Tacos are an important cultural and gastronomic Mexican symbol, but many cultures have adopted them because they are a tasty dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. You can make them nutritious and healthy like the option we are sharing here from our nutritionist Sabrina Hernández-Cano, creator of the Entalla weight loss plan from Santo Remedio. She offers us various options to calm cravings without losing sight of our goals. We have added nopal to this recipe to make it even healthier and to take advantage of the benefits of this precious cactus. Another alternative is to consume it as a supplement, especially if you do not have time to prepare it. Here’s the recipe.
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces of fish fillet
- ½ cup shredded red cabbage
- ½ cup cucumber, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of avocado oil
- ½ medium avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- ½ tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 small nopales (baby), cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon green onion
- 1 tablespoon red onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 whole lettuce leaves (to replace tortillas)
Directions:
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Next, marinate the fish fillets with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In a separate pot, cook the nopales with boiling water and a pinch of salt, drain and rinse with cold water. Heat oil in a medium nonstick skillet for 2 minutes. Add the nopal and the fish fillet and cook for 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. In a medium bowl, combine cabbage, cucumber, and avocado. Drizzle dressing over salad and fillets. Serve over lettuce leaves, along with cabbage, cucumbers, and avocado. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, pistachios, and pumpkin seeds.
Why is it so beneficial?
- Cucumber has been used in traditional Indian medicine since ancient times. It's high in water content and low in calories. It stands out for its potential antidiabetic and antioxidant activity, in addition to having a detoxifying effect. (1)
- Fish is a rich source of nutrients that provides extensive health benefits, thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, healing, and cardioprotective properties, among others. Eating fish at least twice a week, as part of a healthy diet, is beneficial for a healthy heart. (2)
- Freshly chopped onions will not only give a special flavor to your tacos, but they’ll be beneficial for your health too since they contain polyphenols, which protect against the development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. (3)
- Nopal is a cactus plant widely consumed in Mexico, which, according to research, has been used in traditional medicine to help treat diabetes, as it helps regulate blood sugar levels. (4)
Eating what you like and at the same time nourishing yourself is possible with Entalla, the plan that fits into your needs and cravings. Join now and learn how to start your total transformation.
Let's be healthier, together.
Your friends at Santo Remedio.
References:
- Mukherjee PK, Nema NK, Maity N, Sarkar BK. “Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber.” Fitoterapia. Vol. 84:227-36. Jan 2013 doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2012.10.003. URL:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23098877/
- Chen J, Jayachandran M, Bai W, Xu B. “A critical review on the health benefits of fish consumption and its bioactive constituents.” Food Chem. Vol.1;369:130874. Feb 2022 doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130874. URL:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34455321/
- Williamson G. “The role of polyphenols in modern nutrition.” Nutr Bull. Vol.42(3):226-235. Sep 2017 doi: 10.1111/nbu.12278. URL:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28983192/
- Moran-Ramos S, He X, Chin EL, Tovar AR, Torres N, Slupsky CM, Raybould HE. “Nopal feeding reduces adiposity, intestinal inflammation and shifts the cecal microbiota and metabolism in high-fat fed rats.” PLoS One. Vol.12(2):e0171672. Feb 2017 doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0171672. URL:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28196086/
