Are you trying to decide where to go out for dinner? Are you worried about whether or not you’ll be able to make smart decisions about what you’re going to eat? Eating at a Mexican restaurant generally means huge portions that tend to be loaded with cheese. But you may be surprised to learn that you can have a plate full of Mexican food and you don’t have to feel guilty about it! As with any diet you may be on, you need to try and avoid fried foods, skip heavy garnishes and practice portion control. Feel free to ask the server if you can make substitutions to make your meal healthier. Most restaurants love to make their customers happy and will be more than happy to accommodate you.
Tips to Eat Healthier at a Mexican Restaurant
Eat more salsa. Everyone loves salsa, right? The goodness of tomatoes, lime, and seasonings. Yummy! These ingredients are low-calorie and are a great way to add flavor to your dish. Substitute salsa for sour cream and if you order a salad, substitute salsa for dressing.
Eat more avocado. Lots of people steer clear of avocados because they have a high fat content. But the fat in avocados is good fat and they are great for your health. Along with monounsaturated fats (the good fat) they are packed with fiber, rich in nutrients and tons of vitamins. Substitute guacamole for cheese or sour cream to make your meal a healthier one.
Eat your veggies. Your mom always told you to eat your vegetables and if you eat more of them at a Mexican restaurant your meal will be healthier. Mexican restaurants use lots of veggies and most healthy options come with veggies to begin with. Ask for more to fill you up on healthier options.
Choose beans. You can get more fiber by eating beans and you won’t have any problem finding them at a Mexican restaurant. You just need to choose your beans wisely. That means black beans and pinto beans. Black beans are low in fat and high in fiber and pinto beans are a better option than refried beans because they taste very similar to refried beans and are don’t have as many calories.
Flour tortillas. You can make your meal healthier if you choose flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas. Corn tortillas that are hard have been fried, while flour tortillas are baked. Trading out your tortillas will reduce the calories of your meal.
Choose lean meat. Everyone knows that meat is a good source of protein, but you’re not limited to pork and beef. There are other options, like chicken and fish that are leaner. Many times, you can get these options with a side of steamed rice and vegetables, or a side salad.
Traditional Mexican Food in Las Vegas, Nevada (Just Minutes from Summerlin, North LV & Henderson, NV)
You can eat healthy at a Mexican restaurant. It may feel different than what you are used to, but you will still feel satisfied, full and good about your choices! Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant is looks forward to serving you in 2020!