Healthy Mexican Food | 14 Best Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What Mexican dish is the healthiest? ›

The experts say the healthiest Mexican menu options include grilled chicken dishes, which we offer in our tacos, burritos, enchiladas, grilled chimi, la tapatia, Pollo Jalisco, and more. The shredded chicken in our Flautas comes sautéed with bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions.

Grilled proteins are typically some of the lowest-calorie foods you will get at a Mexican restaurant as long as they are paired with the side smart dishes. Choose grilled seafood, chicken, or steak with a side of black beans, grilled or sauteed vegetables.

Yes, Mexican food can be very healthy. This is thanks to its base of corn, beans, tomato, and squash. The abundance of fresh produce and spices also helps make Mexican food very nutritious! But to fully understand why Mexican food is healthy, let's talk about what a healthy diet is.

What Mexican food is heart-healthy? Opt for lean protein. Choosing chicken, shrimp, beans, and even leaner cuts of steak will reduce the unhealthy fats you'll find in the richer pork, stewed beef and fried items. Go for low-fat dairy.

Grilled seafood, lean meat, and poultry are excellent sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Protein helps to keep you feeling full and is a dieter's best friend. Choose dishes that have plenty of fresh veggies, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa.

Forget fried foods

Some popular foods to avoid are nachos, chimichangas, chalupas, taquitos and chile relleno and other dishes that are also deep-fried. Better choices are chicken fajitas, grilled chicken with peppers and onions or a soft taco. AMA offers a recipe for chipotle chicken bowls with cilantro-lime quinoa.

Low-Carb Mexican Food Substitutes

Replace any of the taco, tamale, or enchilada platters with whatever grilled fish (pescado) is on the menu. Try Pollo Asado, grilled chicken, instead of Chimichangas or Flautas. Shrimp are even better in Camarones al Ajili, shrimp in garlic sauce, than they are in Shrimp Enchiladas.

Beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. They are also low in fat and calories. Additionally, black beans can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease. Tortillas: Wheat tortillas are the healthiest, followed by corn and flour.

Are tamales healthy? ›

Tamales are full of nutrition thanks to their high fiber content, well-rounded macronutrient composition, and micronutrients. Filled varieties in particular make great meals since they're higher in protein. Therefore, they're wonderful foods to incorporate to promote your health.

A great way to eat healthily at a Mexican restaurant is to choose grilled foods. Instead of ordering a chimichanga or taquito, opt for steak, chicken or shrimp fajitas. Fajitas are much healthier than fried items but are just as filling; they taste even better when flavored with peppers and onions.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute , the following foods are the best for your heart: Vegetables: such as leafy greens, broccoli, and carrots. Fruits: such as apples, bananas, and oranges. Whole grains: such as plain oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain bread or tortillas.

Lean meats are a healthy source of protein commonly found in Mexican foods. Chicken, shrimp, fish, pork, and beef are great sources of protein and can help to increase your energy and help keep your muscles healthy. Skip on the carnitas as they are high in saturated fats.

Grilled seafood, lean meat and poultry are good sources of protein, vitamins and minerals. “There are definitely lots of healthy Mexican food options when eating out at Mexican restaurants,” says Dr. Ochoa.

Good Source of Protein

Incorporate Mexican meals, such as enchiladas and tacos which contain meat (e.g., pork, fish, beef, chicken, and shrimp) to increase your protein intake.

Improves Heart Health

Foods such as avocados and jalapeños that are abundant in Mexican dishes many Mexican dishes are rich in essential ingredients that promote cardiovascular health.

Tacos de Canasta

If you are looking for healthy tacos, this could be the one. It is prepared by steaming, filled with healthy and simple ingredients like potatoes and beans. Sometimes, they can be incredibly greasy. Hence, their other name is sweaty tacos.