My philosophy of healthy eating is simple--that you can go what I call "NMP" (no meat or poultry) either full-time, or from time-to-time, while still eating the foods you love. You can eat the foods you grew up on, and the foods you like to eat out--you just find healthier ways to do so by making substitutions. Here's an example of how to apply this philosophy.
The Recipe
--4 whole-wheat tortillas (I use Tortilla Factory brand with 9 grams of healthy fiber apiece)
--1/2 15-ounce can of black beans
--1/2 package of your favorite brand of mexican rice flavored mix
--shredded fat-free or reduced fat cheddar cheese to taste
--your favorite taco sauce (I use Ortega mild or La Victoria)
Cook the mexican rice according to package directions (if it asks for any butter, margarine or oil to be added to the recipe, leave it out). Warm the tortillas (I like to do this in my toaster oven, wrapped in foil on the 250 degree setting while cooking the rice).
When the rice is within 2 minutes of finishing, heat the half can of black beans in your microwave for two minutes. When finished, drain the beans in a colander and set on the side (or you can use a slotted spoon to eliminate the liquid as you assemble the mini-burritos in the next step).
Take out your tortillas and lay two flat on each plate. Lay a large spoon of rice in the middle of each tortilla, then a large spoon of black beans. Sprinkle your cheddar cheese on next. Then gather the sides of the tortilla and tuck in, while rolling the tortilla closed with the seam down (the ends may or may not stay tucked in depending on how much filler you have used, but at least you tried--the main thing is that it tastes great!) Add taco sauce on top as desired and serve immediately.
Makes 2 servings
Use the leftover rice and beans for a repeat in a couple of days or have the rice and beans for lunch or a side dish.
Note: I have some other healthy "NMP" recipes on this site CLICK HERE
You can also get 30 other healthy "NMP" recipes just like this included in my book "Have Your Cheeseburger And Keep Your Health Too!" Order 24/7 CLICK HERE
Please discuss with your own health care professionals any changes you would like to make in your diet, to be sure they are right for your personal situation. Also consider consulting with a licensed nutritionist to fine-tune your diet to make sure that you are incorporating your eating choices in a way that it correct for you. Any information provided is not intended to be professional advice.
