by Scott Steehn

Created on: May 29, 2009

Everyone knows that la comida de Mexico es muy bueno. The challenge has always been to indulge and not end up looking like un puerco. Is there anything better than a huge burrito covered with cheese, guacamole and sour cream? How about a big plate of nachos piled high with beef, cheese and jalapeno slices? Well, maybe we need to expand our horizons a bit and figure out exactly what Mexican food is all about.

First of all, many of the foods we traditionally think of as Mexican are actually Tex-Mex and were either invented in the United States (nachos, chimichangas) or are Anglicized versions of authentic Mexican food (crunchy tacos, fajitas). Real Mexican cuisine is widely varied and runs the gamut from extremely healthy to the some cheese and meat stuffed items that are basically a heart attack on a plate.

To make Mexican fare healthier let's look at it from two different angles. First of all, we will look at some traditional Mexican food that may not be familiar to Americans that are actually quite healthy. Secondly, we will explore how to turn some of our favorite Tex-Mex favorites into something that won't totally derail the diet train.

Each region in Mexico has its own history and influences, and it shines through in the regional dishes that are available in each particular area. Be sure and sample the fresh fish tacos made in the Baja California area on the Pacific coast. Fresh white fish, a little cabbage, and a squeeze of lime piled high on a fresh corn tortilla and you've got a low fat authentic Mexican favorite.

From Veracruz we get Huachinago a la Veracruzana; a delicious dish made with red snapper and Veracruz sauce. This tomato-based sauce is a staple in the region and it includes green olives and pimentos.

These are just a brief sampling of a couple of the dishes I've enjoyed during my travels. The key to remember is there are healthy options available in all of the various regions of Mexico. Just make sure if you're on vacation, you don't send your common sense on vacation as well. Heavy on the fresh, locally produced items, and easy on the fried stuff and the delicious (but fattening) local cheeses that are produced throughout the country.

The other part of eating healthy Mexican food is making good choices when you're right there in your hometown. Forget Taco Bell, Taco Bueno, Taco Town, Taco Hut, and Tacos Tacos Tacos. These drive-thru death traps go big on the processed foods and deep-fried debauchery.

Instead, opt for making your own fresh Mexican fare. Make sure you use corn, not flour tortillas. Processed flour is not your body's friend and should always be avoided. In addition, arm yourself with lots of fresh veggies, grilled chicken, shrimp, fresh fish, and low-fat cheese. Guacomole is heavy on the fat, but it's the good fat that contributes to high HDL. There are many outstanding sites on the web that have great Mexican recipes available. Pick a couple, get the kids to help, and go crazy.

The bottom line to eating healthy Mexican food is to follow the same rules you would when making choices in your day-to-day diet. Use fresh ingredients, lose the nachos, and try something new. You will find that real Mexican food can be both healthy and delicious.

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