Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for “fifth of May”) is a Mexican civic holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
Despite much confusion by Americans who celebrate the holiday by eating Mexican food and drinking margaritas, Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexico’s Independence Day. While Cinco de Mayo sees limited significance in Mexico itself, the date is observed nationwide mostly in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Mexicans and Latinos living in California during the American Civil War are credited with being the first to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the United States.
Now that you know the history behind Cinco de Mayo, time to discuss the FOOD and eating healthy on Cinco de Mayo.
Instead of going out to eat for Cinco de Mayo, save some money, (and calories 😉 ) by having a Cinco de Mayo party at home! Here is a recipe for margaritas at home –
Make margaritas healthy
Love tequila, but hate the calorie count in margaritas? Lighten up your favorite tangy drinks with this margarita recipe, under 300 calories!
Frosty Blended Margaritas
DID YOU KNOW – Most frozen margaritas at restaurants can weigh in at 500 calories or more! But this one packs all the cool refreshment in 179 calories.
Ingredients: Limes, salt, Mexican limóns, tequila, Cointreau, superfine sugar, ice
Calories: 179
http://recipes.health.com/recipes/10000001168093-frosty-blended-margaritas
More Healthy Margarita Recipes – http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20365030_1,00.html
Now for the FOOD
Many Mexican restaurants will happily make diet-friendly subs and alterations to traditional menu items if you just ask
If you do go out to eat at a Mexican restaurant here are some “do’s and don’t dishes” by weightloss.about.com
“Do” and “Don’t” Dishes
- Some popular dishes to avoid include: Nachos, chimichangas, chalupas, taquitos, chile relleno, (all of which are deep-fried) and “double decker” burritos.Some better choices are: Chicken fajitas, bean burritos, a grilled chicken dish with peppers and onions (hold the cheese!), or a soft taco.You may also be able to order low-fat cheese, brown rice, whole-wheat tortillas or a side of marinated vegetables.Some Mexican restaurants will replace the sides that come with meals with a salad if you ask them to. Top your salad with salsa and you’ll have a yummy, low-fat side. If you really missing dressing creaminess, ask for some reduced-fat ranch dressing and blend it in with your salsa until it’s got a more dressing-like texture.If you order a taco salad, be sure to request it be served on a plate rather than the deep-fried, bowl-shaped tortilla … who wouldn’t be tempted to munch on that?
- Here is a map of some favorite Mexican restaurants in the Memphis, TN area. Scroll through the map, my favorite restaurants have a blue marker, and the markers in red are just ALL mexican restaurants in the area.
ENJOY YOUR CINCO DE MAYO! 🙂
eat right, get fit 