what is the best low calorie option at a mexican restaurant

• Choose Corn, Not Flour. Tortillas form the basis of a number of Mexican culinary favorites, including tacos, burritos, fajitas and chimichangas.
• Go for the Grill. Grilled proteins are typically some of the lowest-calorie foods at a Mexican restaurant, as long as they're paired with smart side dishes.
• Pick a Bowl. For many burritos, the monster of a tortilla wrapping up all the insides provides the bulk of the calories.
• Feeling Saucy. Mexican dishes often come with a variety of sauces or dips, including salsa, guacamole and sour cream.
• Other Ways to Cut Back. Rather than choosing the sugary margarita or sangria, order a tequila and club soda with lime. ...

Full Answer

What is the best low calorie Mexican food?

What Are Low-Calorie Mexican Food Options

• Choose Corn, Not Flour. Tortillas form the basis of a number of Mexican culinary favorites, including tacos, burritos, fajitas and chimichangas.
• Go for the Grill. Grilled proteins are typically some of the lowest-calorie foods at a Mexican restaurant, as long as they're paired with smart side dishes.
• Pick a Bowl. ...
• Feeling Saucy. ...
• Other Ways to Cut Back. ...

What is a healthy option at a Mexican restaurant?

TACOS AND BURRITOS

• Lettuce Tacos. "Whenever I get tacos, I wrap them in romaine lettuce leaves instead of corn tortillas. ...
• Grilled Fish Tacos. "I'm a huge fan of Mexican food and, fortunately, there are lots of healthy options on most menus! ...
• Soft Chicken Tacos. ...
• Vegetarian Burrito. ...

How to eat healthy at a Mexican restaurant?

Mexican cuisine revolves around food group balancing. Serve up a protein-packed bean dish, whole grain brown rice or corn tortillas and a variety of fresh salsas while avoiding large amounts of ...

What can I eat at a Mexican restaurant on keto?

• Salads- Most salads at Mexican restaurants should be keto friendly. Just watch out for tortilla chips, corn, and dressings with sugar. ...
• Queso – Cheese is always high fat, low carb right? ...
• Salsa – Salsa is usually keto friendly, but not always. ...
• Tortilla Soup – Sometimes tortilla soup is a good keto friendly Mexican option if you omit the tortilla chips. ...

What is the least calories in a Mexican restaurant?

Dishes that you should get at Mexican restaurantsChicken and Vegetable Fajitas for One- 1,3500 - fajitas can be an easy low calorie option. ... Taco salad- 700 calories - However, without the chip shell it can be only around 500 Calories.Grilled Shrimp Salad - 570 Calories.More items...•

What is the healthiest thing to eat at Mexican restaurant?

The Healthiest Dishes to Order at a Mexican RestaurantTacos and Burritos: Lettuce Tacos.Tacos and Burritos: Grilled Fish Tacos.Tacos and Burritos: Soft Chicken Tacos.Tacos and Burritos: Vegetarian Burrito.Fork and Knife Entrées: Ceviche.Fork and Knife Entrées: Fajitas.More items...•

What can I order at a Mexican restaurant to lose weight?

Some good choices are:Salsa (with fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic)Ceviche (with fresh fish)Fish Veracruz.Chicken Entrees (such as Burritos, Tostadas & Enchiladas)Black Beans (without sour cream)Fajitas (with chicken or seafood and lots of vegetables)Baked Tamales.

How can I stay low calorie at a Mexican restaurant?

6 tips for healthy eating at a Mexican restaurantSay no to the chips. Chips and salsa are a staple of any Mexican restaurant, but they are not exactly low in calories. ... Order ceviche as an appetizer. ... Choose corn tortillas. ... Do not order rice and refried beans. ... Opt for grilled foods. ... Be careful with margaritas.

What is the best thing to eat at a Mexican restaurant on Weight Watchers?

Lighten it up: The best filling choices are chicken or steak. Figure on 16 SmartPoints value for beef and 12 for chicken. Also, ask for the tortillas to be cooked in the pan, not the fryer. This can shave 2 SmartPoints values off three tortillas.

Are fajitas or tacos healthier?

Taco has more Vitamin B12, Vitamin K, folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, calcium, and copper. Taco also is lower in sodium and cholesterol. On the other hand, fajita has more Vitamin B6, Vitamin B3, Fiber, Phosphorus, and Selenium. Fajita also has less sugar and saturated fats.

What Mexican dishes are healthy?

51 Incredibly Healthy Mexican and Tex-Mex RecipesSteak Nachos.Crispy Chipotle Shrimp Quesadilla.Beef Tacos.Sweet Potato and Spicy Chorizo Tacos.Vegetarian Black Bean Omelet.Fish Taco Bowls.Crock-Pot Vegetarian Chili.Plant-Based Breakfast Burrito.More items...•

Can I eat Mexican food and still lose weight?

Mexican food has a reputation of adding to weight gain. That reputation is correct, if you pile on the fatty meats, cheeses, sauces, and eat lots of chips and guacamole. But Mexican food can actually help you lose weight.

Is taco or burrito healthier?

Burritos have a higher micronutrient content than tacos. They have more iron, with 18.7 milligrams of iron, or 10 percent of the DV; riboflavin, with 0.4 milligram, or 21 percent of the DV; and more folate, with 43 micrograms, or 11 percent of the DV per burrito.

How many calories are in chicken fajitas from a Mexican restaurant?

Even a seemingly healthful order of grilled chicken fajitas with the standard accompaniments can top 1,500 calories, 150 grams of carbs and 1,600 mg sodium.

What are the healthiest tacos to eat?

If you're looking for a healthy taco option, we recommend getting lean chicken tacos or seafood tacos. These protein options have less fat than red meats, but they're packed with protein. Fish and shrimp also have vital nutrients, such as vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids.

Is Mexican restaurant rice healthy?

The unhealthy part of rice as a side dish comes from its preparation — in most Mexican restaurants, it is fried in oil, packing 380 calories and nearly 11 grams of fat (via Eat This, Not That!).

What Mexican foods are healthy?

In Mexican cuisine, many soups are high in nutrients and low in calories. Look for one made with broth. Good bets are black bean, chicken tortilla, and shrimp (caldo de camaron) soups. Or you might try pozole -- a stew with pork, vegetables, and hominy (ground corn kernels).

What are healthy Mexican food options?

Mix and match healthy options like grilled meat (chicken, fish, shrimp), ceviche (raw seafood marinated in lemon or lime juice and other seasonings), black beans, brown rice, avocado salad, sautéed veggies, or tortilla soup.

Is Mexican food good for weight loss?

Mexican food has a reputation of adding to weight gain. That reputation is correct, if you pile on the fatty meats, cheeses, sauces, and eat lots of chips and guacamole. But Mexican food can actually help you lose weight.

Can I eat tacos on a diet?

When you're dining out, one order of tacos could contain more than 1,500 calories and 60 grams of fat. Especially when tacos contain a combination of meat and cheese, they're likely to be higher in saturated fat. You can consume this type of fat as part of a healthy diet, but it may be best in moderation ( 37 ).

What are some low calorie Mexican entrées?

When choosing a low-calorie Mexican entrée, look for items prepared in a healthful manner, such as grilled, sautéed or baked, rather than deep-fried or braised. Fajitas or tacos that have grilled shrimp, black beans, fish or chicken fillings are a better option than fried fish or higher-calorie beef options. Focus on consuming the protein and vegetable fillings rather than high-calorie tortillas. Watch out for the condiments that typically arrive with your dish, including cheese, sour cream and guacamole, all of which can boost a healthy entrée’s calorie content tremendously.

How many calories are in a Mexican entree?

Typical Mexican entrees come with a side of rice and beans, sometimes listed as arroz con frijoles, which can have 700 calories, according to the USDA Nutrient Database. To reduce the caloric content of your side dishes, ask for pinto or black beans instead of refried beans, which have a higher fat content, and skip the rice.

How many calories are in salsa?

Although salsa can be high in sodium, it’s a good choice, calorie-wise, with just 10 calories per 2-tablespoon serving. The real problem is the deep-fried tortilla chips, which have 139 calories per ounce.

What are some low calorie tacos?

If you're headed to a Mexican restaurant, one of the top low-calorie choices is tacos made with grilled meat, salsa and corn tortillas. Skip the rice, and ask for vegetables on the side.

What are some good side dishes to serve at Mexican restaurants?

Choose grilled seafood, chicken or steak with a side of black beans or grilled or sauteed vegetables. Skip the rice, which can contain anywhere from 150 to 200-plus calories per serving.

How many calories are in a tablespoon of salsa?

Salsa is the lowest-calorie option, typically containing just 5 calories per tablespoon. Guacamole isn't as low in calories – each tablespoon contains about 25 calories – but it does contain heart-healthy fats.

How many calories are in a tortilla?

For example, a 28-gram corn tortilla contains approximately 60 calories, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database, while the same-size flour tortilla has 100 calories. To enjoy a low-calorie entree at a Mexican restaurant, ask that your taco or fajitas be made with corn tortillas. Keep in mind that a restaurant might not be able to substitute corn tortillas for every dish.

What is the lowest calorie dip?

Feeling Saucy. Mexican dishes often come with a variety of sauces or dips, including salsa , guacamole and sour cream. Think of these sauces as a stoplight: Go green for salsa , yellow for guacamole and red for sour cream. Salsa is the lowest-calorie option, typically containing just 5 calories per tablespoon. Guacamole isn't as low in calories – ...

Is it bad to eat tacos?

Tacos aren't a bad option , but to really save on calories, eat one taco in the order as-is. Eat the filling of the other one or two tacos, depending on how many are in the order, to save on calories. Kelsey Casselbury is a freelance writer and editor based in central Maryland.

Is Mexican food low in calories?

Mexican food is known for being spicy, flavorful and fully delicious, but it's not necessarily known for being low in calories. While you can make a bevy of low-calorie Mexican entrees at home, it's harder to keep your waistline in check when you go out to a restaurant.

What to do instead of dipping chips in guac?

Instead of dipping chips in your guac, ask for some cut vegetables. This adds healthy nutrients to your meal while saving calories.". — Isabel Smith, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietitian and founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition.

How many calories are in grilled fish tacos?

— Marisa Moore, RDN. "An order of two grilled fish tacos has between 400 and 500 calories, and they're a good source of protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

What is ceviche in Mexico?

"Eating ceviche, which is raw fish marinated in lime juice and herbs, reminds me of being in Mexico! It's a simple meal that doesn't contain any calorie-laden ingredients like corn or cheese. Plus it's rich in zinc, which helps the body metabolize glucose and is great for radiant skin! Since they're usually served tapas style, I typically order two different varieties." — Dana James, nutritionist and founder of Food Coach NYC

Can you order avocados without cheese?

Depending on how they're served, I often order them without cheese or sour cream and ask for avocado and salsa instead. Salsa adds great flavor and, if you order the spicy variety, can also help boost your metabolism. Avocados have a satisfying creamy texture that I love, and they also contain heart-healthy fats.".

What are some low calorie Mexican foods?

It's easy to cook low-calorie Mexican food, like chicken Verde quinoa casserole, in your own kitchen. Making your own meals at home will save hundreds of extra calories and a few bucks, too. Tex Mex Migas: Soft Eggs and Veggies With a Tortilla Chip Crunch.

What to do if you don't see Mexican side dishes?

If you don't see any low-calorie Mexican side dishes on the menu, ask your server about your options. Some Mexican restaurants will replace the high-calorie sides that come with meals with a salad, or you can ask for a side of marinated vegetables.

What to do with pre-meal chips?

Savor salsa . If you love those pre-meal chips (or if your dining companion wants them on the table), ask for a soft tortilla instead. Spread on some salsa, then fold it up and eat it like a taquito. You can also tear it into small bits to dip in fresh salsa.

How to eat salsa?

If you love those pre-meal chips (or if your dining companion wants them on the table), ask for a soft tortilla instead. Spread on some salsa, then fold it up and eat it like a taquito. You can also tear it into small bits to dip in fresh salsa. Skip the dip.

What to put in salad to save calories?

Skipping the cheese or asking for light cheese on your salad will also save you fat and calories (and some restaurants might offer low-fat cheese). To give your meal more flavor, add extra tomatoes, onions, and black beans. Lastly, ask for healthier grains.

Can Mexican food be healthy?

With a few simple guidelines, you can find healthy food on any Mexican menu. You can add some spicy flare to your meals even if you are on a weight loss diet .

Is Tex-Mex bad for you?

Tex-Mex food gets a bad rap thanks to high-calorie chips, entrees full of cheese, and high-calorie drinks. The best low-calorie Mexican food choices are often the ones filled with the most flavor—you just have to know how to find them.

How to keep Mexican rice low carb?

You can keep it low-carb by holding the Mexican rice and refried beans.

How to keep ranchero low carb?

You can keep this dish low-carb by holding the ranchero sauce, beans, and rice. Also, ask whether the cheese sauce contains flour and avoid it if it does.

How to keep a low carb meal?

You can keep it low-carb by holding the Mexican rice, refried beans, and flour or corn tortilla shells.

What is a burrito bowl?

A burrito bowl is a good way to eat the insides only out of a burrito without getting your hands messy. It allows you to bypass the tortilla shell and enjoy your food with a fork. Chipotle also offers this on their menu.

What are some good side dishes to serve with a taco?

Chicken, Seafood, or Steak Fajitas. Fajitas are another great way to eat the insides only of a taco or burrito. They usually come with your choice of meat (chicken, seafood, steak, or pork) with grilled or sauteed fajita vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.

What to order with chicken taco shell?

Order chicken or beef tacos with a hard taco shell and eat the meat and cheese out of them with a fork. What to orde r: one, two, or three hard chicken tacos and eat the insides only. Stay away from taco sauce. Top your taco with guacamole, cheese, or sour cream.

What are soft tacos made of?

Soft tacos, burritos, and quesadillas are made with flour tortilla shells that mix together with the rest of the ingredients when they are heated. This makes it hard to “peel” the shell from the rest of your food. Most Mexican restaurants will serve one, two, or three stand alone tacos.

What is the best drink to drink in Mexico?

FROM THE BAR: Wine or Sangria. “I know margaritas are the go-to Mexican drink, but a single margarita can add hundreds of calories and a lot of sugar. I would opt for a simple table wine—preferably red, as it has less sugar. If you’re craving something a little more festive, sangria can be a great option.

Do Mexican restaurants have fat?

The sad truth: Many dishes at Mexican restaurants are packed with hundreds of extra calories, nearly all coming from saturated fat, which can leave you feeling bloated and overly full—like a double-stuffed burrito.

Do corn tortillas have fiber?

Because the tortillas aren't fried, they have less fat than hard-shelled tacos, and corn tortillas also contain three times the amount of fiber as flour tortillas. Sometimes the tacos will come with two tortillas each, so you can ask the waiter to prepare them with just one to save calories.

Is nachos a mile high?

Spolier: It ain't the mile-high nachos. A giant plate of cheese-smothered nachos topped off with sour cream, refried beans, enchilada sauce, and globs of guacamole is sexy, sure, but you may not feel so hot a few hours after eating it.

What to order at chipotle?

For the most nutrition, we’d order it with tofu or steak, black or pinto beans, brown rice and fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, guacamole and lettuce.

What are the healthiest buffalo wings?

We wouldn’t want you to NOT have the wings at Buffalo Wild Wings. And lucky for you, they may just be the healthiest thing on the menu! Just a few tips for ordering: Go for traditional wings, rather than boneless (they’re more whole foods-based) and get the snack size. For the least added sugar and sodium go for the buffalo, chipotle, desert heat, lemon pepper and salt & vinegar flavors. The snack-size buffalo traditional wings deliver 340 calories, 6 grams of saturated fat, 530 mg of sodium and 41 grams of protein. Make sure you eat the carrot and celery sticks, too, for a small dose of vegetables. The fiesta pork tacos are another good choice providing 450 calories, 30 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, 1100 mg of sodium and 3 grams of fiber.

How many calories are in a classic roast beef sandwich?

If you’re more in the mood for a sandwich, the Classic Roast Beef is a safe bet, delivering 360 calories and 23 grams of protein and half the sodium (970 mg) of some of the turkey sandwiches. Pair it with a side salad to round out your meal. Buffalo Wild Wings.

What to eat at the Golden Corral?

Get what looks good to you, and try to practice healthy eating by using “My Plate”—fill half your plate with nonstarchy veggies (such as green beans, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes and carrots) and fruit, one quarter of your plate with some sort of protein (meat, chicken, beans), and the other quarter with starchy food (potatoes, bread, mac & cheese). Bonus points for choosing at least some raw or steamed veggies.

How many calories are in a Guiltless Grill?

Chili’s. Dive into the Guiltless Grill menu at Chili’s to find balanced meals under 600 calories. Options include Mango Chili Chicken, served with Mexican rice and steamed broccoli, and the Margarita Chicken, which is like a burrito bowl. Just know that these two options have about a day’s worth of sodium.

What are some good side dishes to serve with buttermilk chicken?

Pair the Buttermilk Oven-Fried Chicken or Pecan-Crusted Catfish with lower-sodium, veggie-focused sides, such as mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli, or Brussels sprouts and kale salad with apple slices. If you’re there for breakfast, try out the steel-cut Apple n’ Cinnamon Oatmeal.

Is California Pizza Kitchen all pizza?

It’s not all pizza at California Pizza Kitchen. They recently rolled out two new Power Bowls that pair whole grains, veggies and protein. The Banh Mi Bowl tops quinoa and baby kale with grilled chicken, watermelon radishes, avocado, cucumbers, carrots, bean sprouts, scallions, cilantro, mint and sesame seeds.