Benji Xavier, known on TikTok as @benjixavier, has become an inspiration for many with his incredible 100-pound weight loss journey. His transformation not only highlights his dedication to health and fitness but also shows that, while maintaining a healthy diet is crucial, you don’t have to give up delicious foods to achieve your goals.
In a recent TikTok post, Benji shared a recipe for Birria Quesadillas, demonstrating how you can enjoy flavorful dishes while still making mindful choices. Here’s how you can recreate this satisfying meal that helped him along his weight loss path.
@benjixavierBalance is key and I was still eating birria but using lower calorie tortillas and reduced fat cheese. You can still enjoy food while le losing weight. Ingredients: 3-4 lb Chuck roast 10-12 Guajillo peppers 2-5 chiles anchos 3-5 chiles de árbol 2 tomatoes 1/2 white onion 6 garlic cloves Bay leaves Lower calorie wrap Reduced fat Mozzarella Seasoning mixture: Low sodium Beef broth 2 tb chicken bouillon 8 pepper corns 1 tb cumin 1 tb garlic powder 1 tb onion powder 1 tb thyme 1 tb paprika 1 tb oregano 1/2 tsp salt Instructions: Brown chuck roast on both sides Add to a slow cooker. You can cook for 7 hours on low or you can cook it for 3-4 hours on high until you meat is tender. Making seasoning mixture: Begin de-seeding all your peppers Simmer in a pot 2 tomatoes, 1/2 white onion All the peppers and 6 garlic cloves Once everything has softened ( about 10 mins) Place your simmered veggies in blender, add in your seasonings and fill with beef broth. Strain all your seasoning mixture over meat. Place a few bay leaves on top and cover. Once your meat is cooked pull meat apart and place back in broth Dip tortilla in broth and place on a hot pan. Place mozzarella and meat on top. Fold tortilla over and allow to cook and each side until browned ( 2-3 mins on medium heat). Enjoy!! Como La SkeeYee – Imari Staxx
Ingredients
- Chuck Roast: 3-4 lbs
- Guajillo Peppers: 10-12
- Chiles Anchos: 4
- Chiles de Arbol: 4
- Roma Tomatoes: 2
- White Onion: 1/2
- Garlic Cloves: 6
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash
- Low Sodium Beef Broth: 32 oz
- Chicken Bouillon: 2 tbsp
- Pepper Corns: 8
- Cumin: 1 tbsp
- Garlic Powder: 1 tbsp
- Onion Powder: 1 tbsp
- Thyme: 1 tbsp
- Paprika: 1 tbsp
- Oregano: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Bay Leaves: A few
- Low-Carb Tortillas: As needed
- Reduced-Fat Mozzarella: For sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Chuck Roast:
- Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Brown the roast on both sides in a pan.
- Transfer the browned roast to a slow cooker.
- Make the Seasoning Mixture:
- De-seed the guajillo peppers, chiles anchos, and chiles de arbol.
- In a pot, simmer the de-seeded peppers, tomatoes, white onion, and garlic cloves until softened (about 10 minutes).
- Blend the softened ingredients with apple cider vinegar, beef broth, and all the spices (cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, oregano, and salt).
- Strain the seasoning mixture over the meat in the slow cooker.
- Add a few bay leaves on top.
- Slow Cook:
- Cook the meat on low for 7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Once cooked, shred the meat and place it back in the slow cooker with the broth.
- Prepare the Quesadillas:
- Dip each tortilla into the broth to soak slightly.
- Place the soaked tortilla on a hot pan, sprinkle with reduced-fat mozzarella and the shredded meat.
- Fold the tortilla over and cook until each side is browned (2-3 minutes on medium heat).
- Enjoy:
- Serve the quesadillas hot and enjoy a flavorful meal that fits into a balanced diet.
Why This Birria Quesadilla Recipe is Great for Weight Loss
Benji Xavier's Birria Quesadilla recipe stands out as an excellent choice for those on a weight loss journey who still want to enjoy their favorite foods for several reasons:
1. Nutrient-Dense IngredientsThe recipe focuses on whole, nutrient-dense ingredients. The chuck roast is a good source of protein and iron, while the variety of chiles and spices used in the seasoning mix provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These components contribute to overall health and help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
2. Controlled Fat ContentBy opting for lower-calorie tortillas and reduced-fat cheese, Benji successfully lowers the overall fat content of the quesadillas without sacrificing flavor. This approach allows you to enjoy a richer-tasting meal with fewer calories and less saturated fat, which can be beneficial for weight management.
3. High Protein and FiberThe chuck roast offers a substantial amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Protein also helps to increase satiety, making you feel fuller for longer. Additionally, the use of spices and herbs not only adds flavor but can also boost metabolism and enhance digestion.
4. Customizable and BalancedThis recipe can be easily adjusted to fit various dietary preferences and needs. For instance, you can choose to use even lower-calorie tortillas or incorporate more vegetables into the quesadilla. This flexibility allows you to tailor the meal to your specific nutritional goals while maintaining a balanced diet.
Balance and Enjoyment
Ultimately, Benji’s Birria Quesadilla recipe offers a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a favorite dish while adhering to weight loss goals. By focusing on nutrient-dense ingredients, controlling fat content, and using a slow cooking method, this recipe not only supports weight loss but also promotes overall health and well-being. Enjoying flavorful, homemade meals like this one can be a key part of a successful and sustainable weight loss journey.
Benji's message is clear: as he notes in his caption, "You can still enjoy food while le losing weight." It’s all about finding the right balance that works for you and allows you to enjoy food while achieving your weight loss and health goals.
