1. Steer Clear of the Chips

Eyeing the in-house made tortilla chips just set on the table and ready to dig in? Think twice because these are fried and feel never-ending. Once you finish a basket, the server will immediately bring you more. You can easily consume an extra 900 to 1,000 calories when pairing chips with salsa in almost no time. To keep your meal light, skip the chips, or ask your server to hold them entirely so you save room for the main dish. If you are looking for the healthiest option at a Mexican restaurant, starting your meal without fried appetizers makes all the difference. For guidance on balanced daily nutrition, check out the official guidelines at Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

2. Drink Healthily

Sometimes avoiding alcohol is the easiest way to save calories and preserve your waistline. High-sugar margaritas and frozen cocktails can pack hundreds of liquid calories into a single glass. But if you are out with friends and really want a drink, indulge in a light beer, a glass of wine, or a customized light cocktail like tequila with fresh lime juice and sparkling water. You can always ask the server for skinny drinks on the menu. Stick to one drink max; having more than this can break your diet while racking up your bill!

3. Choose Grilled Meals

Mexican restaurants always have a variety of healthy, grilled options, including fish, chicken fajitas, and lean beef. Grilled proteins are significantly healthier than anything fried or breaded. Order items without flour tortillas, or ask for them on the side so you can control your portion size. Flavor your dish with grilled onions, grilled bell peppers, and fresh salsa for maximum flavor with minimal calories. You can enjoy your Mexican meal completely guilt-free while getting plenty of lean protein.

4. Choose Healthy Sides

Ditch the traditional refried beans and heavy rice. Refried beans often contain lard or excess oil, adding up to 1,500 calories to your overall meal when combined with large portions of Spanish rice. Order black beans or pinto beans instead of refried, and request corn or steamed vegetables instead of rice. Another healthy option is a side salad, but make sure to ask for low-fat dressing on the side without cheese or croutons. Remember, you can always add fresh salsa to your beans and corn to spice things up or use it as a calorie-free salad dressing. Fresh salsas are packed with tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice, making them much better for your body.

5. Avoid Anything Deep Fried

Avoid ordering anything deep fried, such as chimichangas, taquitos, or fried ice cream. Even just a portion of a fried appetizer can sabotage your meal with excess saturated fat and leave you feeling bloated the next day. As mentioned in our tip on grilled meals, choosing grilled meats and vegetables over fried dishes will help you feel light and energized. Steer clear of deep-fried menu items so you do not regret your dinner choices tomorrow morning. For more information on dietary choices, consult the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

6. Choose Soft Tacos Instead of Hard

When deciding between taco shells, soft tacos made with corn or flour tortillas are much healthier than hard taco shells. Hard shells are almost always deep fried before serving, which adds unnecessary fat and calories. If you want a taco with your fajita, choose soft tortillas instead of hard shells. Here are three simple tips for building a lighter taco:

7. Skip Dessert

As tempting as the grilled apple cobbler with a scoop of ice cream might sound, heavy restaurant desserts will end your Mexican meal on a high-calorie, sugary note. Instead of consuming 400 or more extra calories at the table, leave feeling satisfied and enjoy a fresh fruit salad at home. Your waistline will thank you, and you will avoid the uncomfortable sugar crash and bloating the next day. By staying mindful of your choices, such as steering clear of the chips and picking healthy sides, you can enjoy dining out without compromising your health goals.

So there you have it: the easy and healthy way to navigate the Mexican restaurant menu in a lighter, better way! What is your favorite healthy Mexican meal?