How will you observe Cinco de Mayo this year? This annual celebration commemorates Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in the Franco-Mexican War. This Friday, I’ll be celebrating by preparing Mexican cuisine with a MyPlate twist!

MyPlate.gov is based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 edition. It’s a great guide to help structure healthful eating. Its advice about protein foods is especially compelling when it comes to Mexican-style meals.

“Eat a variety of protein foods to get more of the nutrients your body needs. Meat and poultry choices should be lean or low-fat […] Choose seafood options that are higher in healthy fatty acids (called omega-3s) and lower in methylmercury, such as salmon, anchovies, and trout. If you are vegetarian or vegan, the advice to eat meat, poultry, and seafood does not apply to you. Vegetarian protein options include beans, peas, and lentils, nuts, seeds, and soy products.”

There are so many beans and lean meat/poultry options in Mexican fare! Here are a few of my favorite recipes that make the most of these ingredients…

• Chicken Fajitas

• Salsa Baked Fish

• Make Your Own Burritos

• Spicy Chicken with Beans and Corn Salad

• City Tacos with Walnut Filling

Happy cooking!