Eat South of the Border (Daily Dish)

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Registered: 04-01-2004
Eat South of the Border (Daily Dish)
Mon, 05-05-2008 - 8:23am
Eat South of the Border on the South Beach Diet

Cinco de Mayo — the Mexican holiday celebrated each year on the fifth of May — honors the victory of Mexican troops against the well-armed French troops in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. However, the holiday now mainly celebrates Mexican culture, tradition, and cuisine. To help you properly observe and enjoy Cinco de Mayo, we're presenting the South Beach Diet guide to Mexican food — buen provecho!

The South Beach Diet Guide to Mexican Food



  • Look for grilled lean meat, skinless chicken or turkey — such as pollo asado (grilled chicken) — and seafood dishes, or enjoy the grilled fajita fillings.
  • Skip the refined tortilla shells! Ask your server if the restaurant offers whole-wheat tortillas, which you can begin eating in Phase 2. If you're the chef, make sure to purchase tortillas made from 100 percent whole grains with no trans or saturated fats.
  • Enjoy a side of whole black or pinto (red) beans. Avoid refried beans, since they are traditionally made with lard, which is high in saturated fat.
  • When it comes to toppings and condiments, guacamole and fresh salsa are nutrient-dense choices approved for all Phases of the South Beach Diet. If you're purchasing salsa, look for one without added sugars. Skip sour cream and cheese when dining out — they're likely to be the full-fat versions — or request reduced-fat cheese and sour cream, which are fine on all Phases.
  • Pass on the deep-fried chip basket.
  • Traditional margaritas aren't a good choice, since they're made with sugar. Starting in Phase 2, if you're blending margaritas at home, substitute a sugar-free margarita mix instead, and be sure to drink with your meal since the food aids the absorption of alcohol. As always, water or sugar-free sodas are great choices.

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