Many Mexican foods are high in calories and saturated and trans fats. However, that doesn't mean you have to derail your diet if you have a hankering for some Mexican cuisine. Whether you are eating at a Mexican restaurant or creating Mexican cuisine at home, healthy Mexican meals are possible.
Beans
Beans are a common food found in Mexican cuisine. Beans are a healthy choice, as they contain fiber, protein and an abundance of vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron and potassium, according to MayoClinic.com. They are also low in fat and have no cholesterol. When you use beans as your protein instead of meat you can lower your intake of saturated fat and cholesterol. Try an assortment of beans, such as black, anasazi and kidney beans in burritos, fajitas, soups and other Mexican dishes.
Grains
Grains are generally a part of Mexican cuisine, found in the rice as the base for a meal and the tortilla to hold it all together. Choose healthy whole grains to make your Mexican meal better for your body. The American Heart Association recommends choosing corn tortillas over flour ones. Corn tortillas give you a whole grain instead of the refined white flour in flour tortillas. The association also recommends choosing tortillas and tortilla chips that have not been fried. If you have rice with a dish such as rice and beans, choose whole-grain brown rice.
Fillings
Instead of meals that include fried beef or pork, or sausage, the American Heart Association suggests choosing ones with grilled chicken or fish instead. Many restaurants offer vegetable burritos, fajitas and other meals instead of ones filled with an excess of meat and cheese. At home, you can add an abundance of vegetables to your Mexican dishes, including zucchini, peppers and mushrooms.
Meal Choice
Instead of choosing the deep fried enchiladas filled with meat and cheese, the American Dietetic Association recommends lighter options such as fajitas, made simply of grilled meat, vegetables and a tortilla, possibly with a little bit of cheese. If you are eating out, the association suggests bringing some of your meal home with you since Mexican restaurants usually serve large portions.
Toppings
Instead of cheese or cream sauces on your Mexican dish, choose salsa or other varieties of tomato sauce, suggests the American Heart Association and the American Dietetic Association. Pepper sauces and guacamole are other options to give you some nutrients without all the saturated fat in dairy toppings. If you go with cheese, choose a low-fat variety and control the amount you use.
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