Believe it or not, Mexican cuisine is the perfect base for keto diet. Of course, you need to remove the carb-rich vegetables, chips, tortillas, and some other stuff. When you strip it to the bare essentials, you get a nutrient-rich playground to explore your keto culinary creativity.
Taco is one of the best examples of this and it can be a treasure trove of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients. But there’s even more to this dish, so read on.
Keto Taco Recipe
To share a secret right away, the idea is to make your keto taco as colorful as possible. A special combo of low-glycemic vegetables keeps you in ketosis, well-nourished, and happy.
Ingredients
- Beef (grass-fed)
- Cucumber (chopped)
- Cumin (ground)
- Limes
- Chili powder
- Salsa
- Garlic powder
- Avocado
- Bell peppers
- Cilantro
- Salt and pepper per taste
- Cheddar cheese
- Arugula
- Tomato
Note: The amount of ingredients varies based on how many servings you want to make. It’s okay to eyeball everything except the beef – use 1lb per every 4 servings.
Preparation
Take a large skillet, heat it to medium, and add coconut oil or butter. Non-stick spray works as well but it’s better to go for the former.
Once properly heated, add ground beef and the seasonings. Cook it until it turns brown and give the beef a light stir from time to time. When cooked, the beef and seasonings should sit for a while to cool before you build the salad.
Start building the salad by layering lettuce, vegetables, and avocado slices. Then, add salsa, meat, and lime juice per your taste. Toss it all and, voila, your zesty health keto taco salad is ready to serve.
Killer Veggies
Veggies are keto taco’s secret weapon. And when you figure out what they do for you, bell peppers, arugula, and cucumbers are bound to become staples in your diet.
Bell Peppers
A single serving of bell peppers has double the amount of vitamin C you need every day. Plus, it’s also full of vitamin A. Together these vitamins make bell peppers a great immunity booster.
This type of peppers is carotenoids rich, meaning it is a potent antioxidant. According to studies, carotenoids target free radicals that may lead to heart disease and cancer. And this super-veggie has a low glycemic index.
Arugula
Full of phytonutrients, minerals, and vitamins, arugula is one of the healthiest leafy greens. Most prominently, arugula is a rich source of manganese, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. When it comes to vitamins, this green contains vitamins K, A, and B6.
The added benefit comes from beta-carotene that’s great for eyesight, heart health, and inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Note: Spinach shares a lot of arugula’s nutritional properties which makes it a good alternative for your keto tacos.
Cucumbers
You probably know that cucumbers are great for hydration, but they are also packed with folic acid and vitamins C and A. This seemingly simple plant is also a good source of polyphenols and flavonols. The mentioned compounds improve inflammatory response, protect the brain, and minimize the risk of cancer.
Where’s the Taco Stand?
When all is said and done, half the fun of the keto diet comes from exploring different ingredients and recipes. You’ll need to do your homework and avoid veggies that may pull you out of ketosis. So, put on your cooking cap and get ready for a healthy taco.
