5 Ways to Enjoy Mexican Food—and Still Lose Weight

From Taco Tuesday to Cinco de Mayo, Mexican-inspired food is synonymous with fun. The chips, the cheese, the guac, the margs, and so much more. It’s impossible to enjoy all that and still stay on track, right? Nope, that’s a myth…along with what many people believe about Cinco de Mayo itself. In the U.S., the day serves as a celebration of Mexican culture (Mexico's Independence Day isactuallySeptember 16). In the 1960s, Mexican American activists introduced Cinco de Mayo in the U.S. to commemorate their victory in the Battle of Puebla 100 years prior. So let’s raise a glass to that piece of history—and these five myth busters.

Tortillas are the base fortacos,enchiladas,tostadas, air-fried tortilla chips, and more. But average tortillas can pack up to 6 Points each—no small amount, considering they're a shell for other ingredients. Choose tortillas with a few grams of protein per serving; these tend to be lower in Points. Consider smaller-sized tortillas if purchasing from a store or try ourHomemade Corn Tortillaswhich have only 2 Points per serving.

Of course, our ancestors weren’t tracking Points when they concocted beloved recipes, like pozole, centuries ago. Enter thisSlow Cooker Chicken Posole, WW’s lighter take on the iconic stew. Our version replaces pork with chicken, keeps the corn-based hominy, is chock full of veggies, and has ZeroPoints (or 2 Points for those on the Diabetes Program). Add in flavorful garlic cloves, pickled jalapeños, and fresh lime, and you’ve got a new crowd-pleasing recipe in the family cookbook.

While traditional tacos are filled with carne asada or carnitas, you don’t need meat to beef up your meal. Consider a baja version of tacos with ZeroPoint fish or shrimp, such as theseSpicy Fish Tacos. Don’t count out the flavor, not to mention the fiber and protein, packed in vegetarianSweet Potato Tacos. If you’re still looking for a meaty taco, try ourSlow-cooker Steak TacosorChicken Tacofor lean recipes. Top your tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, and a spritz of lime, and, well, you know what to do next.

There’s nothing quite like digging into a bag of crunch. But for Cinco de Mayo, the tortilla kind should top your shopping list. These versatile chips add crunch totaco salad, serve as the base forchilaquiles, and, of course, act as a vehicle for ourClassic GuacamoleorBright Green Salsa Verde. Remember, tortilla chips are merely the vessels that bring yummy goodness to your taste buds. Make sure you add some nutritious cargo to those crunchy vessels.

Buzz Killington reporting for duty: Some restaurant cocktails have almost a day’s worth of Points. And while it’s true that margs will never be considered a beverage for better health, you can drink responsibly. Proof? While this classicMargaritawon’t come without Points, it will have all the lime deliciousness without the excess sweetener. Be sure to drink water alongside your alcoholic beverage or consider a mocktail instead, like our Frozen Watermelon Virgin Margarita or a more classicMargarita Mocktail. Salt on the rim andthis Mexican-Inspired snack board, optional!