March 1st, 2018

Tanya’s Top: Taco Night Components

Let’s TACO ’bout it: Taco Night Essentials

 

Everything you need for the ultimate taco night, Tanya Zuckerbrot style

Is it Tuesday yet?! Tanya Zuckerbrot is known for her Taco Tuesdays… And Wednesday, Thursdays, and yes, the rest of them as well. Any night can be the ultimate taco night, as long as you have the right stuff on the Taco Table (otherwise known as dining table). Here is the recipe for a perfect Taco Night: 

TRADITIONAL TACO MEAT WITH HOMEMADE SEASONINGNo El Paso used here! With a homemade seasoning blend, this taco meat recipe is zesty, flavorful, and all natural. This recipe uses lean ground beef, but lean ground turkey works just as well too!

20/20 CHICKEN ENCHILADASTacos need not be the only main on the menu at your fiesta! This recipe uses the Unflavored 20/20 FIBER/PROTEIN Powder to create the tortillas, which are typically one of the heavier components of this rather heavy dish. The result instead is zesty dish with 12g fiber per serving. ¡Olé!

20/20 GUACAMOLE – We all know that guac is extra, but this guac makes your taco night extra good and extra good-for-you. That’s because it’s packed with fiber and protein18g and 16g per serving respectively. Another bonus, because its bulked up with nonstarchy vegetables like asparagus, the serving size of this guacamole is larger than your average. Enjoy!

AMY’S ORGANIC REFRIED BEANS – I love this product! Aside from packing 6g fiber per serving, Amy’s refried beans are also great because they’re much lower in fat than traditional refried beans. They’re made without lard, so they contain only 3g fat per serving, and they’re vegan. They’re also organic and beyond easy to prepare—all you need is a can opener!

PRO TIP
Keep your calories low and your stomach full by stuffing a majority of your taco with veggies. Try non-starchy vegetables and herbs to keep the calories low and the volume high.

ROASTED CORN SALSAThis recipe not only adds a burst of fresh flavor and color, but even a touch of sweetness, which comes from the roasting. Disclaimer: this recipe is for Step 2 of the F-Factor Diet because it contains corn.

SPANISH STYLE MIRACLE RICEThis vegan recipe is so delicious, you (and your family and friends) will almost forget that it’s high in fiber and low in calories—giving you three reasons to to throw a fiesta!

#FFACTORAPPROVED SPICY MARGARITASNeed we say more!? Make just one, or a whole pitcher. This cocktail does not disappoint! Go the extra mile and serve in miniature Patron bottles with straws instead of glasses (see picture above). 

LETTUCE WRAPS We used to do taco shells for the kids, and large Romaine lettuce leaves for lettuce wraps for the adults, but they work so well and are so delicious, my kids are all for them too! Bibb and butter lettuces both also hold up (pun intended) as taco shells. 

PRO TIP
Not feeling lettuce wraps? Whole-wheat, low-carb, high-fiber tortillas are a great substitution for corn tortillas.

NON FAT GREEK YOGURT Instead of sour cream! No preparation required—just pour in bowl and no one will know the difference! Not sold? Fat-free sour cream has 58% less calories than regular sour cream. 

TACO TOPPINGS, GARNISHES AND CONDIMENTS – Serve buffet style and make it more of a DIY taco bar. Put the toppings, garnishes and condiments out in small bowls and let everyone dress their tacos as they wish. Think diced red onion, cilantro, lime wedges, diced tomato, shredded lettuce, fat-free shredded mozzarella, fat-free shredded cheddar cheese, salsas and hot sauces. The more flavors, the better! 

Perhaps the best best part of the whole enchilada is that you can use leftovers to create a salad for the next day. The taco meat and corn salsa alone add so much flavor, additional dressing isn’t even needed!