Low Calorie Options at Mexican Restaurants
Written by Jordyn King, BS, MS
What to order
Eating out can be a challenge when you're trying to maintain your weight loss goals. When you’re at a Mexican restaurant it can be tough ordering a low calorie option however, there are great ways to eat healthy at Mexican restaurants. Mexican restaurants have a tendency to increase their portion sizes so you know you are getting your bang for your buck. However, the portion sizes can total up to 1500 calories per entree. Interestingly, the lower calorie Tex Mex entrees have more flavor to them. With a few simple ideas, you will be able to order the right way at Mexican restaurants, keeping it low calorie. Here are some tips to help you stay on track at these restaurants:
Limit the deep fried chips and yes to flour tortillas
One way to eat less calories is to say no to the chips and salsa or at least consume chips moderately. Chips and salsa are a staple at Mexican restaurants but they are not exactly low in calorie content. There is usually no limit on chips and salsa, but if you're really in the mood, tell yourself to only receive one basket of chips and salsa per outing to share with your significant others. Another option is to opt out chips for raw veggies. It’s easy to consume calories because you can feel tempted by what's right in front of you, but we all know overeating make weight loss more difficult. Another strategy is ordering a side of plain corn tortillas. I would recommend 2 for your appetizer instead of chips, and dipping them with the salsa for a lower calorie option.
Substitute Corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas
If you’re in the mood for tacos at a Mexican restaurant, order corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. They contain fewer calories and fewer fat content than flour and are even lower in sodium and sugar. This allows you to have a lower calorie meal option still satisfying your craving for Mexican food.
If you’re craving a classic Margarita
It's hard to not indulge in a juicy margarita when you’re at a Mexican restaurant with all of your friends; however, the classic popular already made margaritas may taste delicious but they are loaded with calories and sugar. I’ve always opted to go for the skinny margarita on the menu which has reduced sugar and usually averaged out about 90 calories per drink. Another margarita option for a drink is to order a tequila with a splash of lime juice, and a calorie-free sweetener to your drink to create an even lower calorie and sugar content option.
Which Items are best to choose
Although it is easy to enjoy the big popular entrees at Mexican restaurants, such as ordering loaded beef nachos, chimichangas, Chalupa's, taquitos, fajitas or the double Decker burrito, opt out of those high-calorie dishes. Choose grilled foods instead of fried foods (like chimichangas or taquitos). Aim for items or entrées that incorporate rice, black beans or seasonal veggies while picking out a lean protein that is either grilled or baked like chicken or steak is a great low calorie option. Opt out of the refried beans and pick black beans instead that are low in fat, higher in protein, and provide higher amounts of fiber content. Pinto beans can be a healthier option if you love the traditional refried beans, and you can get a similar flavor without the extra fat content like refried beans.
Size out your Portions
Another weight loss tip is to size down your portions. The big popular items portions are huge, which makes it easier to overeat. Use caution when ordering big entrees at Mexican restaurants. A strategy is split up the meal with your significant other or take the other ½ portion and use it as leftovers for the next meal option creating a low calorie option.
Substituting out healthy swaps or make your own combos
You can also substitute out healthy swaps, substituting out such as beef and cheese bean burritos for beef burritos or asking for corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to save the extra calories while getting plenty of fiber will help you provide a low calorie meal. Additionally, did you know you can make up your own combos at Mexican restaurants? For example, ordering a a side grilled veggie, a chicken breast and rice is a great healthy option.
Ask for extra condiments on the side
If you are a nacho cheese lover like myself, you can always ask for the queso to be put on the side and only use a small amount of the cheese for your meal. When dealing with queso, there is nothing low calorie about it. Also, substituting out queso for salsa could decrease your calories by around 300. Additionally, an easy way to save calories is to omit the extra topping on your entree such as cheese, sour cream, or guacamole. However, adding pico de Gallo can be a much healthier and lower calorie option to choose from.
Dishes that you should get at Mexican restaurants
Average Calorie Appetizers per serving:
Chicken Tortilla soup per 1 cup: 121 calories
Average Calorie Entrees per Serving:
Chicken and Vegetable Fajitas for One- 1,3500 - fajitas can be an easy low calorie option. However, the entree can be easily shared. Thus, 700 Calories
Taco salad- 700 calories - However, without the chip shell it can be only around 500 Calories.
Grilled Shrimp Salad - 570 Calories
Grilled Chicken, Black beans and rice - 420 Calories
Steak, black bean and pico de gallo. -450 Calories
Lettuce Grilled chicken Tacos - 370 Calories
Two Grilled Fish Tacos - 400-500 Calories
Vegetarian Burrito- 860 Calories
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