Weight Loss Recipes

Cinco de Mayo is the day to celebrate Mexico’s unique culture and enjoy the delicious food it inspires. Whether you’re planning a party or just want to share in the fun with your family, you can indulge in tasty Cinco de Mayo appetizers and still stick to your weight loss plan. To help get the fiesta started, we’ve gathered our favorite Mexican-inspired appetizer recipes. They’re all simple yet bursting with real flavor. You will love them on Cinco de Mayo, and any other day of the year!

Chips and Nachos:

1. Air Fryer Tortilla Chips >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 Extra

You can enjoy restaurant-style tortilla chips at home. All you need are corn tortillas and an air fryer, the handy appliance for making low-fat food. The chips come out fresh, warm and crisp. Give them extra spice with chili powder or add a bit of sweetness with cinnamon. Get the recipe for Air Fryer Tortilla Chips here! >

2. Bell Pepper Nachos >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: ½ PowerFuel, 1 Extra and 1 Vegetable

There is no more enjoyable way to get in a serving of non-starchy vegetables than this version of nachos. We replaced the chips with crunchy yet sweet mini bell peppers but kept all the savory nacho toppings, including plenty of melted cheese and fresh avocado, black beans, pico de gallo and fresh cilantro. Add lean ground meat, soy chorizo or shredded chicken breast and your nachos become a well-balance meal. Get the recipe for Bell Pepper Nachos here! >

3. Crispy Nacho Chips >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb

Cheese-flavored tortilla chips are so addicting but the bags you get in the store are loaded with unhealthy fats and excess calories. You can get all the pleasure and none of the grease when you make your own in minutes in your oven. Simply cut mini corn tortillas into triangles and bake them in the oven until they’re crisp. Toss them in a blend of spices (as fiery as you like it) and nutritional yeast, an ingredient that tastes like powdered cheese, and prepare to snack. Get the recipe for Crispy Nacho Chips here! >

4. Crispy Cauliflower Nachos >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel, 1 Vegetable and 1 Extra

Firm, mild-flavored cauliflower makes a filling and nutritious foundation for the nacho ingredients you love. After the cauliflower browns and turns crisp in the oven, you top it with seasoned ground turkey and shredded cheese, plus tomatoes, red onion, pickled jalapeno and fresh cilantro. This alternative to standard high-calorie, high-fat nachos just might become a new favorite for your gang. Get the recipe for Crispy Cauliflower Nachos here! >

5. Healthy and Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel, 2 Extras and 1 Vegetable

Pull this version of nachos out of the oven and everyone will reach for a bite. Along with the cauliflower you get lots of ground turkey with taco spices, melted cheese, creamy avocado and fresh pico de gallo. For even more fiber and protein, add black beans. Get the recipe for Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos here! >

Salsa, Guacamole and Dip:

6. Easy Homemade Pico de Gallo Salad >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 Vegetable

Pico de gallo (pronounced peak-oh day guy-yo) is a raw, chunky type of salsa that’s loaded with flavor and nutrients. We make it with cherry tomatoes, red onions, colorful bell peppers, jalapeno peppers and fresh cilantro. You can dip chips or veggies in it, and it’s a tasty topping for salads, whole-grain pasta, rice, meat or seafood. Best of all: it’s an unlimited recipe so you can use as much as you want. Get the recipe for Homemade Pico de Gallo Salad here! >

7. Mexican Street Corn Dip >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 3 Extras

Instead of the same old dips, try this fresh way to enjoy one of Mexico’s most beloved snacks. It stars sweet corn that’s been charred to bring out its flavor, plus cheese, avocado, jalapeno peppers, onions and garlic blended with mayonnaise. You can serve it warm or cold, with raw vegetables or tortilla chips to swipe through it. Get the recipe for Mexican Street Corn Dip here! >

8. Fiesta Crab Guacamole >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 Extras

Bring Fiesta Crab Guacamole to a party and you can just sit back and watch it disappear. It takes the familiar ingredients of the popular dip and adds the succulent taste and texture of real crab meat. The seafood spice blend known as Old Bay kicks the flavor up to the next level. Get the recipe for Crab Guacamole here! >

9. Baked Salsa Verde Chicken Dip >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 2 Extras

A heated dip makes an elegant appetizer that’s filling and flavorful. To make this one, you start with shredded chicken (a cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store saves you time). It is blended with low fat cream cheese, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, along with roasted tomatoes and green chiles. After baking in the oven, the dip comes out warm and melted with a lightly brown top. You won’t be able to resist dipping in before it cools. Get the recipe for Salsa Verde Chicken Dip here! >

10. Mango Salsa >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb

For a sweet variation on classic salsa, swap out the tomatoes for mangoes. The citrus-flavored fruit pairs well with hot and sweet peppers, plus onions and cilantro to make a dip that lights up all of your taste buds. You can also use this salsa to punch up the flavor of grilled seafood or chicken. Get the recipe for Mango Salsa here! >

11. Tropical Guacamole >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 3 Extras

Pineapple and mango bring their sweet, tropical flavors to this delicious version of guacamole. It still starts off with the familiar ingredients: ripe avocados, diced onions,  jalapeno peppers and fresh-tasting cilantro. When you add in the fruit, you get a whole new blend of taste sensations for your dipping delight. Get the recipe for Tropical Guacamole here! >

12. Party-Perfect Pico de Gallo >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: Free Food (Unlimited)

Pico de gallo and chips are ideal mates. When you dip, you get a satisfying crunch from the chips and the complementary flavors of tangy tomatoes, spicy and sweet peppers, zingy onions and garlic in each bite. This pico de gallo is easy to make in a few minutes, but it’s sure to be a hit at any party. Get the recipe for Pico de Gallo here! >

13. 7-Layer Southwest Dip >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: ½ SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel, 1 Vegetable and 1 Extra

Seven delicious ingredients, including avocado, shredded cheese, hearty black beans and diced tomatoes come together in every bite. This dip is ready for any party, but it’s so low in calories and high in nutrition you can make it for yourself whenever you want. Enjoy it with a serving of non-starchy vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers. Get the recipe for 7-Layer Dip here! >

Quesadillas:

14. Easy, Cheesy Veggie-Lover’s Quesadilla >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 PowerFuels, 1 SmartCarb, 1 Vegetable and 1 Extra

Take an everyday quesadilla to the next level with ingredients that pump up the flavor and the nutrition. For this version we used semi-soft goat cheese, which has a mildly tangy taste and it melts into delicious creaminess. Caramelized onions, sautéed kale and sweet cherry tomatoes add texture, fiber and potent nutrients. If you’re not a fan of those veggies, you can substitute spinach, bell peppers or mushrooms. Whichever you choose, you get in one of your four daily servings of non-starchy vegetables. Get the recipe for Veggie Quesadillas here! >

15. Spicy Shrimp Quesadilla >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel, 1 SmartCarb and 1 Extra

Plump, juicy shrimp are an ideal PowerFuel to add to quesadillas. They’re high in protein, tender to bite into and their mild flavor pairs well with many other ingredients. This recipe also features lightly spicy jalapeno peppers, sweet bell peppers and green onions, plus cayenne pepper and chili powder to give it a zesty taste. Melted cheddar cheese holds it all together. Get the recipe for Shrimp Quesadillas here! >

16. Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 2 PowerFuels and 1 Extra

Sometimes simple meals are the most satisfying. These quesadillas, for example, feature basic ingredients such as chopped chicken breast, shredded cheese, onions and peppers melted together between whole wheat tortillas. Top with fat-free sour cream and all the salsa you’d like and savor every bite. Get the recipe for Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas here! >

Other Cinco de Mayo Appetizers

17. Healthy Late Night Chicken Taquitos >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 PowerFuel

What can you do when you have a craving for a Mexican-inspired snack long after the dinner hour? With this simple recipe, you can have the answer in less time than it takes to go to the drive-thru or call for delivery. These taquitos are simple to make with just a whole wheat tortilla, shredded or canned chicken breast, cheese, salsa and all the chili powder your taste buds can handle. Get the recipe for Chicken Taquitos here! >

18. 5-Ingredient Avocado Chips >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel

Avocados are high in healthy fats and they can be the nutritious foundation of golden brown and crispy chips. You make the chips in the oven with just a handful of ingredients, including real parmesan cheese. You can flavor them with your choice of seasonings, spicy or mild. Get the recipe for Avocado Chips here! >

19. Chicken Taco Pinwheel Wraps >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 2 Extra

Pinwheel wraps are easy to prepare and fun to eat. Stuff a whole-wheat tortilla with a blend of protein-rich shredded chicken, Mexican cheese, cream cheese, salsa and chili powder, Roll it up tightly and put it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Then just slice it into pinwheels you can pop in your mouth or dip into a bowl of salsa. Get the recipe for Chicken Taco Pinwheels here! >

20. Shrimp Taco Bites >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 PowerFuel

Shrimp are party food that is healthy enough to eat anytime because they’re high in protein and low in saturated fats. Shrimp take center stage in this flavorful appetizer that also features avocado and tangy pico de gallo atop a crisp tortilla. All together they’re a perfectly balanced snack with one PowerFuel and one SmartCarb. Get the recipe for Shrimp Taco Bites here! >

21. Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, ½ PowerFuel and 1 Extra

You can transform ordinary sweet corn into a treat that’s the perfect for Cinco de Mayo. If you cook the corn in the air fryer, you don’t even have to wait for a large pot of water to boil. Once the ears are tender and juicy, you flavor them up by rolling them in a sauce featuring real mayonnaise, lime juice and zesty spices like chili powder, paprika and black pepper. Sprinkle on crumbled cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro, then dig in. Get the recipe for Mexican Street Corn here! >

The post 21 Easy Cinco de Mayo Appetizers appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/cinco-de-mayo-appetizers/

Vitamin C is one of the most talked-about nutrients. Most of us are aware that it is essential for our health and immune system, but do you know why or how much of it you need each day? How can you be sure that you are getting enough? These days, it’s more important than ever to maintain a healthy supply of vitamin C, so we’ve put together this quick guide to everything you need to know about it and how you can get it from your daily diet.

Why is Vitamin C Important?

Healing wounds. According to the National Institutes of Health, your body uses vitamin C to produce collagen, proteins that form the primary structure of skin, cartilage and other soft tissues. When you suffer from a wound or bruise, your body replenishes the damaged area with fresh collagen.

Cancer protection. Vitamin C is an antioxidant. This means that it helps to neutralize “free radical” cells that damage healthy cells, blocking the first step in a chain reaction that may lead to cancer. “Epidemiologic evidence suggests that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with lower risk of most types of cancer, perhaps, in part, due to their high vitamin C content,” says the National Institutes of Health.

Heart disease reduction. People who don’t consume enough vitamin C are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, the condition in which arteries are clogged with excess cholesterol, according to a report from the National Institutes of Health.

Immune system support. We all are looking to give our bodies extra protection from infectious diseases. According to research, published in the journal Nutrients, “Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system.”

Weight loss. Leptin is a hormone that lets your body know when you’ve eaten enough food to satisfy its needs. According to the Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, vitamin C helps to regulate leptin levels in your body, ensuring that you don’t overeat. A steady supply of vitamin C helps you stay on track with your weight loss plan.

How Much Vitamin C Do You Need?

Your body cannot produce its own vitamin C, so you need to get it from the food you eat. The National Institutes of Health has recommended these daily consumption levels:

• 90 mg for adult males
• 75 mg for females
• 85 mg for pregnant women
• 120 mg for breastfeeding women
• An additional 35 mg for people who smoke

Always speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your vitamin C status, needs or supplements.

10 Foods High in Vitamin C:

The best sources for vitamin C are real foods. Supplements are available, but food comes with other essential nutrients, says Harvard Health Publishing. The National Institutes of Health provides a list of vitamin C-rich foods that can be incorporated into a healthy diet. We chose our top 10 favorite picks for your Nutrisystem plan and provided some delicious and fresh ideas for enjoying them.

1. Red Peppers

You get the highest concentration of vitamin C per serving in these colorful sweet red bell peppers. Orange, yellow and green peppers are also rich sources of the nutrient.

Try this: Roasted Red Pepper & Turkey Pinwheel Wraps make a quick and satisfying Flex lunch you can take on the go.

2. Oranges

Citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruit and lemons, are another vitamin C-rich food source. While you get plenty of vitamin c from fresh-squeezed juice, eating the whole fruit also provides fiber that helps you feel full long after you’re finished.

Try this: Cacao Citrus Salad is a colorful breakfast or light lunch that brings together a mix of vitamin-C rich fruit flavored with maple, vanilla, and cacao nibs.

3. Strawberries

These bite-sized treats are high in fiber as well as vitamin C and other key nutrients. You can eat the strawberries whole, add them to smoothies or in other dishes.

Try this: When you’re looking for a cool and creamy snack that fits your weight loss plan and gives you just about a whole day’s supply of vitamin C, whip up a batch of our 2-Ingredient Strawberry Froyo.

4. Broccoli

You probably already know that non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli are a critical part of your daily diet because they are high in fiber and nutrients yet low in calories. Enjoy broccoli raw or lightly steamed. You can even add it to many of your favorite Nutrisystem meals!

Try this: Broccoli and Cheese Breakfast Muffins are a tasty way to start your day with a healthy serving of vegetables.

5. Brussels Sprouts

These bite-sized members of the cabbage family are one of most nutrient-dense foods, meaning they are packed with a wide range of nutrients but are very low in calories. They taste their best in fall, after a light chill has sweetened their flavor.

Try this: The whole family will love the gooey goodness of our 4-Step Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake.

6. Cantaloupe

The orange-fleshed melon is so sweet and juicy you don’t need another reason to eat it often, but you’ll also be glad that it loads you up with vitamin C and fiber. For a refreshing drink, freeze cantaloupe cubes and add them to low-sodium seltzer.

Try this: Whip up this light and refreshing Cantaloupe Goat Cheese Salad for a sweet and savory meal. Grilling also adds another layer of flavor to cantaloupe; Cut the flesh into cubes (with rind removed) and slide them on to skewers. Cook them over medium heat for four to six minutes, turning frequently. Check out our other ideas for grilled fruit! >

7. Cauliflower

It’s easier than ever to get your daily vitamin C from cauliflower because there are so many delicious ways to eat it—raw with dip, steamed or roasted, ground into rice-like grains, whipped with potatoes, and even rolled into pizza crust.

Try this: 5-Ingredient Buffalo Cauliflower Bread Sticks are a festive snack that you can serve for a celebration or enjoy any day of the week.

8. Kiwi

These fuzzy fruits are perfectly portable. They are great for throwing in your lunch bag for a quick and easy snack. Just slice them in half, grab a spoon and scoop out the sweet, green flesh. Add them to plain, non-fat Greek yogurt for a slightly sweet and sour twist.

Try this: You get two vitamin-C rich foods in the Kiwi Strawberry Slushie, yet it counts as only one SmartCarb on the Nutrisystem weight loss plan.

9. Tomatoes

As a sandwich topping, in a salad or in marinara sauce, tomatoes come with plenty of vitamin C, along with a powerful antioxidant known as lycopene, says Healthline. Be sure to eat the skin, where many of the nutrients are found.

Try this: With an instant pot, you can enjoy a warm and delicious Tomato Basil Frittata in under 30 minutes.

10. Pineapple

If you love tropical flavors, pineapple is a delicious source for your daily vitamin C, says Healthline. Many grocery stores now sell it already sliced and ready to eat, so you don’t have to deal with figuring out when it’s perfectly ripe and juicy.

Try this: Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and sweet and cinnamon-y in every bite.

The post 10 Foods High in Vitamin C appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/vitamin-c-foods/

You see those people taking their long strides in the park or pounding the pavement in your neighborhood. You used to think no way. But these days, you’re feeling a little inspired, more ambitious and want to give this jogging thing a try. Plus, it’s the perfect time to start now that the weather is warming up! Here are some tips to get you going:

1. Set goals.

Think about why you want to run, suggests Beth Jordan, certified personal trainer and spokesperson for The American Council on Exercise. Is it to lose weight or fit into a favorite pair of jeans? Or maybe it’s to have more energy to play with your kids? Making those reasons your goal can help you start running, and stick with it. Of course, before you begin any new exercise program, check with your doctor.

2. Shop for running shoes.

You don’t have to spend a ton of money, but you do want to invest in a pair made specifically for your new sport. The best spot to find the right shoe is your local running store. The staff can analyze your gait, as well as consider any knee or back issues you may have, to make sure your shoes provide the needed support and proper fit. You may also want to pick up a good, supportive running bra, suggests Jordan, to help prevent chaffing and keep the breast tendon from stretching from the force of running.

What you don’t need: Running belts for water bottles, goos and gummy running snacks or compression sleeves for your arms and legs, says Jordan. Not necessary unless you are training for a marathon.

3. Dress in layers for outdoor running.

Make sure your clothes are breathable. Cotton can cause chaffing and discomfort while you’re jogging. When it’s on the cold side, slip on a hat and pair of mittens (they’re warmer than gloves).

4. Start slow.

You know that saying go hard or go home? Doesn’t apply here. “The key to sustainability and less risk of injury is to build up your distance gradually,” says Jordan, who also runs a boot camp in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. If you’ve haven’t run in years, or at all, start and stick with walking until you can go for ten to twenty minutes consistently, suggests the Road Runners Club of America. Then begin to incorporate running. Depending on your fitness level, you could start with as little as one street block. “I’ve had clients run the same block and back for one week, then had them add 10 percent or another block,” says Jordan.

Time could also be your marker: start with two minutes, for example, and then add minutes gradually. Where you run is up to you: Outside on a track or pavement or on a treadmill is good for beginners. Trail running, on the other hand, requires a different type of running show and training, says Jordan. Beach sand is not stable, so there’s a higher risk for injury.

5. Skip days.

For new joggers and runners, two to three non-consecutive days a week is safe. The days off in between can give your muscles a chance to rest and help reduce wear and tear on your joints, back, knees, hips, ankles and shins.

6. Stay hydrated.

That’s key, regardless of the weather outside. And don’t forget to warm up before you start jogging: Walk for about 5 minutes to warm up your muscles, get oxygen and blood flowing and help mentally prepare yourself for your run, says Jordan. You could also march in place, do arm circles or hamstring curls. At the end of your run, stretch to help you cool down.

7. Jog with a buddy.

You can also consider joining a running or jogging club—for some, running with others provides extra motivation and you might feel safer in a group. Most running clubs have varying types of runs, so pick one that works best for your specific goals and fitness level, says Jordan. “Don’t run for someone else or feel pressure to do more than you are capable.”

If you’re running with a friend, suggest running in the same area—like on the same road or track—but you each go at your own pace, suggests Jordan. If you choose to run by yourself, make sure you’re in a safe area, that you have identification on you and a phone, and that you are visible to other runners or cars.

Pair your fitness routine with an easy-to-follow meal plan! Lose weight and get healthy with Nutrisystem >

The post So You Want to Start Jogging? How to Begin appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/so-you-want-to-start-jogging-how-to-begin/

Feel like a fajita? Sure! Craving a quesadilla? Go for it. Yup, you can even have fish tacos and crispy nachos. And nope, we’re not going loco.

Some Mexican dishes may not be very weight loss-friendly (full-fat cheese and sour cream, we’re looking at you!). But with some simple tweaks and substitutions, you can still enjoy those unique and inspired south-of-the-border flavors without derailing your health goals.

Check out these healthy and delicious Mexican food recipes for quick mid-week meals, tasty snacks and crowd-pleasing apps. They’re also all perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations!

1. 10-Minute Shrimp Fajitas >

You get shrimp that’s crisped and coated in cumin, chili powder and smoked paprika, along with brightly colored bell pepper slices and sweet onions—all roasted to perfection in 10 tiny, little minutes. Wrap all that deliciousness up in a warm whole wheat tortilla for the perfect high-protein, high-flavor meal on a night when you’re short on time. Click here for the full recipe >

2. Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas >

Looks like the quesadilla of your dreams. It’s got shredded cheddar and chunks of chicken, like a quesadilla should. And most importantly: It tastes like the quintessential kind you know and love. However, with low-fat cheese and lots of vegetables to plump up the filling, this healthier version can be worked into the perfect flex dinner for your Nutrisystem plan. Click here for the full recipe >

3. Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Lime Yogurt Sauce >

What better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than with tasty tacos?! This Mexican classic can easily go from a diet-friendly option to diet destruction if you aren’t careful. Stay on track this holiday while enjoying these healthy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Lime Yogurt Sauce. Your favorite Mexican restaurant can’t compete with the nutritional profile of this delicious dish.

4. Healthy and Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos >

Dig into this delicious, healthy sheet pan nacho recipe with a unique twist. Instead of fried tortilla chips as the base for our delicious toppings, we used a tasty low-carb swap for our nachos: cheesy cauliflower!

5. Party-Perfect Pico de Gallo >

A fiesta isn’t a fiesta without salsa on the spread. Made with fresh veggies, herbs and a few squirts of lime juice, Pico de Gallo is the perfect healthy dip for your favorite whole grain chip or cracker. For a little heat, add a splash of hot sauce. Click here for the full recipe >

6. Loaded Mexican Baked Sweet Potato >

Uno potato, dos potatoes, tres potatoes, cuatro! The sweet spuds take center stage in this dish, as a great source of vitamins A and C, plus fiber. Not to mention, these sweet potatoes are loaded with chicken, cheese, salsa and avocado, so they’re muy delicioso. Side it with a salad, and dinner is served. Click here for the full recipe >

7. Easy One-Pan Chicken Fajita Bake >

Add this dish to your weekday rotation for three very good reasons: It takes minimal effort to make, it tastes like a Mexican party in your mouth and it provides wide-ranging nourishment. On Nutrisystem, it counts as one SmartCarb, two PowerFuels, one Vegetable and three Extras. Need more convincing? You can sub in your favorite veggies, tweak seasonings and experiment with spices for a different flavor every time you make it. Click here for the full recipe >

8. Mango Salsa >

Go citrus with your salsa! This tropical fruit packs a healthy dose of vitamin C and folate, and helps provide the perfect blend of sweet and tangy that you can use on top of grilled chicken or shrimp, or alongside a serving of baked whole wheat tortilla chips. And before you say you hate peeling mangoes, we make it easy with these simple tips. Click here for the full recipe >

9. Cilantro Lime Cauliflower “Rice” >

It looks like regular rice. It’s got the same texture and soaks up sauces and marinades, like regular rice would. But “rice” made from cauliflower is super healthy, super easy to make and when mixed with fresh lime juice and cilantro—super delicious to eat! Consider this alternative the next time your recipe calls for rice. On Nutrisystem, cauliflower is an unlimited vegetable—you can have as much of it as you like! Click here for the full recipe >

10. Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Fajitas >

Toss a few basic fajita ingredients—chicken, salsa, onions, garlic and beans—into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe makes several servings, perfect to feed the whole family. Or, freeze the leftovers for when you’re hankering for your next fajita. Click here for the full recipe >

11. Shrimp Taco Bites >

They’re cute, they crunch and they taste delicious—perfect appetizers to take the “hostess with the mostess” title at your next fiesta! Click here for the full recipe >

12. The Best Guacamole Ever >

Next up, the gold star of Mexican fare—the one, the only, the smooth, the creamy… guacamole! Guacamole provides lots of vitamins and minerals, healthy fats and fiber. However, high in calories, it’s easy to overeat. Thankfully, this lighter version is made with nonfat Greek yogurt and extra veggies, so you can enjoy a little more without worrying about diet destruction. If you’re feeling adventurous, add pineapples for a touch of sweetness. Click here for the full recipe >

13. Mini Chicken Taco Salad Bowl >

Rubbed with taco seasoning, tossed with tomatoes and black beans and then drenched with cilantro lime crema and pico de gallo, these tiny taco delights are just 190 calories per serving. Get the recipe here >

14. Fish Tacos >

Give your tacos a tasty twist with these delicious fish tacos. Featuring tender halibut, a variety of veggies and a homemade tomatillo sauce, they’re a creative and colorful take on the classic taco. Get the recipe here >

15. Tofu Taco Bowl >

Don’t worry plant-based dieters! We didn’t forget about you in this round-up of healthy Mexican recipes. Our Tofu Taco Bowl will satisfy your fiesta cravings without sabotaging your healthy diet. It features a delicious trio of tofu, basmati rice and peppers. Add your favorite toppings! Get the vegetarian recipe here >

16. Crunchy Turkey Taco Wrap >

Another creative twist on tacos, our crunchy taco wraps are packed with turkey, sour cream, iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes and shredded cheese. They’re a much healthier alternative to a popular fast food option! Get the healthy recipe here >

17. Bell Pepper Nachos >

This is “nacho” average nacho recipe! Our Bell Pepper Nachos are low-carb and packed with flavor. We stuff mini peppers with classic nacho toppings, including black beans, Pico de Gallo and avocado. Covered in melted cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s the perfect simple starter for your weight loss menu. Get the recipe here >

18. Mexican Zucchini Boats >

Call all low-carb lovers! These Mexican Zucchini Boats are the perfect dish to enjoy when you’re craving Mexican food but want to stick to your diet. Stuffed with peppers, kale, black beans and shredded cheese, it’s a vegetarian meal that everyone will love. Get the full recipe here >

19. Easy Chicken Enchiladas >

Using some shredded chicken and cheese, a few dried herbs and some canned goods, you can create a delicious family style meal for Cinco de Mayo. This healthy spin on a Mexican classic is sure to become a top pick on your healthy household menu. Get the recipe here >

20. Mexican Street Corn Dip >

Heading to a Cinco de Mayo party? Whip up this Mexican Street Corn Dip to ensure you stay on track with your weight loss meal plan. It features charred corn, jalapeno, red onion, avocado and cheese tossed in a homemade mayo-based dressing. Click here to get the easy recipe >

Bonus: Ready for a drink? Try our Virgin Jalapeno Lemon Margarita >

Refreshingly spicy and deliciously diet-friendly, it’s the ultimate Cinco de Mayo sip. Even after the fiesta  is over, you’ll want this sweet and spicy drink “jalapeno” cup all season long! While the classic margarita is filled with sugary simple syrup, we lighten up this classic cocktail by swapping in light lemonade, plus some fresh jalapeno slices.

 

The post 20 Healthy Mexican Food Recipes appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/20-mexican-recipes-wont-destroy-diet/