Healthy Food in Mexican Restaurants

Going out to dinner is a treat for most of us. But eating out can often sabotage our healthy eating plan. Many of us love good Mexican food but think that it is unhealthy and fattening. With some careful planning and discipline you will be able to enjoy many of your favorite Mexican dishes and still eat nutritious foods.

Appetizers

• The chips and salsa are put in front of you, and you are ravenous. You could ask the server not to bring them and the temptation would be gone, but other people at your table might want them. Instead try a shrimp cocktail while others are munching on chips to stave off the hunger. You could also ask for raw veggies to dip in the salsa.

Main Course

• Mexican restaurants often have large menus with lots of photographs of tempting entrees. Fortunately there are often fish dishes to choose from that are low in calories and fat. You can opt for chicken instead of beef in many dishes. Order soft tacos that have not been fried and black beans instead of refried beans, avoiding all the extra fat.

  The portions are very generous in most Mexican restaurants. Order a to-go container with your meal and put half your entree in it as soon as it arrives to avoid temptation, and you will cut out lots of calories.

Toppings

• Guacamole, sour cream and grated cheese adorn most Mexican food. All of these foods contain many calories and lots of fat. Guacamole is the best selection as it is made from avocados, which are rich in vitamins, minerals and healthy fats.

Dessert

• Fried ice cream with honey is often a specialty in Mexican restaurants. Instead of splurging on this treat, try ordering some fresh fruit or a small cup of plain ice cream if you want to stay in the healthy eating zone.