Adaptable Tacos and Getting Back on Track

Recently I have gone off the wellness wagon!  I have done a lot of traveling, spent some time with my amazing family, and indulged in some delicious but not very nutritious entrees, desserts, and brews.  After a few weeks of indulging, it is time to get back on track!

Getting back into a healthy routine is hard,  and I often find myself craving foods I normally go fine without.  It is important to recognize the pattern of your cravings, where they started from, and what actions/smells/tastes triggered them.  For example, a one serving glass of wine at the end of the day suddenly makes me crave the decadence of my aunts ricotta cake which I happily inhaled ate at my cousins batmitzvah a few weekends ago.  After a few days of wine+cake+more wine, my body made the connection that the red stuff should be accompanied by creamy sugary goodness and BOOM the craving hits.  Breaking the cycle means feeding your body the flavor it wants with a nutritional kick.  Greek yogurt and honey did the trick for this craving, and so did an extra glass of wine.  Hey, you gotta start somewhere. 

OK enough about me, time for a recipe.

Pinto Bean and Red Potato Tacos
Easily adaptable for carnivores and pescatarians

Corn tortillas
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1/2 cup frozen corn
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 avocado
1 can Pinto Beans
5-7 small red potatoes
1 Bag TJ's instant brown rice (aka lifesaver)
Lime Juice
Cilantro

Spices
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper (or more)
S+P
1/2 packet Stevia


Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees

Rinse beans, chop potatoes, onion, red pepper, corn and garlic and place in a mixing bowl along with a drizzle of oil. Add the rest of the spices tossing well. 

Place mixture on aluminum foil lined+greased baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes.  Toss the mixture every ten minutes or so to prevent burning. 

In the last 10 minutes of cooking chop cilantro, slice avocado, and cut limes into wedges.  Finally, cook your brown rice according to the microwavable directions.  Seriously, if there is a Trader Joe's in your area you MUST pick up a box of these.  It is a quick and delicious addition to any meal!  Mix brown rice with cilantro, salt, and lime juice to taste!

Assemble tacos according to your liking! I layered my taco mixture over rice and used homemade tortilla chips as an edible spoon.  Best way to eat Mexican food!!

The best part of this recipe is that it is EASILY adaptable to different diets! Just use the same spice mixture on chicken breasts or fish and cook in a skillet until done!  I love the idea of having a customizable taco party where people can choose their protein as well as their toppings!