"Look to your health; and if you have it, praise God and value it next to conscience; for health is a blessing that we mortals are capable of, a blessing money can't buy"
-Izaak Walton
WEBSITE: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/weight-loss/tips/motivation/recharge-your-exercise-motivation/?sssdmh=dm17.459651&esrc=nwfitdailytip072810&email=2686729334 rethink some common thoughts that keep you from the gym! Get the motivation!!
Mexican food is not known for being diet-friendly. From the bottomless chip baskets to the cheesy dishes to the frozen margaritas, but, when following a few simple tips, Mexican can be done when living a healthy lifestyle. Know what to say si to at your favorite Mexican!
I am going to re-emphasize the point made yesterday with the Italian breadsticks. You can easily down mega-calories before even getting your meal and not think twice about it. The basket of chips is just so tempting, so you reach and grab one again...and again...and again. Before you know it the waiter is bringing you second and third baskets to replenish the supply! So, again, if you are too hungry you will end up digging right in the second those chips are put down, so try to eat a snack prior to arriving at the restaurant. Although it may not be possible, but if you can manage to without upsetting anyone at the table, ask the waiter not even bring the chips! Yes, they may look at you like you are crazy but this will save you the temptation. If you are eating with mega-chip lovers, make sure the basket is out of reach. If you yourself are a mega-chip lover, put a small handful on your plate and choose salsa as the dip of choice...it is low in fat and has minimal calories. If not on too tight of a budget, you can ask the waiter to bring you a steamed corn tortilla to dip in the salsa. These things can save you around 200 calories before you even get to the main course!!
You obviously aren't overwhelmed by the menu, because you looked it up before you came...right?!?! Well, OK, that is not always practical! So when looking at the menu, avoid CRUNCHY! I know, I know, it sounds like I am taking the fun out of the meal but crunchy typically means fried, and fried is a no-go for a healthy lifestyle. Choosing that baked, soft tortilla over the fried, crunchy alternate can save you a few hundred calories and lots of fat!!
Lard...no one is even tempted to eat that but this is what Mexican restaurants use to make their refried beans. Switch them out for black beans (low fat, high fiber and high protein) or pinto beans (similar flavor to refried beans but low fat).
Don't be bashful...make changes to the menu! It's your meal, so get it like you want!! Switch out flour tortillas and try corn tortillas. Make your burrito a bean burrito instead of a beef/chicken burrito! Ask if they have brown rice or vegetables in place of your rice.
Let's talk cheese. Well, I am lactose intolerant, so Mexican restaurants have very few choices that I can consider. For the rest of you, I am NOT telling you to completely avoid it but it does need to be cut back, significantly. To be honest, Mexican restaurants use MEGA helpings of cheese, so you won't even miss it as much as you are thinking. Ask for half the cheese and you will do wonders for your personal healthy lifestyle. If you are feeling extra bold, ask if they have low fat cheese as an option. All they can do is say no.
Don't be deceived by the word salad, it does NOT mean healthy!! They load it up with cheese, guacamole and sour cream and then pack this caloric salad into a deep fried tortilla in the shape of a bowl. We have already learned not to do crunchy, so simply asking for your salad on a plate instead of that crunchy bowl can have great benefits for you. I love salsa, I put it on everything (I mean EVERYTHING!), this includes as my salad dressing! Not only a healthy, low-calorie option, salsa is a great Mexican flavor for your salad. Salads are usually loaded with cheese, so ask for half (or none!). Read the ingredients on the menu and choose one that has lots of vegetables...I mean, that is the whole point of a salad in the first place!!
Part of the fun of Mexican food are those frozen margaritas right?!?! (To be honest, I think margaritas taste like feet but I know they are a common choice when eating Mexican!). An 8-ounce margarita can have around 450 calories and a frozen margarita can have a whopping 700 calories!! This is around 1/3 of your calories in just one drink...just think if you are planning on getting seconds! They don't only kill your caloric allowance but also have very negative effects on your sugar content. Choosing spicy foods will not also boost your metabolism but will make you thirsty for water!
Options to avoid:
-Chilli con queso
-Refried beans
-Mexican rice
-Chilli Relinos
-Nachos
-Chimichangas
-Chalupas
-Taquitos
-Burritos
Better choices:
-Corn tortillas (over flour!)
-Chicken fajitas
-Lettuce and tomatoes as your toppings
-Black beans
-Bean burrito
-Soft taco (light on the cheese)
-Sauteed chicken with peppers and onions
-Tacos el carbon
Cenar feliz :)
Megan
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