by Jason Martin, Isle of Capri Casino Hotel Boonville
The new year is well upon us and hopefully everyone is still sticking to their resolutions. Unfortunately, we all seem to make resolutions for the new year that are either impossible to keep, or will take an enormous amount of willpower. My resolution is to shed a few pounds in search of those abs that I know to be under there somewhere. I might have to give up on finding my abs, but I am back on the wagon of trying to eat healthier and live a healthier lifestyle in general.
With the recent birth of my son Grady, I really needed to look to the future and the years I hope we will spend together. It was kind of like a wake up call, I guess. I know I’m not alone in this battle. I have co-workers, friends, and family who all struggle with achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. We’re constantly trying new fad diets and workout plans.
Today, I want to share a recipe that will help me achieve my resolution of eating and living a healthier lifestyle. This dish is fresh-tasting and satisfying. It will definitely leave you feeling proud to have stuck to your resolution. This is a very simple dish to make. My wife has me make these on occasion and it’s quite the hit.
Grilled Tilapia Tacos with Fresh Avocado Salsa
Serves 4 (8 tacos)
8 – Tilapia filets
2 tablespoons – extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons – fajita seasoning
8 – medium-sized whole wheat tortillas
Shredded iceberg lettuce (about ½ head)
Fresh Salsa (recipe below)
Salsa
1 cup – fat-free sour cream
2 – avocadoes, diced
1 – tomato, diced
1 teaspoon – cilantro, roughly chopped
Juice of half a lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
• Combine ingredients to make salsa and let sit in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Rub tilapia with olive oil and seasoning. Grill over moderate heat for two-three each side. Fish is finished when it is firm to touch and begins to flake.
• To assemble tacos, slightly warm tortillas on griddle or microwave oven, top with a filet of fish, shredded lettuce and 2 tablespoons of salsa.
I hope you look forward to more health conscious recipes to come. I leave you with a Happy New Year and words of encouragement: YOU CAN DO IT! I encourage everyone to stick with your plans. Don’t get discouraged by the occasional indulgence when you can’t pass up the piece of chocolate cake or order of prime rib ― they happen.
