Love nachos but hate the grease they leave behind on your hands and the way you feel stuffed in a bad way after you inhale a batch while out with friends or sitting on your couch in front of a hockey game or movie? Here are some great tips on making nachos in a healthier – yet still extremely tasty – way.
First of all ditch those high sodium, high fat chips you’ve been using and choose a low sodium whole wheat or multigrain variety. Or you can use baked tortilla chips – make your own or pick up a bag at your grocery store. Next, the meat – you can swap out the beef for turkey but if you have to have the beef – make it lean. Once you have browned the meat – drain off all excess fat and add a few sprinkles of seasoning – do not use one of those pre mixed taco seasoning bags! They are loaded with sodium and a whole bunch of other unpronounceable ingredients. Instead choose a blend of chili powder, garlic, turmeric, oregano, cilantro, or parsley. All of these spices have great health benefits.
As for the rest of the toppings – use veggies! Olive slices, tomato slices, shredded lettuce, onions, peppers – whatever you like. Corn and black beans are great on nachos as well and black beans are a very good source of fiber. And yes, you can still have the cheese – just don’t load it on. You’ve got enough other yummy stuff on there that you don’t need a ton.
As for dips – guacamole is an OK choice. It is fairly high in fat but it’s not bad fat so you can have a bit. Sour cream is not your best option so swap that out and use hummus! Hummus is quite healthy and will add a lot of flavor. And do not forget the salsa! Salsa is an extremely healthy choice and is also a nacho staple.
So enjoy the upcoming hockey playoffs with a plate of nachos. Invite your friends over – they will think they are so yummy and won’t believe they are actually healthy!