[HERO IMAGE: Colorful spread of real foods - vegetables, proteins, healthy fats]

Eat Real Food.
Fuel Real Performance.

A simple guide to nourishing your body with whole, real ingredients — from the Hispanic Restaurant Association

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Real Food vs. Processed Food

The average American gets over 60% of their calories from ultra-processed foods. These products are loaded with ingredients you can't pronounce and lack the nutrients your body needs to thrive.

There's a better way.

The Real Food Plate Method

Real food fuels real performance. Focus on three core macronutrients — Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Healthy Fats — to build strength, sustain energy, and support overall wellness every day.

[PLATE DIAGRAM: Visual showing 1/2 Vegetables & Carbs, 1/4 Quality Protein & Beef, 1/4 Healthy Fats]

PROTEIN & BEEF

  • Beef (ground, sirloin, brisket) Most nutrient-dense
  • Chicken & Turkey (whole cuts)
  • Eggs (whole, pasture-raised)
  • Fish & Seafood
  • Pork (chops, tenderloin)
  • Legumes (black beans, lentils)

Aim for 20–40g protein per meal

CARBS & VEGETABLES

  • Sweet Potatoes & Yams
  • Brown Rice & Corn Tortillas
  • Plantains (maduros/tostones)
  • Quinoa & Whole Oats
  • Leafy Greens (spinach, kale)
  • Bell Peppers, Zucchini, Tomatoes

Fill half your plate with vegetables

HEALTHY FATS

  • Avocado & Guacamole
  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • Coconut Oil (for cooking)
  • Nuts & Seeds (pepitas, almonds)
  • Full-Fat Cheese (in moderation)
  • Olives

Healthy fats = sustained energy

Why Beef is the Most Nutrient-Dense Protein

Beef delivers more bioavailable nutrients per serving than any other common protein source. Here's what makes it stand apart:

Iron (Heme)

Bioavailable form absorbed 2–3x better than plant sources

Zinc

Critical for immune function, wound healing & testosterone

Vitamin B12

Essential for nerve function & red blood cells (absent in plants)

Creatine

Fuels muscle energy — highest naturally in beef

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Supports fat loss & lean muscle in grass-fed beef

Complete Protein

All 9 essential amino acids in optimal ratios

Choose grass-fed, pasture-raised beef when possible for maximum nutrient density and healthier fat profiles.

Simple Guidelines

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Shop the Perimeter

Fresh meats, produce & dairy — skip the processed aisles.

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Read Ingredients

If you can't pronounce it, you probably don't need it.

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Cook with Tradition

Use real ingredients from your cultural food heritage.

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Hydrate Daily

Drink water first. Flavor with lime, mint, or cucumber.

Honoring Cultural Food Heritage

Real food isn't a trend — it's how our ancestors ate for generations. Traditional Hispanic cuisine is built on whole ingredients: fresh vegetables, quality proteins, healthy fats, and time-honored cooking methods.

The Real Food movement celebrates and preserves these cultural traditions while teaching the science of why they work.

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About the Hispanic Restaurant Association

The Hispanic Restaurant Association™ is dedicated to empowering communities through real food, real culture, and real nutrition.

Through our training institute and local initiatives — including farmers markets, nutrition guidelines, cooking classes, and connections to local farmers and ranchers — we educate people on eating real foods instead of processed food. From nutrition classes to prepared meals and knowledge of local food systems, we're building healthier communities one plate at a time.

Hispanic Culinary Institute
11860 Pecos St, Westminster, CO

Visit HRAnational.org