Mexican Cuisine with a Low-Carb Kick

Some traditional Mexican cuisine can seem very problematic to anyone trying to follow a low-carb nutrition plan. Low carb diets are very beneficial for anyone trying to lose weight or fat, because when the body consumes more protein than carbohydrates, it then burns off fat easier on it's own. The thought of popular Mexican foods like tortillas and rice, make the low-carber cringe, however many other ingredients in Mexican foods are very high in protein and lower in carbohydrates. Many Mexican dishes are already low-carb, and others can be slightly altered to help you adhere to your low-carb lifestyle while still enjoying your favorite Mexican foods.

Already Low-Carb Options

Mexican Omelette-
A Mexican omelette is already low in carbs and eggs are a very popular food in the low-carb dieters bible. This simple dish is great for breakfast or anytime to satisfy your hunger and still satisfy your craving for Mexican food.

Ingredients
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons cream or sour cream
pinch of salt
pinch of cumin
pinch of garlic powder
1/4 cup shredded jack cheese
1/8 cup fresh salsa, drained of juices
1 teaspoon oil

Combine all ingredients and whisk together. Fry omelette in a skillet with the heated oil to set each side, and serve plain or with extra salsa on the side..

Gazpacho
This delicious refreshing soup can be served alone or with salad for a great low-carb Mexican meal.

Ingredients
4 large tomatoes seeded and diced
1 can tomato sauce
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 stalk celery chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/8 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
2 cucumbers, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh jalapeno, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
31/2 cups water

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and serve chilled and topped with chopped onion or cilantro.

Cilantro Dressing
This is a great low carb Mexican inspired dressing for a side salad, to add bold flavour to plain lettuce.

Ingredients
1/2 cup cilantro
1/4 cup oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
pinch of garlic powder
pinch of Mexican oregano
salt to taste

Blend all ingredients in a food processor and blend just until almost smooth.

Low Carb Variations of Mexican Inspired Recipes

Tuna Taco's
These tuna tacos are fast to prepare, delicious and low-carb once you replace the regular tortillas with low-carb tortillas.

1 8oz can of tuna
4 corn tortillas
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons cream
1 teaspoon oil

Combine mayonnaise, cream, lemon juice and sour cream and whisk them together and set aside. In a small saucepan, heat oil and saute tuna until it's warm. Warm tortillas in the microwave slightly and fill with tuna mixture and fold over. Drizzle with cream sauce mixture on top and serve instantly.

Mexican cuisine can be low-carb, and the above recipes are sure to help you stay within the rules of your low-carb lifestyle. Many Mexican dishes are already low in carbs, and some ingredients just need to be replaced with their low-carb alternatives. Low-carb friendly Mexican cuisine is quick and easy as long as you have the knowledge and the proper substitutes.

~Buen Provecho~

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