Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

Satisfying your food cravings is nothing that you should avoid or deny. In fact, it should be something that you embrace and experiment with as you continue the path to eat foods that support a healthy body.

This week, we are paying homage to the “Americanized” holiday, Cinco de Mayo. Filled with mexican AND not-so-mexican traditions, this day tends to focus on three essential elements of celebration: 1) gathering of people; 2) food; and 3) drink.

Whether you are headed to a BBQ, potluck, picnic, or just your familiar ol’ desk and chair, be sure to one-up your Mexican craving for spicy salsas, beans, and rice, with these powerhouse foods. You can enjoy the flavors of the near-by country and continue to detox daily with fiber-rich black beans, ribbons, of kale, and seasonal heirloom tomatoes.

Here are the 7-layered benefits of the burrito in a jar:

1. Sprouts – Known to be the most nutritious point in a plant’s cycle, sprouts are loaded with enzymes, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Be sure to shop organic and wash them before adding to your salad or sandwich.
2. Greek Yogurt – Filled with more protein than the more traditional version, Greek yogurt is a great addition to dishes that may need some extra umph and bulk.
3. Cherry Tomato Salsa (recipe here) – Tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, “a powerful antioxidant proven to protect cells from harmful, often cancer-causing, free radicals.”
4. Kale – Jam-packed with vitamins and nutrients, this leafy green is known for its vitamin K contents, which is a powerful antioxidant that promotes bone growth.
5. Lettuce – Although not seen traditionally as a superfood, lettuce contains a fair amount of water, which is great for cleansing.
6. Zesty Black Beans (recipe here) – Loaded with fiber and some protein, black beans can help regulate blood sugar and slow down the digestion process – keeping you fuller-longer.
7. Quinoa – Noted to be a complete protein (which is a rarity in plant-based food sources), this gluten-free grain alternative is easy to digest (and easy to cook).

Steps:

1. Add cooked quinoa to the bottom of the jars.
2. Add cooked Zesty Black Beans.
3. Add lettuce.
4. Add kale.
5. Add Cherry Tomato Salsa and a few spoonfuls of the salsa juice (NOTE: this is your dressing).
6. Add Greek yogurt.
7. Top with a handful of sprouts.
8. Seal and pack for later. (NOTE: Be sure not to pack the jar to the rim. You need some space to shake and combine.)

Serves 4

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