Nutrition experts analyze whether a bowl of oatmeal with fruits and seeds or barbacoa tacos make a better breakfast, emphasizing that neither is inherently superior and that it depends on individual context and a balanced diet.
Barbacoa, a traditional Mexican dish popular for breakfast, provides protein from the meat, vegetables like nopales, and carbohydrates from corn tortillas. However, Francisco Cruz Méndez, a clinical nutrition specialist, explains that animal-based meats contain saturated fats, linked to elevated cholesterol and triglycerides according to various studies. Axel Ochoa, a clinical nutritionist, adds that portions are often large and accompanied by sugary drinks like sodas, making it hard to call it a healthy breakfast.
On the other hand, a bowl of oatmeal with banana, chia seeds, honey, and natural yogurt is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, omega-3, and probiotics. Francisco Cruz highlights that fruits offer not just sugar but fiber, vitamins, and water, ideal for non-diabetics when combined with nuts or seeds. However, Axel Ochoa notes that its main ingredients are carbohydrates, which might raise glucose more than barbacoa in cases of metabolic issues.
Both experts agree that an ideal breakfast follows the Plato del Bien Comer, including fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, and healthy fats. 'There are no better or worse foods,' states Francisco Cruz, recommending variety: oatmeal as a complement to other foods like eggs, and barbacoa one or two times a week in small portions, with more vegetables and no sugary drinks. A barbacoa plate can provide about 800 kilocalories, so moderation is advised, up to three or five times a month in a balanced diet. Consulting a specialist is key to personalize nutrition.
