Cinco de Mayo is synonymous with food, friends, and festive drinks. If you’re trying to stick to healthy habits but still want to take part in the fun, there are plenty of ways to make good choices.

Here are four easy ways to enjoy Cinco de Mayo without overdoing it.

Go Heavy on the Veggies
Rather than dipping chips in your guacamole, try carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers. Most restaurants will oblige if you ask for crudités to pair with your appetizer. If you’re hosting a gathering, there are lots of fun ways you can add fruits and veggies to your meal for an added nutritional benefit. Try mixing chopped kale, peppers, mangoes, or pomegranate seeds into your favorite guacamole recipe. 

DIY
There are tons of ways to get creative and make some classic Cinco de Mayo recipes a little healthier! Skip the restaurant and host your own get-together with these delicious recipes from our IIN graduates. Try a vegan recipe, like Jenné Claiborne’s chipotle sweet potato enchiladas, or jump on the cauliflower train with Lauren Chambers’s cauliflower crack tacos (gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo!) or Megan Gilmore’s Mexican cauliflower rice casserole.

Drink Mindfully
You can’t celebrate Cinco de Mayo without a margarita, right? Frozen varieties and premade mixes are often high in calories, sugar, and artificial ingredients. If you’re at a restaurant or bar, ask for a “skinny” margarita, which is without premade mixes or added sweeteners. Opt for a simple, classic margarita with fresh lime juice or spice it up with some jalapeno! Slow yourself down and stay hydrated by alternating between your cocktail of choice and a glass of water. 

Make Smart Swaps
Whether you’re spending Cinco de Mayo out or at home, there are many tweaks you can make to lighten up your meal. Ditch the crispy taco shell for a lettuce wrap, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, and be aware of portion size. Sharing with your friends is a great way to avoid overeating and get a taste of more than one dish! If you’re a nacho lover, try trading packaged chips for a vegetable base, like peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes! 

Do you have a favorite healthy Cinco de Mayo recipe? Let us know in the comments below! Be sure to check out the IIN Recipe Blog for fresh, healthy recipes for every day of the year.