Mexican food is delicious food. What’s not to like? The powerful aromas and flavors coming from south of the border are on display in virtually every dish. Plus, what other cuisine allows you to order a burrito the size of a toddler? However, despite its deliciousness, Mexican food can be quite unhealthy. All that gooey cheese, flavorful meat, and fresh sour cream adds up, not to mention the gastric bomb that the aforementioned kid-sized burrito is. Still, there are many ways to eat healthy with Mexican cuisine while enjoying the flavors of our neighbors to the south.
The key to eating healthy with Mexican food is to make better choices when choosing your food. For example, creamy guacamole is a staple of many Mexican dinners. While avocado is high in protein and vitamins, it is equally high in calories and fat. Instead of buying chips and guacamole, opt for chips and salsa to cut down on unnecessary calories. You’ll likely save money in the process, too.
Mexican sauces are tomato-based, a vegetable rich in vitamins A and C and lycopene, a powerful anti-inflammatory and possible anti-cancer agent. Also, tomatoes and Mexican sauces in general are very low in calories and contain virtually no carbs, but they do taste great. Even the humble tortilla chip is a relatively healthy food compared to potato chips. The combination of chips and salsa makes for a tasty and nutritious start to your meal.
Other healthy Mexican options abound as well. Many people may not be familiar with Mexican seafood dishes, but these options are excellent sources of healthy Mexican cuisine. Ceviche, a raw seafood dish that is cooked at your table with the addition of lime juice, may not be the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Mexican food, but it is a dish packed with protein, vitamins, and fatty acids. healthy for the heart. which is low in fat and calories.
Still, who can pass up a taco or a burrito? If you’re looking to eat healthy Mexican style, you can still have these basic dishes. However, make sure you take control and prepare your food to your specifications. Cut the sour cream out of your next taco or burrito dish. The high calorie and fat content can quickly weigh you down. If you can’t stand being apart from your beloved garnish, at least order it on the side so you can control how much you apply.
Plus, choosing the right meat can be a way to shed some extra calories. Steak, ground beef, and pork can be delicious, but so are tongue and chicken. Surprisingly, tongue has a very similar flavor and consistency to steak. However, it has virtually no fat as it is a super lean cut of meat. You won’t even notice the difference, but your waistline will thank you.
Small changes can turn into much larger fixes. Take control of your diet.