The healthiest option at a Mexican restaurant depends on the individual restaurant’s menu, but some of the healthiest options can include burrito bowls, grilled fish or chicken tacos, bean and veggie-filled enchiladas, and salads with dressing on the side.
Look for items that have been grilled or steamed instead of fried, and that have lots of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Vegetarian and vegan options including quinoa bowls and plant-based proteins are often available.
For a lighter version of rice, substitute cauliflower rice. Consider skipping the cheese, sour cream and chips, which can add unnecessary fat, sodium and calories to your meal. If you would like a snack, opt for chips with salsa or guacamole.
What can I order at a Mexican restaurant to lose weight?
If you’re looking to lose weight, there are several healthier options that you can order at a Mexican restaurant. Consider choosing options such as grilled fish tacos with a side of roasted vegetables and salads, grilled chicken burrito bowls with salsa, grilled steak and veggie fajitas with less cheese, black bean and vegetable enchiladas, Mexican shrimp cocktail, and fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits.
These dishes contain more fresh ingredients and are lower in calories and fats than traditional Mexican fare. Try adding salsa or a squeeze of lime to enhance flavors without adding calories. Additionally, if you’re looking to eat lighter, you can opt for an appetizer portion of a dish or split an entrée with a friend.
This will help you control the portion size as well as save money.
Are tacos or fajitas healthier?
That really depends on what fillings, toppings, and sides you include with your tacos and fajitas. Generally speaking, tacos are made with a soft shell, which typically contains more carbohydrates than a hard shell.
Fajitas, on the other hand, are usually served with more vegetables, like bell pepper and onion, which are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. As for the protein part of the dish, you can opt for leaner proteins like grilled chicken breast, turkey, or fish.
Toppings such as vegetables, cheese, or salsa can also make tacos and fajitas healthier. If you choose to use sour cream and guacamole as toppings, they are great sources of healthy fats, and the salsa can add a good dose of antioxidants.
When it comes to the sides, a side salad is an excellent choice to accompany your tacos or fajitas. In summary, both tacos and fajitas can be part of a healthy and balanced diet, depending on the ingredients and toppings you choose.
How many calories are in a Mexican dinner?
The exact number of calories in a Mexican dinner will vary depending on the types and amounts of the ingredients used. A typical Mexican dinner consists of a combination of tortillas, rice, beans, cheese, veggies, and meats such as chicken or beef.
A burrito with 1/2 cup of refried beans, 1/4 cup of cheese, 1 cup of cooked ground beef, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, and 3oz of lettuce, wrapped in two 8-inch flour tortillas, can contain up to 866 calories.
Taco salads are another popular Mexican dish that can range from 425 to 845 calories, depending on the quantity and type of ingredients used. For example, a taco salad that includes 2 tablespoons of sour cream, 4 tablespoons of shredded cheese, 4 ounces of cooked ground beef, and 2 ounces of fried tortilla chips contains approximately 845 calories.
The calorie count of a Mexican dinner also depends on side dishes and toppings. For example, a cup of Mexican-style rice can contain up to 258 calories depending on the ingredients and preparation method.
Adding just 2 ounces of guacamole can add another 64 calories.
In summary, the exact number of calories in a Mexican dinner will vary greatly depending on the size, ingredients and toppers.
How many calories in a basket of chips at a Mexican restaurant?
The exact amount of calories in a basket of chips at a Mexican restaurant will vary depending on the type and size of chips that are served. A typical basket of chips served at a Mexican restaurant can contain between 500 to 1,000 calories, although some restaurants may serve baskets of chips that are larger in size and contain a greater amount of calories.
The calorie count will also vary depending on the type of chips that are served. Thick, fried chips, such as those made with corn, will typically contain more calories than chips that are lighter and baked.
In addition, dishes that are served with the chips such as salsa, guacamole, cheese or sour cream can also significantly increase the calorie count. When eating out, it is important to ask for nutritional information about the menu items, so you can make an informed decision about what to eat and how much.
Are restaurant chicken fajitas healthy?
Whether or not restaurant chicken fajitas are healthy depends on many factors. For starters, it largely depends on what type of ingredients the fajitas contain. Traditional chicken fajitas typically include items such as chicken, peppers, onions, and Mexican spices.
All of these items can be considered healthy, as they are all low in calories, fat, and cholesterol. The type of oil used to cook the chicken and vegetables can also play a role in the overall healthiness of the dish.
If a high-quality oil, such as olive or avocado oil, is used then this can make the dish a healthier option. If a restaurant adds additional ingredients, such as cheese, sour cream, or even excessive amounts of salt and sugar, then this will make the dish much less healthy.
It is always best to ask the restaurant what type of ingredients they use to get a better idea of the healthiness of their fajitas.
Can I eat fajitas on keto?
Yes, you can definitely eat fajitas on keto. Traditional fajitas can be high in carbs due to the tortillas, rice and beans that come with them. However, you can easily adapt the meal to fit your keto lifestyle.
To make it keto-friendly, you should opt for either a salad or a low-carb tortilla wrap. Then, add in the protein of your choice (such as grilled chicken, beef, or pork) along with some sautéed peppers and onions.
These ingredients that make up fajitas are naturally low in carbs and are good sources of protein. Additionally, you can top your fajitas with a dollop of sour cream and some diced avocado. This will help make your meal complete fulfilling and tasty, without going over on carbs.
Does fajita meat have carbs?
Yes, fajita meat does contain carbs. Fajita meat typically consists of marinated strips of beef, chicken, or pork that are cooked with peppers and onions. Depending on the type of meat used, the carb content can range from roughly 0-2 grams of carbs per 4 oz serving, but this can vary.
For example, chicken fajitas typically contain no carbs, while beef fajitas contain about 2 grams of carbs. Additionally, depending on the specific marinade used, the carb content can also be a bit higher.
If you are counting carbs, it’s best to get a nutritional analysis done on your meal in order to better understand the exact carb content.
Are tortilla chips considered carbs?
Yes, tortilla chips are considered carbs. Tortilla chips are a type of snack food made of cornmeal, or sometimes flour, that has been deep-fried or baked. Generally, they are high in carbohydrates as a result of the flour and cornmeal.
A single average-sized tortilla chip contains 8.6 carbohydrates, 0.9 grams of protein, and 0.8 grams of fat. Lower-fat tortilla chips can contain even more carbohydrates than regular tortilla chips. The amount of carbohydrates can vary depending on the type of tortilla chip (for example, flavored and whole-grain varieties may contain more carbohydrates than plain chips) as well as the serving size.
Are nachos healthier than chips?
When it comes to comparing nachos to chips, it depends on the type of nachos and chips you’re referring to. Traditional plain chips may be higher in fat and have fewer nutritional benefits than nachos.
However, there are some types of chips that contain more fiber and whole grain, such as multi-grain chips, that offer more nutritional benefits than plain nachos.
Nachos topped with beans, veggies, and lean meats such as chicken or turkey can be a healthier alternative to plain chips, as long as these proteins are prepared in a healthy way (for example, not fried).
Generally speaking, nachos can provide more protein and fiber, and can be a heart-healthy snack. Just keep in mind to watch the types of cheese, meat, and oil used, as these ingredients can add more fat and calories to this snack.
Moreover, be mindful of the portion size and be sure to not overindulge.
