888-765-5400Celebrating Cinco de Mayo – Fun Facts and Fabulous Food
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina wishes you a Happy Cinco de Mayo celebration! Remember as part of your preventive health care to drink responsibly, eat healthy, exercise regularly and take some time to enjoy friends and family. Most of my childhood and early adult life were spent somewhere between Dallas, Texas and San Diego, California where Cinco de Mayo is as important a day as Super Bowl Sunday in terms of celebration. Cinco de Mayo, which is Spanish for “fifth of May” is celebrated in the United States and in Mexico, primarily in the Mexican state of Puebla, where the holiday originated and is referred to as The Day of the Battle of Puebla. The date is observed in commemoration of the Mexican army’s surprising defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 where General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin led his troops to victory. Sometimes mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16th, Cinco de Mayo is a day of pride for Mexicans and Mexican-Americans alike.
In truth, Cinco de Mayo is an historically significant holiday and one that has become increasingly important in the United States over the years. Californians have consistently celebrated this holiday since 1863, even when the holiday was virtually overlooked in Mexico itself, and Cinco de Mayo celebrations became trendy during the 1940’s during the rise of the Chicano movement. During the 1980’s, marketers, especially beer companies, jumped on the bandwagon and began promoting the holiday in full force, making it widely popular in major cities throughout the United States. Celebrations typically emphasize Mexican cuisine, culture, music and drink.
Much like St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo has become a holiday that invites a celebration with friends and family. Tacos, salsa, corn chips and guacamole are only a few of the tasty treats that make celebrating this Mexican holiday fun for everyone. We found this recipe for a healthier version of guacamole from People Magazine and we think you will agree that it is not only delicious, but also guilt-free. With only 73 calories and 4 g. of fat, each 1/4 cup of this guacamole contains 4 g. of protein and 2.5 g. of dietary fiber. Easy to make and full of good nutrition, Hungry Girl’s Southwest Guiltless Guacamole Dip is sure to be a Cinco de Mayo favorite.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. mashed avocados (2 small avocados)
- 1 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp. lime juice
- 3/4 tsp. chili powder
- 3/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 Tbs. finely chopped cilantro
Directions:
1. Combine avocado, yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder and salt in a small bowl. Mix until smooth
2. Stir in black beans, pepper, onion and cilantro
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve
BCBSNC knows that preventive care is the most important step in ensuring both your physical and mental well-being. For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents. Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.