Mexican Restaurants offer delicious and varied cuisine to fit just about anyone's preferences. However, eating healthfully at Mexican restaurants can be challenging. Many Mexican dishes are loaded with "secret" calories and fat. Being aware of a few tips can help you choose healthier options next time you dine at your local Mexican restaurant.
Limit Sauces
Sauces are a surprisingly rich source of calories and fat that can turn an otherwise healthy dish into an artery-clogging calorie bomb. For example, a six tbsp. serving of sour cream contains nearly 140 calories and 8 g of saturated fat. Regularly consuming saturated fat rich foods like sour cream can increase LDL cholesterol and boost heart disease risk. Opt for low-calorie Mexican flavors like black pepper and tomato salsa to add flavor your Mexican fare. You may also ask your waiter if the restaurant offers reduced-fat or fat-free sour cream or guacamole.
Befriend Beans
Beans are a legitimate "superfood" bursting with important nutrients like dietary protein, soluble fiber and iron. Soluble fiber improves your health by keeping tabs on appetite and reducing elevated cholesterol levels in your body. Beans are used in many Mexican dishes, like burritos and enchiladas. Ask your waiter or waitress for double the beans instead of meat to significantly improve the nutrient content of your Mexican dish. Healthy beans commonly found in Mexican cuisine include pinto beans, kidney beans and black beans.
Go Whole Grain
Many Mexican restaurants offer whole grains as part of their offering. Replacing a white tortilla with a whole grain version can boost the fiber and protein content of your meal considerably. Dietary fiber and protein are two nutrients important for weight control. Also consider swapping white rice for whole grain brown rice in fajitas and burritos.
Veg It Up
Vegetables are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals that your body needs to be healthy. Mexican dishes like salads and grilled vegetables will give you the veggies you need with the Mexican flavor you crave. When ordering grilled vegetables, ask to limit the amount of oil and sodium that they add to keep them a healthy choice.
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