Mexican restaurants are popular dining destinations, and it’s possible to eat healthy at them. First of all, the choice of dishes is key. Instead of choosing fried items or those that are smothered in cheese and sauce, opt for grilled vegetables or lean protein such as shrimp.
If you’re still craving something indulgent, by all means, order it, but just make sure it’s only a tiny portion and maybe share it with someone else. Also, nix the side dishes like chips and cheesy/creamy sauces, which can quickly add up in calories.
For extra flavor, make use of salsas and other condiments; they tend to be low-calorie while also delivering a luscious taste. Eating healthy at a Mexican restaurant can be fun if you choose wisely!
Choose corn tortillas
Eating healthy at a Mexican restaurant is easy when you focus on the right ingredients! One of the most important swaps to make is to choose corn tortillas over flour ones. This swap will save you some calories and cut back on carbohydrates, which can help improve your health overall.
Corn tortillas are also typically made with nothing more than masa (corn flour) and water, two wholesome, natural ingredients. Be sure to enjoy all of the fresh Mexican flavors such as grilled chicken, sautéed veggies, salsa, and guacamole — these all taste good while being nutritious too!
Get the salad as an appetizer
Eating healthy at Mexican restaurants is always a challenge when you find yourself surrounded by burritos, tacos, and all sorts of delectable dishes. But the secret to keeping your meal light and healthy is surprisingly simple – get the salad as an appetizer.
Start your meal off with some leafy greens and vegetables like cactus served at Mexican restaurants, dressed with a light vinaigrette or oil-based dressing (rather than one that’s creamy).
Not only will it provide a much-needed fiber boost to keep you feeling full longer, but also getting a salad as an appetizer sets you up with incredible nutrition as soon as your order arrives. So next time you’re out at a Mexican restaurant, consider starting things off right with a healthy appetite!
Go easy on the chips
Eating at a Mexican restaurant can be a lot of fun, but if you’re trying to eat healthily, it can be tricky. One tip that will help is to limit your intake of chips. While they’re definitely tempting and delicious, they’re not nutrient-rich, and if you fill up on them, potentially beneficial or high-fiber foods won’t have room on your plate.
Try having a few chips with some salsa to start, and then once the main meal comes out, give yourself permission to snack on a few extra if needed to balance out the meal. This will help ensure both taste and nutrition when you enjoy the richness of Mexican cuisine!
Stay mindful of the guacamole you consume
Dining out at a Mexican restaurant can still be part of a healthy lifestyle if you’re mindful about what you order. Start off with a salad or vegetable-based app instead of chips and guacamole. Overeating guacamole can add thousands of calories to your meal, so moderation is key when selecting this delicious dip.
If you decide to indulge in the guacamole, watch what else you pair it with; corn chips are often high in saturated fat and sodium, while whole grain chips or vegetables add fiber and vitamins to your meal.
Remember that one tablespoon of guacamole has approximately 40 calories, but it should always be eaten in moderation due to its high caloric content as well as its famous sensitivity to rancidity. With that being said, enjoy every delicious bite!
Avoid fried foods
When eating at a Mexican restaurant, being mindful of the types of food that you order can help you to make healthier choices. Instead of fried foods, try opting for menu items that are grilled, steamed, or baked. You can look at Uncle Julio’s menu with prices online and other popular Mexican eateries and pick your dishes.
What’s even better is that they often contain more flavorful ingredients like fresh herbs and chili peppers! Ordering dishes such as fajitas made with grilled chicken or fish, tacos filled with fresh Vegetables, and Burritos with ‘whole wheat’ tortillas and rice also provide a healthy option.
There are plenty of good options available when eating out – so make sure to take your time and browse the menu for healthier alternatives.
Ask for grilled or baked meat
Eating out doesn’t mean that you have to avoid healthy foods. By keeping a few simple tips in mind, you can indulge in your favorite Mexican restaurant without sacrificing your health. One tip is to ask for grilled or baked meat instead of fried; not only will this decrease the amount of unhealthy fat content, but it will also add to the flavor and make the food more enjoyable.
This, combined with ordering fresh vegetables and extra toppings like guacamole, salsa, cheese, and sour cream, will ensure that your meal is both delicious and nutritious. So go ahead and treat yourself to a healthy dinner – you won’t regret it!
Alternate refried beans and sour cream sides
Eating at Mexican restaurants doesn’t have to be a diet disaster. In fact, you can make healthy choices on the menu that don’t involve guacamole and cheese-covered nachos. To eat healthily when dining at a Mexican restaurant, start off with a salad—a great way to get more veggies in your meal.
When ordering your entrée, choose grilled or roasted meat instead of fried options like tacos. And then sub out traditional sides like refried beans and sour cream for healthier vegetable-based options like steamed broccoli, cauliflower or spinach. You’ll get plenty of flavor without excess calories or fat!
