Dieting & Mexican Food

Although losing weight has numerous benefits, such as reduced cholesterol and blood pressure and a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, it can be difficult to stay motivated when you have to give up your favorite foods. While you may have to sacrifice some high-calorie items, there are certain Mexican dishes that can be not only acceptable for dieting, but helpful. Consult a doctor before starting any weight loss plan.

Ground Beef Tacos

Ground beef tacos are relatively low in calories, as each one provides 170 calories. This makes ground beef tacos an acceptable dieting choice, as this amount is just 8.5 percent of the daily suggested calorie intake of 2,000, and you could burn off that amount of calories through 60 minutes of walking at a 2 mph pace. Ground beef tacos are relatively low in carbohydrates, with 13 g, but they may not be appropriate for a low-fat diet, as each ground beef taco contains 10 g of fat, 4 g of which is saturated. While ground beef tacos are commonly served, tacos with beans, chicken or steak in place of beef are also available at many restaurants. These varieties have different nutritional profiles and may be better suited to dieting. For example, a chicken taco contains 150 calories, with 6 g of fat, 11 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of protein.

Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas can be an effective choice for weight loss, as they are relatively low in calories and rich in protein and fiber. Fajitas contain vegetables, which offer fiber, a nutrient that promotes satiety. Chicken fajitas also contain chicken, a lean protein source. Research from the January 2002 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" suggests that high-protein diets may be more effective for weight loss than low-protein diets due to the metabolic cost, or rate of calorie burn, triggered by processing protein.

Burritos

Although burritos are rich in protein and provide fiber due to the lettuce and other vegetables they contain, they may not be the best Mexican food for dieting. This is because burritos tend to be high in carbohydrates, fat and calories. Choosing chicken rather than beef and skipping the sour cream can help to keep the calorie count down, but the tortillas that encase burritos tend to be high in calories and are rich in carbohydrates.

Empanadas

Empanadas are small, fried pockets of dough that are filled with chicken, cheese, beef or vegetables, depending upon the recipe. Although small, empanadas can be calorie-dense due to the frying involved. For example, a 2 oz. chicken empanada contains 160 calories, with 7 g of fat, 4 g of which is saturated. Empanadas are relatively low in carbohydrates, and depending on the filling, can be rich in protein.

Tortilla Soup

Not many Mexican foods are low in carbohydrates due to the taco shells and fajita wraps they often contain. However, tortilla soup, which contains chicken, beans, tortilla strips and diced tomatoes and peppers, is relatively low in carbohydrates, as one cup provides just 16 g. Tortilla soup may be appropriate for low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets, as one cup contains 4 g of fat and 150 calories. This soup can also help you achieve a high protein intake, as one cup provides 15 g of protein.