HOW TO DO MEXICAN THE HEALTHY WAY

I wanted to share a couple of tips I’ve learned about how to make smart choices at your favorite Mexican restaurant. Eating healthy is all about balance. You can have a fun and festive night out without sacrificing the foods you love.

    1. Check out the menu on the restaurant’s website before you arrive. Look for establishments that pride themselves on fresh ingredients and homemade salsas and guacamole. Many of these restaurants are familiar with healthy eating and are more inclined to allow for healthier alternatives and substitutions.
    2. Call the manager ahead of time. Ask about accommodations for food allergies or to inquire about special dietary requests.
    3. Pass on the chips and salsa. Skip the fried tortilla chips and ask for fresh vegetables to dip or save the salsa or guacamole for a wonderful, nutritious side dish to your main meal.
    4. Stay away from tortillas, things that are fried, and things that are battered. Instead of ordering a burrito, enchilada, or taco shell, ask your server to bring you the ingredients on a bed of spinach or lettuce.
    5. Load up on vegetables, healthy meats, and fresh ingredient salsas and dips. Many Mexican restaurants make salsas, pico de gallo, and guacamole with fresh ingredients. Not only are these sides extremely healthy, but they also add a lot of kick and zest to your main meal.
    6. Watch the sides! Avoid creamy dressings, cheesy dips, and beans and rice. A lot of these items are loaded with hidden fats, oils, and carbs, which can quickly add up.
    7. If you enjoy a cocktail or drink with dinner, ask about skinny, specialty drinks or low carb alternatives. Many restaurants already have these options on their menu or make a suggestion to your server about how to make your drink low carb. If you love the classic margarita, skip the syrupy pre-made mixer and Cointreau/orange liqueur altogether and ask the bartender or server to replace it with a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice, agave nectar, and lime juice. The difference is remarkable and you won’t miss those extra calories and carbs! If you prefer a glass of wine with your meal, avoid the sweeter, dessert wines, which contain a lot more sugar. Almost all wine is naturally low carb. Red wine in particular has the fewest carbs and the most health benefits from antioxidants, age-defying resveratrol, and polyphenols.
 
MADERO CANTINA
www.maderomex.com

Madero Cantina is a fantastic restaurant if you love healthy eating! They have so many nutritious menu options and are more than willing to accommodate your requests.Their light and refreshing margarita gets its sweetness from agave syrup and their mojitos are made with fresh mint leaves. No sugar here! The guacamole and habanero red onions make delicious, low carb sides instead of traditional beans and rice.

Deba at a Mexican Restaurant

Sizzling Red Pepper Chicken Fajita with Ceviche

Mexican Low Carb Margarita

Mahi Mahi with Guacamole and Habanero Red Onions

Low Carb Mojito

 

ROUND CORNER CANTINA
www.roundcornercantina.com

Upon entering the front door of the Round Corner Cantina, you feel the historical presence of the building circa 1864. This is the perfect place for date night! They have a variety of menu options and their salsas and dips are made with fresh ingredients. Their roja salsa is so delicious, you won’t want to share it!

Deba Eating Healthy at a Mexican Restaurant

Low Carb Carne Asada Campechano and Taco Salad

Roja Salsa with Cabernet Sauvignon Wine

 

ACAPULCO
www.acapulcoirwin.com

At Acapulco, the healthy alternatives are no challenge for the chef. This is one of our favorite places for family celebrations and get togethers! Their healthy, homemade guacamole is made with fresh ingredients and their pico de gallo is so delicious, you could eat it by itself!

Skinny Low Carb Margarita

Pico de Gallo and Guacamole

 Mexican Fajita with Guacamole and Chili Relleno

Low Carb Margarita with Fresh Lime

 

PATRON MEXICAN GRILL
www.patronmexicangrills.com

Patron’s prides themselves on fresh ingredients without preservatives. I am obsessed with guacamole and they make it fresh right at your table. I love starting my meal with a delicious broth based soup and theirs is loaded with a variety of fresh vegetables. Their skinny margarita is low calorie and low carb, and their sangria is garnished with fresh fruit. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can find it here!

Deba Wilson Choosing Healthy Options at a Mexican Restaurant

Grilled Tilapia and Shrimp Paired with Vegetable Fajitas

Low carb, skinny Mexican Margarita

Freshly Made Mexican Vegetable Soup

 

How do you eat healthy at your favorite restaurant? Leave a comment below!

 

   


 

 

 

2 Comments

  • Lindsey Marra says:

    Hey! I came across this post when I googled nutrition information and round corner cantina, because I was terrified of going and unknowingly eating something super unhealthy. I’m so glad I found this blog post instead. Thank you!

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