5 Light Tex Mex Recipes That Don't Leave Me Bloated
I grew up on Tex Mex and I wasn't giving it up. So I made it lighter. These are the five I make the most.
Same flavors. Smaller swaps. My stomach feels so much better.
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1Cucumber lime agua fresca
My swap for soda. Cold, fresh and no bubbles to puff me up.
You need
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3 cups cold water
- A handful of fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
How
- Blend everything for 30 seconds.
- Strain if you like it smooth.
- Pour over ice.
💡Tip: Make a pitcher in the morning and it lasts all day.
2Huevos a la mexicana
Eggs with tomato and a little heat, on one warm corn tortilla instead of three flour ones.
You need
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup diced tomato
- Green onion tops, sliced
- Half a jalapeño, diced (optional)
- 1 corn tortilla
- A few slices of avocado
How
- Soften the tomato, onion tops and jalapeño in a pan for 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs and scramble gently.
- Serve on a warm corn tortilla with avocado.
💡Tip: The green tops of the onion are much gentler on the stomach than the white part.
3Half and half burrito bowl
Everything I love about a burrito, without the giant tortilla.
You need
- 4 oz grilled chicken
- 1/4 cup brown rice + 1/4 cup cauliflower rice
- 1/4 cup black beans, rinsed well
- Pico de gallo
- Shredded lettuce
- Lime and avocado
How
- Warm the rice and cauliflower rice together.
- Top with chicken, beans, lettuce and pico.
- Finish with lime and avocado.
💡Tip: Rinse the beans really well and keep the portion small. Skip the sour cream or use plain Greek yogurt.
4Light chicken tortilla soup
A big warm bowl that fills me up without that heavy feeling.
You need
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 corn tortillas, cut in strips
How
- Simmer the broth, tomatoes, zucchini, carrot and cumin for 20 minutes.
- Add the chicken and lime.
- Bake the tortilla strips at 400°F for 8 minutes until crisp.
- Top each bowl with strips, cilantro and avocado.
💡Tip: Baked strips instead of fried chips. You won't miss them.
5Papaya lime yogurt cup
My dessert most nights. Papaya is one of my favorite fruits for a happy stomach.
You need
- 1 cup ripe papaya cubes
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- A squeeze of lime
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- A pinch of Tajín (optional)
How
- Spoon the yogurt into a bowl.
- Top with papaya and lime.
- Sprinkle chia and Tajín.
💡Tip: Pick papaya that gives a little when you press it.
My week of easy swaps
| Soda | Cucumber lime agua fresca |
| Flour tortillas | One warm corn tortilla |
| Big burrito | Half and half burrito bowl |
| Fried chips | Baked tortilla strips |
| Every morning | One probiotic with breakfast |
These recipes changed how I feel after meals. The piece that made the biggest difference for me was a daily probiotic with breakfast.
See the probiotic I take →Con cariño, Maya
I am not a doctor, dietitian, or medical professional, and nothing here is medical advice. This is my personal experience only.