Eating in a Mexican restaurant usually means dishes loaded down with cheese and sour cream, two items high in saturated fat and calories. The American Heart Association reports that many Mexican food dishes are prepared with lard, further increasing the amount that a diner takes in. However, many menu choices are available that fit well in a healthy diet that is low in fat and calories.
Soft Tacos
A soft taco is made with a warmed tortilla rather than a deep-fried, crunchy one. Right off the bat, this reduces the amount of fat and calories in the dish, making it a far healthier option. Filling the taco with grilled meats, whole beans and chopped vegetables creates a healthy, filling meal. Salsa is a healthy topping as well. By avoiding cheese, sour cream and fatty meats, a diner at a Mexican restaurant can enjoy a healthy meal out. For even more health benefits, the American Cancer Society recommends black beans and whole wheat tortillas.
Fajitas
The American Heart Association recommends a plate of fajitas at Mexican restaurants, which consist of grilled meat and vegetables like bell peppers and onions. When put together, they are similar to a soft taco, but many diners skip the tortilla to reduce calorie intake and just eat the grilled food items. Ordering chicken, lean steak or shrimp keeps the calorie and fat count down while adding some healthy protein to the meal. Adding lettuce, tomato and salsa increases flavor without adding any fat. Guacamole or sliced avocados make a good topping due to their heart-healthy fat content.
Baked Chips
A Mexican restaurant meal isn't complete without an appetizer of chips and salsa. Fried tortilla chips are high in fat, but baked ones make a healthy choice as long as diners stick to one serving. Dipping baked chips in salsa is flavorful, and its ingredients are full of healthy vitamins and minerals, according to the American Cancer Society. Typical salsa contains tomatoes, onions and peppers, making it a fresh and fat-free dip. Diners who can't resist filling up on chips and salsa can request that none be placed on the table if the restaurant doesn't have baked chips on the menu.
Salad
Many Mexican restaurants feature taco salad, a calorie and fat nightmare due to the huge fried tortilla bowl in which it is served and the cheese and sour cream that top it. However, Help Guide.org recommends a shrimp salad as a healthy alternative. Greens, grilled shrimp and vegetables make a healthy meal that will fill a diner up on minimal fat and calories. Diners should be aware of the huge amounts of dressing that often come on restaurant salads by ordering it on the side or skipping it altogether.
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