Torchy's Tacos originated in Austin, but the tales of these tacos have traveled across the state to Houston, where the franchise has debuted several locations. What started off as a somewhat far-fetched dream of chef Michael Rypka ended up becoming a wildly successful business.

Taco selections include the shrimp with coleslaw, jalapenos, and queso: the beef barbacoa with avocado, and cilantro; and fried mushroom with refried black beans, corn, and carrots. The meat is tender and juicy, the vegetables are fresh and well-seasoned, and there are plenty of vegetarian options.

Be sure to try Torchy's breakfasts, which feature crisp potatoes, scrambled eggs, tomatillo sauce, and expertly cooked bacon. Torchy's is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the week and opens at 8 a.m. on the weekends.

Torchy's Tacos
2411 South Shepherd Drive
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 595-8226
www.torchystacos.com
www.yelp.com/biz/torchys-tacos-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/austinevan

Affectionately referred to as a "hole in the wall," the Hubcap Grill in downtown Houston is a bar and grill that wins hearts through the all-American combo of juicy burgers and crispy fries.

Don’t let the plastic patio furniture or tiny dining area fool you; Hubcap is an elitist when it comes to grilling a patty. Ordering it rare or well-done is serious business, whether you ask for the Guacamole Swiss Burger or the Triple Meat Cheeseburger. If beef isn’t your thing, try the Muffaletta Grilled Chicken Sandwich for a taste of what’s good in life, and be sure to wash it down with a bottle of icy cold root beer.

Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, Hubcap Grill's downtown Houston location is cash-only, so come prepared.

Hubcap Grill
1111 Prairie Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 223-5885
www.hubcapgrill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/hubcap-grill-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr USDAgov

Though many people count calories to try to lose weight, monitoring your sodium intake is another important consideration. Consuming too much sodium can also put you at risk for cardiovascular disease and hypertension, so limiting your intake will keep you healthy in more ways than one. If you want to begin a low-sodium diet and take control of your health, these tips can help.

• You don’t need to cut out sodium completely, just limit your intake. A good number to go by is 2,000 mg per day.
• Foods can still be high in sodium even if they don’t taste salty. Learn to read the labels on your food to make sure you know how much sodium it contains.
• If you find it challenging to monitor your sodium intake, start a food journal. List the foods you consume at each meal or snack, and record the sodium content in each one.
• Many seemingly healthy foods contain too much sodium. Try to purchase whole, raw produce instead of canned vegetables, as the canned versions are often packed in a liquid containing sodium. Also use fresh poultry or meats instead of canned or processed versions.
• Choose herbs, spices, and salt-free seasoning blends to add flavor without adding sodium.
• Read the labels of your canned or frozen foods. Many brands offer low-sodium or reduced-sodium versions of foods you already eat.

Reduce Salt and Sodium in Your Diet [NIH]
Low Sodium Diet Guidelines [Cleveland Clinic]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/sara marlowe