How to Eat Healthy at a Mexican Restaurant

Mexican food is many people’s favorite food. Mexican food is simple and cheap. It can also be healthy, or unhealthy, depending on your food choices. In order to eat healthy at a Mexican restaurant, you do not have to resort to a taco salad. There are many delicious options listed on the menu that will help you eat healthy and not break your diet.

1. Ask your waiter about an entrée when in doubt. If you do not understand the Spanish items on the menu, ask about the ingredients in the dish.


2. Count the number of chips you eat. When the server brings the traditional chips and salsa appetizer, limit yourself to 10 chips.


3. Choose salsa instead of queso. Salsa is much healthier and fat-free, unlike the cheesy alternative.


4. Order entrees with lots of vegetables. A taco salad may sound like a healthy choice, but in reality it may not be. The meat in the taco salad may contain a lot of grease, and together with the cheese and sour cream, it can pack in a lot of fat. Opt for fajitas made with chicken, shrimp, or lean beef strips. Fajitas contain onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes and are generally cooked without added grease. Usually a serving of fajitas is rather large, and can be shared.


5. Order a dish made with grilled chicken or grilled beef, rice, beans and a salad.


6. Choose black beans or pinto beans instead of the refried beans. Refried beans are generally made with lard, which makes them an unhealthy choice.


7. Get corn tortillas instead of flour or wheat.


8. Pass on the nachos. Nachos, though delicious and fun to eat, are very fattening. Opt for a corn tostada with beans, cheese (a small amount), and lettuce and tomatoes piled on top.


9. Avoid chimichangas, taquitos, chalupas and chile relleno, which are all fried. Don't even consider the overstuffed burritos, which are packed with calories. Instead, choose soft tacos and black bean burritos.


10. Watch the guacamole. Avocados are packed with nutrients and are delicious, but they can also be fattening. Do not deprive yourself of guacamole, but eat in moderation.


11. Skip the margarita and high-sugar drinks. Choose diet drinks or water with lemon instead.