3 Smart Swaps for #TacoTuesday

By Caroline Jacobson on April 7, 2016 in Healthy Living

74% of Americans cite Mexican as their favorite cuisine. This Americanized fatty favorite doesn't have to be so sinful. Many foods that benefit our bodies also benefit our teeth. Your body is a system—healthy eating patterns can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. So make the most of your Mexican with these get-fit recipes:

• Mango Margaritas

No thanks to premade syrups and mixes, guzzling frozen green goodness is a gut buster. 1/4 cup of sweet and sour mix has at least 17 grams of sugar, sometimes more. It's no secret that sugar is anything but sweet when it comes to healthy teeth. So make like T. Swift and shake off the sugary mix from your marg. Our favorite recipe is full on fruit and contains no added sugar. On your mark, get set, manGO!

One 10-ounce bag frozen diced mango
1 cup tequila (preferably silver, 80 proof)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 tablespoon orange extract
1 tablespoon sugar substitute, such as agave
2 cups crushed ice

Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

• Smile-Friendly Salsa

You may want to sit down for this, hamburgers and hotdogs. Among Americans, salsa is more popular than ketchup. The flavorful condiment can be a touchdown for teeth…if you make it without enamel-harming acids.

1 large tomato
1/2 green pepper, diced
1/4 small onion, diced
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, diced
1/2 tsp. kosher salt or sea salt

Combine all ingredients in a food processor until slightly chunky.

Top-It Taco Bar

Before your fire up your fiesta, say sayonara to refried beans and full fat cheeses. Cut the cheese and add veggies for fuller flavor. Teeth and tummy tend to favor the same healthy flavors. Plus, the calcium and phosphorus in lean proteins can help healthy mouths thrive.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or lean protein of your choice)
1 packet low-sodium taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

1. In a medium size skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil.

2. Once pan is warm, brown chicken in pan.

3. Add taco seasoning and water. Stir until thickened.

4. Top with Smile-Friendly Salsa (recipe above)

What are you favorite healthy Mexican dishes? Share yours in the comments!