Let’s Taco ‘Bout Healthy Food Options

Cinco de Mayo is approaching, and it’s a great time to enjoy delicious food while celebrating. This year, let's focus on healthy options that still deliver amazing flavor. Gather your friends and family to enjoy these meals that highlight the spirit of Cinco de Mayo. 

Healthy Fish Tacos

White fish offers numerous health benefits, including being a great source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and vitamin B12, supporting heart health, brain function, and overall well-being. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb white fish
  • 1 tbsp chili powder 
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder 
  • 1/4 tsp crushed black pepper 
  • 1/4 tsp salt 
  • 2 tbsp olive oil 
  • 8 soft shell tortillas 
  • Fresh Lemon juice

Cabbage Slaw 

  • 3 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 tbsp olive oil 
  • Juice from half a lemon 
  • Salt & pepper to taste 

Sriracha Mayo 

  • 1/4 cup mayo of choice 
  • 2 tbsp sriracha

Toppings:

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Sliced avocado 
  • Chopped tomatoes

Instructions:

  1. Slice the fish into 1-inch strips. In a large bowl, toss the fish together with the spices.
  2. Heat a large pan with the olive oil on medium heat. Cook the fish for about 10-12 minutes total until it starts to brown, flipping occasionally. Remove from the heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
  3. While the fish cooks, combine the slaw ingredients in a bowl and prepare your lettuce, avocado, and tomatoes.
  4. Heat tortillas on the stovetop until the edges begin to char, for about 30 seconds, flipping halfway through.
  5. Assemble each tortilla with the fish, veggies, and avocado and top with the spicy mayo.

Corn Salsa

Corn and tomatoes are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Corn is a great source of fiber, which aids digestion and supports eye and heart health, making it a good gluten-free option. 

Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which help promote heart health and improve skin appearance. They also provide essential vitamins C and K, boosting your immune system and strengthening bones. Incorporating corn and tomatoes into your meals is an easy way to enhance flavor while reaping significant health benefits.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked sweet yellow corn kernels (from about three cobs)
  • 2 small vine-ripened tomatoes, seeded and diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 scallion, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, diced (remove seeds for mild)
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • 1 fresh lime, juice of
  • Kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine all the ingredients and refrigerate for about an hour. Makes about 3 cups.

Classic Guacamole

Avocados offer numerous health benefits, including fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that support digestion and heart health.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe avocados - halved and pitted
  • 3-4 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • 1 tbsp minced red onion or shallots
  • 1 tbsp minced jalapeno
  • 1 small clove of garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 tsp fresh lime juice
  • 1/2- 1 tsp sea salt, to taste
  • 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes (or diced ripe tomatoes)

Instructions:

  1. Scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl.
  2. Add cilantro, onion, and jalapeño. Using a fork, partially mash the ingredients into the avocado, leaving some chunks for texture.
  3. Gently stir in the garlic, lime juice, salt, and tomatoes.
  4. Serve immediately.

For questions about maintaining a healthy diet during treatment or recovery, call Pennsylvania Cancer Specialists at (717)334-4033.

 

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