your favorite party dish.
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Load up on Veggies
Pico de gallo, cucumber slices for dipping, or roasted peppers add beautiful color to the table and allow you to fill up on fiber filled veggies instead of just tortilla chips – because I don’t know about you but the endless chips and salsa are what get me every time!
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Make a Rice Swap
Swap out your white rice in any recipe with brown rice or riced cauliflower. Once you add tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spicy diced peppers you won’t be able to tell the difference.
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Have Several Protein Options
Between shrimp ceviche, fish tacos, steak or chicken fajitas, and pork carnitas adding some protein to your spread will be easy. By adding protein to your meal, guest will be full and satisfied and you won’t be as tempted to keep returning to the chips and dip.
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Opt Out of Dessert
Usually dessert is the most important part of a gathering to me. However, after all the dips, veggies, protein and a margarita I don’t think that Cinco de Mayo celebrations have to include dessert. Opt for some fresh fruit instead of a heavy dessert spread.
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Choose a Healthier Margarita Option
If you just can’t have a Cinco de Mayo party without margaritas, make your own instead of using a sugar laden mix. Scarlet Margaritas are a good option and include antioxidant packed pomegranate.
These are simple changes that can make a big difference, but simple doesn’t always mean easy. Preparing veggies ahead of time, making your own salsa and guac, and skipping the premade mixes may take you a little extra time. But, get the whole family involved with washing and chopping and you will have a fiesta in the kitchen before the first guest even arrives.
If you are looking for additional guidance, direction, or motivation to eat and live out a healthier lifestyle, sign up for our next Nutrition Workshop. We talk about balance protein, carbohydrates, and fats, as well as meal timing and portion size specifically to meet your health and fitness goals. We will teach you how to navigate parties, entertaining, eating out, and the challenge of our every day busy lives. Click the link below to save your seat.
Remember this spring and summer, if you are trying to eat whole foods and live a healthier lifestyle, you don’t have to miss out on the fiesta!
