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. ...
Full Answer
What is the lowest calorie food to eat at a Mexican restaurant?
Grilled proteins are typically some of the lowest-calorie foods at a Mexican restaurant, as long as they're paired with smart side dishes. 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.
What is your favorite Mexican food to eat to lose weight?
"Yellow corn tortilla tacos with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, grilled peppers and jalapeños are one of my favorite Mexican dishes. Tacos lend themselves to automatic portion control, and they're easy to customize and healthify how I please.
How to eat healthy at Mexican restaurants?
When you’re at a Mexican restaurant it can be tough ordering a low calorie option however, there are great ways to eat healthy at Mexican restaurants. Mexican restaurants have a tendency to increase their portion sizes so you know you are getting your bang for your buck. However, the portion sizes can total up to 1500 calories per entree.
How fattening are Mexican restaurants' tacos?
Three of the top 10 were from Mexican restaurants: On the Border's Firecracker Stuffed Jalapenos with Salsa Ranch (138 g of fat, 1,900 calories); Dos XX Fish Tacos (155 g of fat, 2,240 calories); and Chili's Bacon Ranch Beef Quesadilla (135 g fat, 1,800 calories).
What is the healthiest item to eat at a Mexican restaurant?
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.
What Mexican foods are low in calories?
Grilled proteins are typically some of the lowest-calorie foods at a Mexican restaurant, as long as they're paired with smart side dishes. Choose grilled seafood, chicken or steak with a side of black beans or grilled or sauteed vegetables.
What Mexican food can I eat 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.
What can I eat at a Mexican restaurant when counting calories?
What to order:“Lighter” VersionFull Calorie Version2 oz. of chips:300 calories4 oz. of chips:6 tbsp of salsa:36 calories3 oz of guac.:12 oz. light beer:100 calories7 oz. margarita:Beef taco:272 caloriesBeef burrito meal: (includes one burrito, beans and rice)1 more row
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 at Mexican restaurants healthy?
A great way to eat healthily at a Mexican restaurant is to choose grilled foods. Instead of ordering a chimichanga or taquito, opt for steak, chicken or shrimp fajitas. Fajitas are much healthier than fried items but are just as filling; they taste even better when flavored with peppers and onions.
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.
Can you eat tacos and lose weight?
Yep, you can lose weight and eat tacos too. Tacos today, tacos tomorrow, tacos forever! We spoke to culinary nutrition expert Jessica Levinson, R.D.N., about how to get in on the festivities guilt-free, whether you're cutting carbs or carne.
Are chicken fajitas healthy?
Shrimp or Chicken Fajitas Fajitas use one of the healthiest available cooking methods: grilling. They also come with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers and onions, which are valuable sources of antioxidants. Go for shrimp or white-meat chicken, instead of steak, to avoid the saturated fat content of red meat.
Is Mexican food high in calories?
There's no denying that Mexican food is delicious. But many of the entrees are made with oil, lard, and salt -- and loaded with cheese and sour cream. You can get more than a day's worth of calories, saturated fat, or sodium in a single meal.
How many calories are in Mexican chicken fajitas?
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.
Are chicken fajitas healthy?
Shrimp or Chicken Fajitas Fajitas use one of the healthiest available cooking methods: grilling. They also come with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers and onions, which are valuable sources of antioxidants. Go for shrimp or white-meat chicken, instead of steak, to avoid the saturated fat content of red meat.
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 – ...
How many calories are in a 28 gram corn 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 ...
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.
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
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 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.
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.".
How many calories are in a tortilla?
Tortillas dipped in fat, stuffed, rolled, covered with cheese, and baked. Topped with sour cream, two of them carry 748 calories, 55 percent of which is from fat.
Is chipotle the fastest growing chain in the US?
Yet at the same time, Chipotle— the anti-Taco Bell—is the fastest-growing chain in America. Its super-customizable. menu (more than 65,000 possible combinations) and focus on naturally raised meats has hit the millennial market right in the wallet.
Is it better to eat whole beans or refried beans?
Ask about the type of beans. If they're whole, this could be the healthiest thing on the menu. (The fiber in beans lowers cholesterol and helps make you feel full.) If they're refried (mashed and cooked in lard), you're better off with the chicken burrito.
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.
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.
Is black beans good for you?
Black beans are low in fat, high in protein, and provide plenty of fiber. 2 They get a thumbs up as a low-calorie Mexican food. Refried beans might sound like a healthy choice, but they are often prepared with lard, cheese, and bacon, which can make the calorie and fat content high.
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.
Can you substitute bean burritos for beef?
Substitute bean burritos for beef or cheese burritos and ask for corn tortillas instead of flour to save a lot of extra calories while still getting plenty of fiber. Watch portion sizes. If you are following a low-carb eating plan or have pre-diabetes or diabetes, use caution when ordering beans and rice combos.
What to eat in Mexico?
Eat green. Mexico farms produce pumpkins, cacti, tomatoes, wild herbs and zucchini. Including a variety of greens in your dishes will keep your meals low in fat and high in fiber as well as vitamins and minerals. Mexican cuisine commonly features avocado.
What are the main foods in Mexico?
Mexican cuisine features a vast array of beans, including black beans, pinto beans, black eyed beans, lentils, and chickpeas. Beans are packed with protein, fiber, and can be prepared in so many ways, including baked, boiled and pureed. Include them as a side dish or meat alternative. Add seeds.
What to put in tacos for protein?
Grab a few corn tortillas and fill them with grilled spicy shrimp or fish, such as salmon, which is packed with protein heart-healthy omega-3 oils, for seafood tacos. Bank on beans.
What to eat instead of quesadillas?
Choose fajitas over quesadillas. Instead of ordering quesadillas, tortillas filled with meat and lots of cheese, opt for chicken faj itas, marinated grilled chicken with onions, green peppers, lettuce and diced tomatoes wrapped in a soft corn tortilla.
What to order instead of refried beans?
Instead, order chicken or beef enchiladas with salsa or red sauce. Go for unfried beans. Instead of refried beans, order a steaming bowl of frijoles a la charra ( pinto beans in a savory broth), black beans or Spanish rice. Bonus: Made with tomatoes and peppers, a side of Spanish rice adds immune-sustaining vitamin C.
What are some good foods to eat with the Aztec diet?
Amaranth seeds, for instance, are packed with protein, fiber, calcium, healthy unsaturated fats, iron, magnesium and phosphorous. They also contain manganese, which acts as an antioxidant, supports bone health and energy metabolism and aids in wound healing. Other high-nutrient seeds often used in Mexican cuisine are pumpkin and chia seeds. Sprinkle any of these seeds on salads, salsa, bean or rice dishes for a nutrient boost.
What to eat with tacos?
Think salad. Choose a taco or fajita salad over tacos, and do not eat the fried shell that comes with it.
How many calories are in a skinny margarita?
I’ve always opted to go for the skinny margarita on the menu which has reduced sugar and usually averaged out about 90 calories per drink. Another margarita option for a drink is to order a tequila with a splash of lime juice, and a calorie-free sweetener to your drink to create an even lower calorie and sugar content option.
How to eat less calories?
One way to eat less calories is to say no to the chips and salsa or at least consume chips moderately . Chips and salsa are a staple at Mexican restaurants but they are not exactly low in calorie content. There is usually no limit on chips and salsa, but if you're really in the mood, tell yourself to only receive one basket of chips and salsa per outing to share with your significant others. Another option is to opt out chips for raw veggies. It’s easy to consume calories because you can feel tempted by what's right in front of you, but we all know overeating make weight loss more difficult. Another strategy is ordering a side of plain corn tortillas. I would recommend 2 for your appetizer instead of chips, and dipping them with the salsa for a lower calorie option.
How many calories are in chicken fajitas?
Chicken and Vegetable Fajitas for One- 1,3500 - fajitas can be an easy low calorie option. However, the entree can be easily shared. Thus, 700 Calories
Can you substitute beef and cheese for burritos?
You can also substitute out healthy swaps, substituting out such as beef and cheese bean burritos for beef burritos or asking for corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to save the extra calories while getting plenty of fiber will help you provide a low calorie meal. Additionally, did you know you can make up your own combos at Mexican restaurants? For example, ordering a a side grilled veggie, a chicken breast and rice is a great healthy option.
Can you put queso on the side of nachos?
If you are a nacho cheese lover like myself, you can always ask for the queso to be put on the side and only use a small amount of the cheese for your meal. When dealing with queso, there is nothing low calorie about it. Also, substituting out queso for salsa could decrease your calories by around 300. Additionally, an easy way to save calories is to omit the extra topping on your entree such as cheese, sour cream, or guacamole. However, adding pico de Gallo can be a much healthier and lower calorie option to choose from.
Is it healthier to serve margaritas on rocks or frozen?
It's not really clear whether margaritas served on the rocks are a healthier option than frozen (the latter might go down easier, but they are otherwise the same). Most restaurants will use a mix that can be high in sugar.
Is fajitas a healthy food?
Fajitas#N#Grilled meats and vegetables are always a healthy alternative. Fajitas usually come on a sizzling platter with all the trimmings on the side so you can assemble your own (with a better ratio of veg to meat and toppings) and pack up the rest for later.
Do tortilla chips come with salsa?
Extra Tortilla Chips#N#Complimentary chips and salsa usually hit the table as soon as you sit down, and like it or not, they're pretty much bottomless. When that first basket empties, pull back; you'll want those calories for the rest of your meal.