There is a reason Taco Tuesday is popular because what is not to love about a good taco and all the sides that come with it. This is one night you can minimize the calories of eating out and do it all yourself. Did you know Mexican cuisine is Zone friendly since it focuses on lean protein, lots of vegetables, salsas, and sauces? Even though the menu options go beyond tacos, one of the best things about making this part of your weekly routine is that it is great for picky eaters since there are so many options to choose from. Plus if you like to entertain, a DIY Taco night is colorful and flavorful, easy to make, and a crowd-pleaser especially if you have a lot of dietary considerations; low-carb, vegetarian, gluten-free, kid-friendly!
Pick Your Protein
Every Zone meal starts with lean protein so it makes sense this should be one of the focal points of your taco night, next to veggies of course. Grass-fed beef, grilled chicken, fish or Zone Orzo for a vegetarian option make for great choices. Don't forget to spice things up with cumin, chili powder, paprika, lime, or other seasonings of your choosing.
Pick Your Carbs
Veggies
The ideal way to taco night would be to go with the taco salad. This is not the huge salad that sits inside a fried taco shell. This would be having your protein, veggies, and sides sitting on a bed of romaine or other greens. Whether you go with the taco salad or not, don't forget to add the veggies to your meal. Red onion, peppers, tomatoes, pico de galo, and lettuce make for great additions.
Stachy Carbs: You can still enjoy tacos in a shell or wrap in the Zone but choose shells that have minimal ingredients (e.g. Trader Joes Taco Shells) and go for the small corn tortillas instead of the burrito size wraps. Just be mindful of the amount of starchy carbs. Two corn shells are a little over one Zone carbohydrate block and 2 small corn tortillas are about 2.5 carbs blocks in the Zone. Don't forget beans and Zone orzo also contribute to your carb allowance.
Pick Your Fats
Guacamole is the perfect complement to a taco or fresh avocado with a drizzle of olive oil dressing makes for a delicious salad. Just remember to keep your fats to primarily monounsaturated choices and if you want to use cheese or sour cream go for low-fat options and watch your portions.
Have Your Pick- Taco Salad or Taco Shells
Chopped Romaine/Greens or Corn Tortillas (Soft or Hard- be mindful of carbs)
Stuff It
Grass-Fed Beef, Grilled Chicken, Fish, Zone Orzo
Top It
Salsa, Guacamole, Lettuce, Pico de Galo, Red Onion, Peppers, Tomatoes, Low-fat Cheese, Low-Fat Sour Cream
Side It
Black beans, Tossed Salad, Zone Orzo
You Might Also Like: Mexican Food Survival Guide