We’ve all seen the memes: “Tacos aren’t cheating on your diet, your diet is cheating on tacos.”
“Yeah, I’m into fitness. Fitness whole taco in my mouth.”
“I want a hot body, but I also want tacos.”
Somehow, we’ve gotten it into our heads that the delightfully perfect blend of flavors that make Mexican food a staple is somehow unhealthy. But when you look closer, it’s probably one of the healthiest cuisines you can eat.
“People always think of Mexican food as being heavy on beans and rice, but we make everything fresh in house and there are so many healthy options for you,” said Lauren Jordan, co-owner of Cactus Street Cantina.
To prove it, she and the crew whipped up the fiesta of fitness-approved options you see here. In a place where the proteins and veggies are always fresh, it’s simply a matter of combining them in the right delicious proportions.
Take the fajita plate, for example. All you have to do to shave off a few of those pesky calories is substitute black beans for the refritos.
Shrimp Ceviche, Avocado Toast with Blackened Shrimp
With the tuna bowl, Jordan says you can opt to substitute the rice for cauliflower rice – or leave it off altogether. “Honestly, it’s just as filling without it,” she said. “Another option I like is to substitute the rice with shredded lettuce.”
For lunch, the avocado toast on multigrain bread comes with blackened shrimp, but you can opt for grilled to rein back on the sodium. Otherwise, you have just the superfood that is avocado, queso fresco, and a little balsamic drizzle combining for a healthy blend of flavors that won’t destroy your diet.
“Between these and all of our protein and salad options, you have so many ways to make a dish your own while holding to your New Year’s resolutions,” Jordan said. She noted that even the tacos can be easily turned into lettuce wraps.
Some of the most popular dishes on the menu, in keeping with Cactus Street Cantina’s philosophy of freshness first, are already the healthiest option you’re going to find.
“The shrimp ceviche is probably one of the most popular items on the menu, and that’s about the healthiest thing you can eat,” Jordan said.
But humankind was not meant to live on Mexican food alone. We also require margaritas. And if you’re keeping to your health goals, Cactus Street Cantina offers one of the most diet-friendly concoctions in town.
“If you’re going to drink, tequila is probably the best one you can choose. It has the lowest amount of sugar and the lowest calories, plus it raises insulin and manages digestion,” Jordan said. “And all we add is fresh lime juice and agave, so unless you’re getting a flavored one, all of our margaritas are skinny.”
Consider your diet back on! Visit cactusstreetcantina.com to see the full menu of favorites.