Mexican cuisine is full of rich flavors and bold ingredients, but if you’re watching your calorie intake, it can be challenging to navigate a menu loaded with indulgent options. From fried dishes to cheese-laden enchiladas, many traditional Mexican meals can be high in calories. However, with a few smart choices and strategies, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without compromising your diet. In this article, we’ll share tips on how to eat low-calorie at a Mexican restaurant while still enjoying your favorite flavors.
1. Opt for Grilled Proteins Instead of Fried
Mexican cuisine offers a variety of grilled protein options that are much lower in calories compared to fried dishes. Choosing grilled meats like chicken, shrimp, or fish can help keep your meal lighter and healthier. Grilling is a healthier cooking method because it doesn’t involve heavy oils or breading, making it the ideal choice for a low-calorie meal.
Healthy Choices:
- Pollo Asado (grilled chicken): Tender, flavorful, and much lower in calories than fried chicken options.
- Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Skip the fried shrimp and go for grilled shrimp in corn tortillas for a satisfying, lower-calorie option.
- Fish Tacos: Opt for grilled fish like tilapia or mahi-mahi instead of battered and fried fish.
Grilled proteins are rich in lean protein without the added fat, making them the perfect low-calorie choice.
2. Choose Soft Tacos or Burritos with Corn Tortillas
Many Mexican dishes come with a choice of flour or corn tortillas. Flour tortillas tend to be higher in calories, so switching to corn tortillas is a great way to reduce your calorie intake. Additionally, corn tortillas are typically smaller and lighter than their flour counterparts, helping you control portion size more easily.
Healthy Choices:
- Soft Corn Tacos: Choose tacos made with corn tortillas rather than flour. Fill them with grilled chicken, fish, or beans for a healthier, lower-calorie meal.
- Burritos with Corn Tortillas: If you’re craving a burrito, ask for a corn tortilla and load it with grilled veggies, lean proteins, and light toppings.
By opting for corn tortillas, you can enjoy the classic taco or burrito flavor while cutting down on calories.
3. Skip the Sour Cream and Cheese
Sour cream and cheese are often added as toppings to Mexican dishes, but these ingredients are calorie-dense. While they add flavor and creaminess, you can easily cut out unnecessary calories by asking for these toppings on the side or skipping them altogether.
Healthy Alternatives:
- Guacamole: Instead of sour cream, opt for a small serving of guacamole. It’s made from avocado, which provides healthy fats and is nutrient-dense.
- Fresh Salsa: Salsa is typically low in calories and can add a burst of flavor to your dish. Use it as a topping or dip for your meal.
While cheese and sour cream may be tempting, swapping them for healthier options can significantly lower the calorie count of your meal.
4. Go for Salsa and Veggies as Sides
Rather than ordering heavy sides like rice, beans, or chips, consider swapping them for lighter options such as salsa, grilled vegetables, or a side salad. These sides are often lower in calories and can add more variety to your meal without the added fat and carbs.
Healthy Choices:
- Grilled Vegetables: Many Mexican restaurants offer grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. These are flavorful and low in calories.
- Salsa and Fresh Veggies: Ask for extra salsa, fresh cilantro, or chopped tomatoes on the side instead of chips or heavier sauces.
- Side Salad: Choose a side salad with light vinaigrette instead of heavy sides like rice and beans.
Filling up on vegetables and salsas allows you to enjoy a nutritious, low-calorie meal while still savoring the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine.
5. Avoid Fried Foods and Opt for Baked or Sautéed
Mexican restaurants often serve fried foods, such as chimichangas, taquitos, or fried tacos, which can add up in calories quickly. These dishes are often battered and deep-fried, which increases their fat content significantly. Instead of opting for these calorie-heavy options, ask for baked or sautéed alternatives whenever possible.
Healthy Choices:
- Grilled or Sautéed Fish Tacos: Instead of battered and fried fish tacos, go for grilled or sautéed fish.
- Sautéed Veggie Fajitas: Fajitas are a great low-calorie option when you skip the sour cream, cheese, and tortillas. Choose sautéed veggies with lean proteins like chicken or shrimp.
By opting for non-fried versions of your favorite dishes, you can enjoy the same flavors without the extra calories.
6. Be Mindful of Portions
Portion sizes at Mexican restaurants can often be large, leading to overeating and consuming more calories than you might realize. A helpful strategy is to ask for a smaller portion or ask for half of your meal to be boxed up before it’s even brought to the table. This will help you control your calorie intake while still allowing you to enjoy your meal.
Tips:
- Share your dish: Sharing dishes with a dining companion is a great way to enjoy a variety of flavors without overeating.
- Take leftovers home: If your portion size is large, ask for a to-go box and save the leftovers for another meal.
Portion control is key to keeping your calorie count in check, so don’t hesitate to ask for smaller servings or to take some of your meal home for later.
7. Choose Lightly Sauced Dishes
Mexican food is often served with rich, creamy sauces, such as mole, cheese sauce, or heavy sour cream-based sauces. These sauces can be calorie-dense and are best consumed in moderation. To keep things lighter, opt for dishes with fresh salsa, light tomato-based sauces, or no sauce at all.
Healthy Choices:
- Tomato-based Salsas: These are often lower in calories than creamy or cheese-based sauces.
- Light Green Chile Sauce: A mild green chili sauce is a lighter alternative to creamy sauces and still packs plenty of flavor.
Choosing light, flavorful sauces like salsa can add zest to your meal without the added calories.
8. Drink Water or Diet Drinks
The beverages you choose at a Mexican restaurant can add a lot of calories to your meal, especially if you opt for sugary sodas or margaritas. Instead, drink water or diet sodas to keep your calorie intake in check. If you’re craving something special, ask for a sparkling water with a splash of lime or a fresh limeade with no added sugar.
Healthy Drink Options:
- Water: Always a low-calorie option to stay hydrated.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: A refreshing, zero-calorie choice that’s both satisfying and thirst-quenching.
- Diet Soda: If you prefer soda, choose a diet version to avoid the sugar and extra calories.
By choosing lighter beverages, you can focus on your meal without adding unnecessary calories.
