• Tacos are one of the easiest ways to get a balanced meal because of the creativity that can be thrown in to each unique recipe. If you're ever lacking inspiration, buy this book -- The Taco Cleanse. The vegan authors are from Austin, so they know what's up :) Veggie tacos are definitely one of my favorite meals to make and enjoy. The possibilities are endless! Today's recipe includes all organic:

1. Sautéed mushroom: heat 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil in a sauce pan on stove and add minced garlic. Remove stems from cremini mushrooms (I used 4 mushrooms) and slice. Then add to pan and sauté until soft.
   • Mushrooms contain antiviral compounds known as protease inhibitors, as well as poly and oligosaccharides that work to stimulate the immune system and activate natural killer cells, which help to kill cancerous cells within the body. 
2. Spinach: 1 handful of raw spinach 
   • Every day make sure to include fresh leafy greens in your diet. This can become an easy habit once you get the hang of it. Your body will learn to crave dark leafy greens because of all the dense nutritional properties that greens like spinach and kale contain. Spinach is a great source of plant-based iron (or non-heme iron), which works to produce the protein found in our red blood cells known as hemoglobin. Hemoglobin allows oxygen to be delivered to from our lungs to our red blood cells. It is best to consume iron with Vitamin C so that it can be properly absorbed...so let's add bell peppers to these tacos!
3. Bell pepper: 3-4 mini bell peppers, sliced and seeds removed 
   • Bell peppers of all colors contain high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A.
4. Tomato: I used 1/2 a large organic + local tomato, sliced.
   • Regular consumption of tomatoes can benefit your health in a multitude of ways. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a compound that works to prevent cancerous cells from proliferating within the body. Tomatoes also include chlorogenic acid, which helps to prevent risks associated with diabetes within the body. 
5. Cilantro: 1 handful rinsed and chopped cilantro
   • Cilantro contains vitamin K, an important vitamin for all that helps us in the blood coagulation process. Cilantro also contains vitamins A and B9, and the mineral known as manganese. Plus it tastes amazing :) 
6. Salsa: 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite organic salsa. I love Central Market's brand.
7. Nutritional yeast: sprinkle on top for added zestiness!
   • Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and is full of nutritional benefits that are especially healthy for vegans and vegetarians. Nutritional yeast contains vitamins and minerals such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12.
8. Sprouted corn tortillas: Two corn tortillas heated on a flat plate on the stove.
   •  Look for organic + 100% sprouted corn tortillas. Often companies mix corn with flour, but to stay gluten-free go for corn. It's also important to look for non-GMO corn as corn is one of the most widely genetically modified foods world wide. Get the real thing. My favorite brand of corn tortillas is from this mindful company called Food For Life - check them out! Sprouted grains are soaked in water until they begin to germinate. This process of germination allows for certain enzymes to be produced from the grain. When we consume sprouted grains or sprouted grain flour, the enzymes that are present allow the food to be more easily digestion. When we practice eating foods that make digestion easier we will feel lighter and have more energy, as well as prevent bloating and sluggishness. 

I hope you enjoy the tacos! To make this meal full and balanced and to ensure that you are satiated, I would suggest adding beans and grains to this meal. This is one of my favorite ways to add protein to a meal and make sure that I will stay full. I love to prepare beans and grains ahead of time and have them ready in the refrigerator to heat up when I need them. My favorite combination is black beans and brown rice. I cook them very simply with pink salt and pepper and choose to not add oils to the beans. Below is the break down of the nutritional profile of both the tacos and your side of beans + grain. 

Tacos:

Calories: 259 calories

Carbohydrate: 51 grams

Fat: 2 grams

Protein: 11 grams

Fiber: 11 grams

Calcium: 121 miligrams

Black Beans + Brown Rice:

Calories: 115 calories

Fat: 1 gram

Carbohydrate: 22 grams

Protein: 5 grams

Fiber: 3 grams

Calcium: 25 grams