Today is National Taco Day, and the perfect excuse to eat tacos for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Who doesn’t love this cumin-and-chili-infused, traditional Mexican favorite? Tacos are easy to throw together and so customizable. Plus, they can satisfy the the biggest appetite.

Tacos are traditionally associated with fresh tortillas, ground beef, cheese and sour cream. Here in the U.S., taco dishes are as varied as life itself — from taco dip to pizza tacos to dessert tacos. Tacos are rich in protein, fiber, calcium, iron and magnesium; however, depending on how you make them, tacos can be heavy on fat and cholesterol.

Make your tacos healthier with the ten tips below. We also share some delicious taco recipes that incorporate some of our products.

10 ways to “taco” healthier:

1. Substitute chicken, fish or turkey for ground beef
2. Skip the meat altogether and use vegetables, like roasted cauliflower and beans
3. Choose kale or dark, leafy greens instead of iceberg lettuce
4. Replace sour cream with guacamole, yogurt, or a low-fat sour cream
5. Load up on the tomatoes, slow down on the cheese
6. Use quinoa instead of rice
7. Use lettuce or bell pepper boats as tortilla substitutes
8. Choose soft corn tortillas instead of baked
9. Make your own sauce or salsa and control the sodium
10. Make your own taco seasoning, or simply use lemon, lime and garlic. Store bought seasonings can contain too much sodium.

Customize your tacos the PURE way. Use our products to create your own sauces or seasonings. Add Mila to your choice of meat as we do below in the meatloaf recipe. Do you have a favorite product you use to make your taco dishes? Share with us below.

TACO MEATLOAF

This recipe uses our micro-sliced Mila^® — a super food that is gluten-free, trans-fat free, sugar-free, and is a superior plant-based source of protein and fiber. Mila uses different varieties of the chia seed to provide a wide array of nutrients. By combining these crops, you get a nutritionally robust product.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/3 cup micro-sliced Mila
• 1/4 cup taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 6 ounces grated cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with tinfoil.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, micro-sliced Mila, taco seasoning, chili powder (optional), salt, pepper, eggs, 4 ounces of the cheese, and water. Mix with your hands to combine well.
3. Shape mixture into a long, low loaf. Sprinkle top with remaining 2 ounces grated cheese. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the center reads 135F for medium.
4. Remove and cut into slices. Top with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and avocado.

TACO SAUCE with GOJI

Goji superfruit is a dark, delicious juice with a tinge of sweetness. As a natural source of vitamin C and polysaccharides, Goji provides nutrition to help support healthy functions of the immune system. Goji is also is a source of carotenoids, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help enhance eye.

health.*Ingredients:

• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2/3 cup water
• 3 tablespoon Goji
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

Stir tomato sauce, water, Goji, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt, chili powder, paprika, sugar, and cayenne pepper together in a saucepan over low heat; cook at a simmer until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Cool sauce slightly before serving.

How do you enjoy your taco dishes? Share your recipes with us at http://livepure.com/recipe-submission.