After all, it's chock-full of delectable meats and sides. There's a lot to select from, from chips and salsas to tostadas and enchiladas. However, with so many alternatives, you may be wondering how to make nutritious selections.
How to Place an Order for Nutritious Mexican Cuisine
Even if you're watching your weight, you can find wholesome meals on almost every Mexican menu with a few simple adjustments and modifications. Fajitas, bean burritos, grilled chicken meals, and soft tacos are also more nutritional options. Here are some of the healthiest options on the menu to look for.
Salads
Salads cooked with a variety of vegetables are available in most Mexican Restaurant in Lansing. Request that your dressing is served on the side so that you may control the amount. Salad dressings can have a lot of calories hidden in them. If you want to cut down on saturated fats and calories, you can skip the cheese and/or tortilla chips that come with it. Alternatively, you can eat a smaller piece or split them with a buddy.
Protein (Light)
Protein is an important component of a well-balanced diet because of its capacity to maintain muscle mass and appetite-satisfying properties. Grilled chicken or fish is preferred over fried options. Meat and fish dishes are frequently prepared with heavy oils and sauces, which negates some of their nutritional benefits. However, you can ask the chef if there is another method to prepare it, such as providing the sauce on the side or grilling. If you don't eat meat, a vegetarian dish with beans as a source of protein is an option.
Beans
Black beans are high in protein, low in total fat, low in saturated fat, and high in fiber, making them a nutritious and low-calorie option on the menu.
Refried beans, on the other hand, may appear to be a healthy alternative, but it all relies on how they're prepared in the restaurant. Lard is used in the preparation of some refried beans. Restaurants may also add cheese and salt to enhance the flavor. Pinto beans, which are cholesterol-free and naturally sodium-free, are a good substitute for refried beans because they have a comparable flavor and are a better option.
Crunchy Over Soft
Because they're fried, crunchy options like that appealing stack of tortilla chips are tasty. They may, however, contain more fat and sodium than you prefer. 3 Instead of fried tortillas or tacos, you might choose baked tortillas or tacos. This option reduces calorie, total fat, saturated fat, and salt intake. Limiting the number of chips you consume or sharing them with a buddy is another option.
Brown Rice Vs. White Rice
Check to see if the restaurant offers brown rice, which is substantially higher in fiber, protein, and other micronutrients than white rice. It also has unsaturated lipids and minerals, as well as a low glycemic index. Whole grain and whole wheat alternatives, such as whole wheat tortillas, are often healthier.
Which Mexican Foods Should You Avoid?
Nachos, chimichangas, chalupas, taquitos, and chile Relleno—all deep-fried—as well as enchiladas, topped with heavy sauces and cheese, and foods cooked in cream—are some of the less healthful items you might want to avoid. When ordering your entree, keep in mind that baked tortillas are preferable to fried tortillas.
Foods Cooked in Oil
Fried foods have a high-fat content, thus eating them often can raise your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Another issue is that calculating the exact calorie content of this calorie-dense dish is difficult. It is advised to avoid fried foods if you are trying to lose weight.
Reduce the Amount of Cheese Used
You can save calories by replacing cheese on your salad or taco with a mild cheese (or skipping it altogether). Add extra tomatoes, onions, and black beans to improve the flavor of your dish.
Sugary Beverages
Ordering a pitcher of water for the table instead of a sweet drink or cocktail is an easy way to save extra calories. Sugary drinks can enhance your desire for salty and fatty foods, but drinking enough water can only benefit your body, including improved bowel regularity and a lower risk of headaches.
Verywell's Message
If you're trying to eat healthily and lose weight, going out to eat can be difficult. However, if you plan ahead of time and look at the menu, you should be able to pick a meal that will help you achieve your objectives.
