If you’ve never tried a traditional Mexican Mangonada, you’re in for a real treat at Houston’s Mango Beach. The Mangonada is an orange and mango slush topped with chamoy and chile lime salt, creating a delicious sweet and salty taste that is also very refreshing. These are by far the most popular items at Mango Beach, a popular sweet spot where locals often go to beat the Texas summer heat. In addition to Mangonadas, you’ll find savory lunch options like elote (a cheese-covered Mexican street corn) and hot Cheeto pie. There are a number of other types of blended fruit desserts and sno-cones, and you can add vanilla ice cream on top of any item to make it even more delicious.

Mango Beach is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily throughout the spring and summer. There are limited hours during the fall and winter months.

Mango Beach
2304 White Oak Drive
Houston, TX 77009
(713) 900-7500
www.facebook.com/pages/Mango-Beach/109741795756927

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr fortes

If you’re looking for a family-owned eatery serving authentic Mexican cuisine, you’ll find it at Irma’s. If you come for lunch or dinner, Irma’s offers housemade guacamole and crispy chips to start the meal, and the popular strawberry lemonade is truly a can’t-miss menu item. Entrees like shrimp and spinach enchiladas and tender carne asada will leave you feeling full, while the sweet sopapillas make the perfect dessert to finish off your meal. For early risers, Irma’s even offers a traditional Mexican breakfast that consists of huevos rancheros and other favorites.

This local favorite is furnished with casual wooden tables and colorful Mexican decorations throughout, and it even has a full bar with flatscreen televisions for anyone who wants to stop by to watch the big game. There is also a plant-filled outdoor patio, perfect for warm evenings.

Irma’s
22 N Chenevert St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 222-0767
www.irmashouston.com
www.yelp.com/biz/irmas-restaurant-houston?sort_by=date_desc

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr kennejima

Many people have a sweet tooth that creates a craving for chocolate, but while the occasional indulgence is okay, eating too much chocolate could be the end to your healthy diet. Here are a few healthy ways to eat chocolate that will keep you right on track when a craving strikes.

Chocolate Tart with Hazelnut Shortbread Crust [Eating Well]
Make this seemingly decadent dessert the next time you have friends over for dinner, and no one will even know that it’s actually healthy. With just over 250 calories per serving and six grams of protein, you’ll get the taste of chocolate without feeling weighed down.

Black Bean Brownies [Chocolate Covered Katie]
While the addition of black beans to brownies may seem strange at first, you won’t even be able to taste the protein-packed beans when they’re masked by the rich, dense chocolate flavor. These brownies are also flourless, which is great for low-carb diets.

Healthy Homemade Chocolate [Wellness Mama]
Instead of grabbing a fat- and sugar-packed candy bar from the checkout counter at the grocery store, make your own healthier version at home. This recipe includes only four ingredients, and because they’re all natural, you won’t have to worry about ingesting any chemicals and unnatural ingredients.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr whatkatiesbaking.com