Mexican cuisine is known for ingredients such as rich quesos and hearty meats wrapped in fluffy tortillas and on top of flavorful rice. That’s why it can come as a surprise to many that it’s also among the healthiest options when considering where to enjoy a meal. If you’re wondering how to make healthy choices during your next visit to a Mexican restaurant, keep the following tips in mind.

Healthy Choices to Make at a Mexican Restaurant

1. Choose Light Appetizers

Creamy queso, sweet salsas, and salty tortilla chips are all popular choices to snack on before your main meal arrives. However, they can also add lots of calories to your daily total and make you feel fuller more quickly.

Instead, if you’re trying to watch your caloric intake or cut down on salt, sugar, and fat, order lighter appetizers like flavorful soups, taco salads, or nutrient-rich bean or vegetable dips with corn tortilla chips. These are just as satisfying as more calorie-heavy starters, plus they’re lean and healthy.

2. Order Corn Tortillas

Although they’re popular in Tex-Mex food and in home taco kits, flour tortillas are prepared using lard or shortening and enriched white flour low in nutrients and high in carbohydrates, fat, and sugar.

A more traditional option, corn tortillas, are not only more authentic, but are an excellent source of fiber as well as magnesium, potassium, iron, and niacin, all important for overall organ health and healthy digestion. In addition, corn tortillas are lean and tasty, making them an excellent alternative to flour tortillas.

3. Ask for Healthy Suggestions

Before you order, look through the menu at your favorite Mexican restaurant for the leanest, healthiest dishes. Fajitas, for example, containing lean grilled meat are an excellent choice, as are fish tacos, shrimp, and hearty carne asada. Ask a server to recommend grilled or baked items instead of fried foods, and ask if it’s possible to substitute black or refried beans for meat. Many Mexican eateries even offer vegetarian options for those trying to avoid fattening, salt-rich foods.

The next time you want authentic Mexican food prepared with the freshest ingredients available, visit Patron Mexican Grill. With locations in Cranberry Township, Pittsburgh, Monroeville, and Wexford, PA, these Mexican restaurants offer plenty of healthy dining options in a family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere. They also offer an extensive menu for take-out and delivery. Call (724) 741-4455 to place an order or reserve a table, and visit them online to view their menu.