How do I make healthy choices in a Mexican restaurant?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Order: Fajita, black beans, refried beans cooked without lard; guacamole as a condiment, brown rice; jicama; grilled chicken or fish; cerviche; avocados; chicken enchiladas without cheese; arroz con pollo (request brown rice); camarones.
Avoid: Fried flour or corn like tortillas, taco shells, sour cream, cheese; quesadillas; chalupas; nachos; ground beef or pork.
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Order: Fajita, black beans, refried beans cooked without lard; guacamole as a condiment, brown rice; jicama; grilled chicken or fish; cerviche; avocados; chicken enchiladas without cheese; arroz con pollo (request brown rice); camarones. Avoid:... More -
Although it may not seem so because of the higher calorie count of many Mexican dishes, Mexican food can be a part of a healthier eating plan as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.
When enjoying Mexican food, try to avoid chips, flour tortillas, refried beans, queso, and yes, margaritas; and use condiments such as guacamole, sour cream, and cheese sparingly. These items are very calorie-dense, meaning they pack a lot of calories into not a lot of food/drink.
Instead, order grilled chicken or fish dishes such as pollo asada or a tilapia plate with black beans and grilled vegetables on the side. Other healthier options include grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp soft tacos and fajitas made with corn tortillas – which are smaller and less-calories than their flour counterparts – that are topped off with lots of cancer-fighting, fat-burning salsa as a condiment.Although it may not seem so because of the higher calorie count of many Mexican dishes, Mexican food can be a part of a healthier eating plan as long as you follow a few simple guidelines. When enjoying Mexican food, try to avoid chips, flour... More -
Todd Townes - Sharecare Fitness Expert of Sharecare Fitness answered:Look for marinated grilled chicken and fish or dishes like fajitas, fish tacos, and salads. Seviche, which is a raw fish marinated in lime or orange juice with tomato, onion and cilantro is almost guaranteed to be light. Traditional rice, beans and tortillas can be nutritious, so long as it’s not smothered in cheese and sour cream.
Look for marinated grilled chicken and fish or dishes like fajitas, fish tacos, and salads. Seviche, which is a raw fish marinated in lime or orange juice with tomato, onion and cilantro is almost guaranteed to be light. Traditional... More -
Toby Smithson of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:When ordering at a Mexican restaurant, look for meals that incorporate a variety of foods from the five food groups. Compare the types of protein foods, as some restaurants may use high-fat sauces or creams to add flavor. Black beans, turkey, or chicken are leaner types of protein compared to refried beans or sausages. Check the menu to see if the restaurant serves a la carte side dishes. Steamed vegetables, a side salad, or low-sodium guacamole can be swapped out for tortilla chips, white rice, or sour cream.
When ordering at a Mexican restaurant, look for meals that incorporate a variety of foods from the five food groups. Compare the types of protein foods, as some restaurants may use high-fat sauces or creams to add flavor. Black beans, turkey, or... More -
Frances Largeman-Roth answered:Mexican food is delicious, but it can be high in calories and fat. In this video, registered dietician Frances Largeman-Roth explains how to steer clear of dietary pitfalls while enjoying your meal.
Mexican food is delicious, but it can be high in calories and fat. In this video, registered dietician Frances Largeman-Roth explains how to steer clear of dietary pitfalls while enjoying your meal. More -
Judy Caplan of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:Making healthy choices in a Mexican restaurant is easier then it seems. Start with chips and salsa. I eat the salsa but not the chips because if I eat the chips I will fill up before my meal comes! So what do I do? I use the chips as a scoop for the salsa or guacamole. It does leave a pile of soggy chips for the server but I just leave a bigger tip! I also want to avoid fried foods hence another reason for avoiding the chips. I love guacamole because it is high in monounsaturated healthy fats. Fajitas served with chicken and corn tortillas are another good choice because they contain more fiber than white flour tortillas. Ceviches, soft tacos, bean burritos, and rice can be delicious and healthy. Avoid dishes that are deep fried (usually crispy items) and loaded with cheese and sour cream.
Making healthy choices in a Mexican restaurant is easier then it seems. Start with chips and salsa. I eat the salsa but not the chips because if I eat the chips I will fill up before my meal comes! So what do I do? I use the chips as a scoop for the... More
