What
to Eat When You’re Eating Mexican
It’s 5:00 on Friday
and all of your friends and family are headed to the local Mexican restaurant
for cheese dip, burritos, ice-cold beers and margaritas and lots of chips and
dip. However, you won’t be taking part in the festivities because you’re
on a diet … or will you?
Remember, at CaloriesCount.com
diet (*#@!) is a four-letter word. So throw out the “diet mentality”
and think “lifestyle change.” And, by making lifestyle changes you
CAN eat at your favorite Mexican restaurant. Read on to learn how.
Chips and Dip
Love the never-ending bowl of chips and dip? Although you don’t have to
say “no” completely, you need to practice portion control. Take a
handful of chips and put them on your plate. When you’ve finished those,
push the chip basket aside or ask the waiter to take it away. And, think carefully
about those dips:
| 2 oz. (20 chips)
|
300 calories |
| 1 oz. guacamole
|
108 calories
|
| 2 tbsp salsa
|
12 calories
|
| ½ cup
cheese dip |
246 calories |
What to order:
Just
one handful of chips and salsa
Appetizers
Most people use the chips and dips as an appetizer but some are tempted by the
nachos. However, if you have already ordered chips and dip there is no reason
to order nachos.
| 4 oz. nachos
(cheese only) |
345 calories
|
What to order:
Skip
the appetizer. The chips and dip are more than enough.
Drinks
Many people love a good margarita or cold beer after a long hard day or week at
work. However, calories count even when you are drinking them, so consider the
following:
| 12 oz. regular
beer |
146 calories |
| 12 oz. light
beer |
100 calories |
| 7 oz. margarita
(on the rocks) |
210 calories |
What to order:
If
you want an alcoholic beverage, opt for the light beer. However, water and diet
sodas contain no calories!
Main Entrees
There are a plethora of choices and it can be daunting. So here are some typical
calorie counts to give you the knowledge you need to make a healthier selection:
| 1 large beef
burrito |
424 calories |
| 1 medium beef
taco |
272 calories |
| 1 chicken chalupa |
400 calories |
What to order:
If
you’re already eaten the chips and dip, opt for a lighter meal, a beef taco.
Sides
If you are ordering a “meal” you will probably have the option of
several sides. Typical side items may include:
| 1 cup Mexican
Rice |
160-210 calories |
| ½ cup
refried beans |
140 calories |
What to order:
With
all the other food, you may not even need a “side.” However, the refried
beans are lower in calories and probably more filling.
Here’s just one example
of how you can make lighter choices (and how those choices can really make a difference)
at your favorite Mexican restaurant:
| “Lighter”
Version |
Full
Calorie Version |
| 2 oz. of chips: |
300 calories |
4 oz. of chips: |
600 calories |
| 6 tbsp of salsa: |
36 calories |
3 oz of guac.: |
124 calories |
| 12 oz. light beer: |
100 calories |
7 oz. margarita: |
210 calories |
| Beef taco: |
272 calories |
Beef burrito meal:
(includes one burrito, beans and rice) |
745 calories |
| Total: |
708 calories |
|
1679 calories |
You can dine out when trying
to lose weight and you can order healthier selections. Some restaurants offer
nutrition information, so ask your server or look it up online to see if it is
available. Ask for sauces on the side and less cheese to help reduce calories.
And, keep in mind that the calories listed above are for single servings and many
restaurants offer large portions. Try ordering “a la carte” rather
than a full meal, or split a meal with a friend.
There are many ways that
you can cut back to help reduce and control calories. If you know you’ll
be eating out that night, “lighten up” during the day or add 15 minutes
to your workout to help counter some of the extra calories.