The term "T diet" or "vitamin T" refers to all foods that begin with this letter of the alphabet: tamales, tostadas, tacos, tlacoyos, tlayudas, tortas, to name just a few examples.

The regime's reputation

From a nutritional standpoint, these dishes have acquired a very bad reputation over time. Various health professionals have described them as high-calorie foods that are harmful to health if consumed frequently and in large quantities, causing, among other things, overweight, obesity, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. However, it all depends on how they are prepared , as many of these dishes use ingredients rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

The ingredients

The main ingredient in this diet, which is also the basis of the Mexican diet, is corn, essential to many preparations, from the most complex to the simplest. From this corn, dough is obtained, which serves as the base for several Mexican recipes, including tortillas, which have many benefits because, in addition to providing energy, they contain vitamins A, C, D, E, B1 and B2 and certain minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and calcium. The corn base is often served with a preparation, which can be as simple or complex as desired. This is where we can make healthier choices. It's best to opt for lean proteins that have been simmered with little fat and include vegetables in their preparation. Vegetarian options such as squash blossoms, huitlacoche, beans, or cooked nopales are also an excellent idea, as they provide us with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Let's move on to typical side dishes. These vary depending on the dish, but many share common elements such as cream, cheese, lettuce, and sauce. Fresh cheese is an excellent source of protein with a low fat content, while lettuce provides very few calories and plenty of fiber, so we can add as much as we like.

Our suggestions

So... is the T diet right for you? Here's what we have to offer at LilietGordo.com Health suggestions: - Vegan Nopales Mixiote - Vegan hibiscus flower tinga - Black beans that contain epazote - Chicken Pastor - Nopal in brine For your "Cheat days": - Carnitas of pork confit in bacon - Pork cochinita - Chicharrón (Pork rind) - Churros P.S. The "T diet" is very real in Mexico, as it's often what's readily available throughout the country. Of course, the T diet should be taken with a grain of salt and a sense of humor.