Whether you're Paleo or counting points, we've got your back.
[post_ads]Raise your hand if you enjoy consuming all the tacos all of the time. And as tacos reach peak coolness (read: taco emojis for days), it's good to know that this Mexican fare is customizable to your weight-loss plan.
Yep, you can lose weight and eat tacos too. Tacos today, tacos tomorrow, tacos forever!
We spoke to culinary nutrition expert Jessica Levinson, R.D.N., about how to get in on the festivities guilt-free, whether you're cutting carbs or carne.
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If you're craving tacos within your 30 days of cutting out grains, soy, dairy, sugar, legumes, and processed foods, Levinson recommends making a taco bowl with a bed of greens, like romaine, red leaf, or spinach, as the base. Then, top with sliced avocado, tomato, red onion, and cilantro (basically pico de gallo), as well as a lean protein, like chicken or shrimp.
Bonus: If you miss the cheese or sour cream, use a cashew-based cheese sauce made from blending cashews, water, garlic, and salt together until smooth.
Why it rocks: This taco is packed with lean protein, healthy fat, and flavorful veggies, all of which help keep you satisfied longer than a simple vegetable salad would. And that's a very good thing when you're trying to lose weight.
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Similar to the Whole30 plan, the Paleo diet means chowing down on what our ancestors ate before the advent of George Foreman grills and deep fryers. This includes meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and nuts (read: no grains, no legumes, no starchy veggies).
Luckily, your options are hella conducive to a tasty taco. Levinson suggests using cauliflower rice to make taco shells. First, steam or microwave riced cauliflower, squeeze out the excess water, and then mix it with eggs and seasonings. Separate the dough into small balls, flatten them into tacos, and bake in the oven until they're hardened to your preferred consistency. Voila!
Next, stuff taco shells with your protein of choice, like lean ground beef or steak. Then top with sautéed peppers and onions.
Why it rocks: The cauliflower-based shell really amps up the already high fiber content of this taco. That helps your digestive system stay on track and keeps you full.
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With Weight Watchers you can eat virtually whatever you want, so long as you practice moderation and record your points. Levinson suggests creating a healthier version of your go-to taco by swapping ground beef for two ounces of ground turkey (1 point), adding two tablespoons of gauc (1 point), one tablespoon of salsa (0 points), and lettuce (0 points)—and wrapping it all up in a six-inch corn tortilla (2 points).
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Why it rocks: Two of these tacos are only 8 points total, which will keep your budget in check. And serving them with a side salad or serving of grilled vegetables helps add volume and satiety to the meal without any additional points.
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Being a vegan creates a great opportunity to get creative with your veggie-based tacos. Instead of meat, Levinson suggests using portobello mushrooms as a steak replacement since they have that savory umami flavor of beef. Thinly slice portobello mushrooms, and sauté with garlic and low-sodium soy sauce until soft. Stuff a vegan taco shell with the mushrooms and top liberally with black beans, shredded lettuce, and salsa.
Why it rocks: Any veggie-based taco is going to be lower in fat and higher in fiber than your standard beef and cheese version. You'll also save the higher calorie count that comes with animal-based protein.
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Veg-heads, rejoice. Levinson says her savory and garlicky black bean sweet potato tacos, based off of her sweet potato black bean quesadillas, are the bomb.com. Fill your standard taco shell with roasted sweet potatoes, sauteed spinach, and black beans. Then, top with salsa and guacamole.
Why it rocks: Between the fiber-packed sweet potatoes and beans and the flavorful guac, you're going to be super satisfied and full. Both of which are super important when you want to lose weight.
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Waist-whittling hallmarks of the Mediterranean diet: heart-healthy fats, lean protein, tons of whole grains, and fiber-rich produce. Go for baked or grilled fish like tilapia (or any other mild white fish) paired with olives, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes, Levinson suggests. Use a whole-wheat pita in place of tortillas, toasting it to mimic a taco shell's crunch. (Speed up your progress towards your weight-loss goals with Women's Health's Look Better Naked DVD.)
Why it rocks: Fish and grilled chicken breast are lean proteins that build lean muscle, which is vital for revving your metabolism. And the olives, artichokes, and tomatoes provide fiber and healthy fats for proper digestion.
More:
- 7 Women Share How They Lost Weight Without Counting a Single Calorie
- 8 Little Changes That Lead to Major Weight Loss
