Introduction
Eating out at a Mexican restaurant can be a delicious treat, but it can also be tricky to make healthier choices. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a meal at a Mexican restaurant while still making sure you’re eating healthy. In this article, we’ll explore some tips on how to eat healthy at a Mexican restaurant.
Opt for Grilled Meats Over Fried
When it comes to choosing proteins for your meal, opt for grilled meats over fried. Grilled meats are typically lower in fat and calories than their fried counterparts, making them a healthier option. Plus, they tend to have more flavor, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without all the extra fat and calories.
The type of grilled meats available will vary depending on the restaurant, but some common options are grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, and fish. Some restaurants may even offer grilled tofu as a vegetarian option.
Ask for Sauces and Dressings to be Served on the Side
Sauces and dressings can add a lot of flavor to a dish, but they can also add a lot of calories. To make sure you’re not consuming too many calories with your meal, ask for sauces and dressings to be served on the side. This way, you can control how much sauce or dressing you’re consuming.
Most Mexican restaurants will offer a variety of sauces and dressings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese sauce. Be sure to ask about the ingredients used in each sauce or dressing, as some may contain added sugar or unhealthy fats.
Choose Dishes with Fresh Vegetables or Beans Instead of Rice
Rice can be a tasty addition to a meal, but it’s high in carbohydrates and calories. To save on calories and carbs, choose dishes that feature fresh vegetables or beans instead of rice. Not only are these dishes lower in calories and carbs, but they’re also packed with vitamins and minerals that can help keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Examples of dishes that feature fresh vegetables or beans include burrito bowls, salads, tacos, and enchiladas. Many Mexican restaurants also offer veggie-based soups, such as black bean or vegetable soup.
Avoid Ordering Anything that has been Deep-Fried
Deep-fried foods can be tempting, but they’re usually high in fat and calories. To make healthier choices, avoid ordering anything that has been deep-fried. This includes items like chimichangas, taquitos, and nachos. These dishes may be delicious, but they’re usually loaded with unhealthy fats and calories.
If you’re craving something deep-fried, look for restaurants that offer baked alternatives. Baked versions of these dishes are typically lower in fat and calories, so you can still enjoy the flavors without all the extra fat and calories.
Request Corn Tortillas Instead of Flour Tortillas
Tortillas are a staple of Mexican cuisine, but not all tortillas are created equal. If you’re looking to make healthier choices, request corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are usually lower in calories and carbohydrates than flour tortillas, plus they’re usually made with fewer ingredients.
Corn tortillas come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small taco-sized tortillas to large burrito-sized tortillas. Some restaurants may even offer gluten-free or whole wheat tortillas as an alternative to traditional corn tortillas.
Ask for Whole Wheat or Other Healthier Bread Options
Some Mexican restaurants offer bread with meals, such as chips and salsa or tacos. To make healthier choices, ask for whole wheat or other healthier bread options. Whole wheat bread is higher in fiber and protein than white bread, so it can help keep you feeling full for longer. Plus, it’s usually lower in calories and carbohydrates than white bread.
Other healthier bread options may include corn tortillas, flour tortillas, pita bread, or even gluten-free bread. Be sure to ask your server which bread options are available.
Conclusion
Eating out at a Mexican restaurant doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health goals. By following the tips outlined above, you can make healthier choices and still enjoy a delicious meal. Opt for grilled meats over fried, ask for sauces and dressings to be served on the side, choose dishes with fresh vegetables or beans instead of rice, avoid ordering anything that has been deep-fried, request corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, and ask for whole wheat or other healthier bread options. With a few simple changes, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal at a Mexican restaurant.
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