Five Tips for a Heart-Healthy Cinco de Mayo

Eating heart-healthy this Cinco de Mayo doesn’t have to be difficult. By keeping an eye on a few key ingredients, you can keep your heart celebrating all year long.

1. Pack your meal with fresh veggies.Tomatoes, corn, lettuce, peppers and avocados are all good sources of nutrients, fiber and even protein. Instead of buying salsa in a jar, chop up a few tomatoes with onion, pepper and cilantro to enjoy a healthy pico de gallo salsa to top your dish.
2. Look for whole-grains.Spring for baked corn tortillas, which have fewer refined carbs than flour tortillas. Try oven-baked corn or bean chips instead of fried chips, and swap white rice for brown.
3. Get your protein.Beans are a great source of protein, but choose whole black or pinto beans instead of refried beans. Fish is also a good source of protein, but aim for grilled fish instead of fried. If you’re looking for plant-based protein, consider a nut- or soy-based meat substitute.
4. Skip the fat.Go without the dollop of sour cream on top of your dish, and look for a low-fat or plant-based cheese. If you still need that creamy topping, try a spoonful of low-fat Greek yogurt. When browsing chips, tortillas and beans, look for those made without added lard and oil.
5. Watch the salt.Chips, canned beans, premade salsas and guacamoles, and boxed rice mixes tend to have high levels of salt. Where possible, look for low-sodium options or make these dishes from scratch so you can control how much salt goes in.

Going plant-based this Cinco de Mayo

If you want to try your hand at a totally plant-based entré, try ourVitaliz Haystack recipefor an easy-to-assemble, flavorful version of taco salad.