Healthy Mexican Food | 14 Best Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest Mexican dish you can eat? ›

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.

What most of these dietary patterns have in common is a wide variety of plant foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Healthy dietary patterns also include a variety of protein sources like seafood, fermented dairy, poultry, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

Best: Tacos

Order the grilled chicken, lean steak, or grilled fish on a baked corn tortilla. Those have 70% more fiber and less than half the fat of their white flour counterparts. Skip the chorizo, fried fish, and carnitas (fried pork or beef), which are higher in unhealthy saturated fat.

A great thing about Mexican cooking is that it already includes many fresh vegetables, herbs, spices and lean proteins, says Beci Falkenberg, a chef at Cancer Wellness at Piedmont. Try her tips to make your favorite Mexican-inspired meals healthier.

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.

Tacos and Mexican food can be high in calories and saturated fats if they are made with traditional ingredients such as cheese, sour cream, and fried meats. However, it is possible to make tacos and Mexican food using lean meats, vegetables, and low-fat cheese, which would make them a healthier option for weight loss.

The humble pinto bean finds its way into most meals, usually in the form of a soupy-textured refried bean served with tortillas. Chicken (pollo asado) and pork (carnitas) are the favorite meats, but beef (carne) is also eaten. Seafood is more bountiful in coastal cities.

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.

Corn and beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine. Corn and beans, common ingredients in Mexican cuisine, are relatively inexpensive and can be bought in large quantities. Most of Mexico's typical food does not include burritos, tacos and nachos with lots of toppings and ingredients like most Americans are used to.

What Mexican food is good for high cholesterol? ›

Fajitas are a good lower-cholesterol meal choice when eating at a Mexican restaurant, Collingwood says, because they are usually abundant in vegetables. Consider a side of black beans, too, since they are high in soluble fiber and can help lower cholesterol.

Rice and beans, a classic comfort food combo in Latino and Caribbean communities and some parts of the American South, is one of the healthiest dishes you can eat. It's rich in plant protein—12 grams per cup—and it provides nutrients that most Americans don't get enough of. Top among them is fiber.

While Taco Bell has some healthier options these days, the Mexican Pizza nutrition facts don't make the cut. The original Mexican pizza has 530 calories, 19g of protein, 49g of carbs, and 29g of fat.

Choose roasted, stewed and grilled foods with little or no added oil (fat). Include vegetables and fresh fruits in each meal. Choose them with peel and in season. Eat whole grains like tortilla, oatmeal, amaranth, rice, bread and pasta; and legumes like beans, lentils and green beans, daily.

Choose grilled foods instead of fried foods (like chimichangas or taquitos). Aim for items or entrées that incorporate rice, black beans or seasonal veggies while picking out a lean protein that is either grilled or baked like chicken or steak is a great low calorie option.

Mexican food is a rich source of essential nutrients that our bodies depend on for everyday functioning. They are found in the colorful variety of fruits and vegetables commonly found in Mexican dishes. Here are some Mexican food ingredients packed with nutrients: Cilantro.

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.