5 Indigenous Latino Foods to Try for a Healthier Lifestyle

George Bernard Shaw said that "there is no truer love than the love than the love of good food." What better way to start the New Year than by taking on a healthy lifestyle and eating right?

Eating healthy does not need to be boring. Contrary to popular belief, there are a great number of healthy eats out there that don't need to dampen one's spirits. Shedding those holiday pounds can be tough, and New Year's anxiety can lead one to try drastic diets that are not fit for them.

Latina authors Luz Calvo and Catriona Rueda Esquibel, authors of "Decolonize Your Diet: Plant-Based Mexican-American Recipes for Health and Living," suggest trying a "local" approach. They said that back when Latinos ate things like quelites, verdolagas, and nopales, illnesses such as cancer were virtually unheard of. These foods were known to have strong anti-cancer properties. The Latinas suggest these 5 indigenous Latino foods for a healthier lifestyle.

1. Soldadera Beans.

This tasy bean dish can work wonders for one's body. Catriona tells NBC News that beans are very high in fiber as well as minerals that will help stabilize blood sugar.

2. Tamales.

This traditional Mesoamerican dish is made of masa, a starchy and corn-based dough. While this extremely popular dish does contain high amounts of fat and sodium, it is also known to provide a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals that support good health. Tamales are also low in calories, high in fiber and are extremely delicious.

3. Nopales.

This is a healthy type of cacti that is known for its wide range of health benefits, including weight loss and cancer prevention. It has also been known to promote a healthy heart, regulate the digestive system, build strong bones and even cure insomnia, reports Organic Facts.

4. Quelites.

These wild greens are a particular favorite in Mexico. The word is a collective term for wild Mexican greens, usually ones with small leaves. Many Mexicans love to stew these greens or use them as a quesadilla filling. These greens are usually sweet to the taste, and have been known to help with blood circulation and increase calcium.

5. Verdolagas.

This is a Mexican parsley known for its succulent taste and health benefits. Many tend to pair it with meat, as the leaves are thick and crunchy. These delicious leaves are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

With fast foods becoming a common part of one's lifestyle, be sure to give these 5 indigenous Latino foods a try. These foods are what one needs to achieve a healthy lifestyle.