Foods

I'm only 3 days into my dieting, but already had made a commitment to attend a dinner tonight at a hole in the wall authentic (allegedly) mexican restaurant. I've kept my calorie intake lower today (around 700 and Grade A so far) and I'm anxious for tips as to what to order for an entree (500-700 calorie range). Any ideas?

Thanks!

veggie fajitas, no meat. Ask them not to bring the tortillas and extras such as guac and sourcream to the table. if you must have the tortillas, ask for corn instead of flower. Salsa isn't really bad for you, but try and stay away from the chips. Again, if you really want some, take a few and put them on your plate. then tell yourself that this is all you can have until your food gets there so that you eat the very slowly. Thats how I always make it through Mexican night with my boyfriend(its his favorite) and the veggie fajitas have become one of my favorite dishes anyways.

avoid: anything fried (i.e. chips, hard taco shells, tostadas, flautas, taquitos)

go easy on: sour cream, cheese, guacamole

tortillas aren't horrible for you, just don't overdo it - and as the above poster mentioned, corn tortillas are better than flour (corn tortillas are prepared without any added oil, unlike flour tortillas which traditionally are prepared with lard.)

fajitas would be a good choice - you don't need to completely ditch the meat either - grilled chicken would be a fine choice, as would seafood, if available.

beans, though they are healthy, are almost always served refried in mexican restaraunts, which means lots of oil. black bean soup, however, would be a good choice.

soft tacos wouldn't be bad either - two filled with lots of veggies and a little meat would work well.

quesadillas are probably not a good idea, nor are enchiladas (often made with lots of cheese and sometimes a cream sauce.)

oh, and don't limit yourself salsa-wise - you can't beat less than 10 calories for 2 tbsp!

Consider getting a Mexican Shrimp Cocktail. They are yummy and very reasonable on the calories. The restaurant I go to serves one big enough for a meal.  I love it!

~ Beth

authentic coastal Mexican is easy -- go for ceviche.

Tortilla soup is a great choice -- filling, lots of broth, lean chicken (if they make it right) small strips of tortilla, small bits of cheese, small bits of avocado -- yum.  

For Tex Mex -- look for lean meats (if you're a meat eater) -- my impression from carniverous friends is that fajitas is the way to go, with moderate guacamole (avocados are so good for you -- don't give them up completely)  

Our local favorite makes terrific little grilled shrimp & queso blanco-stuffed jalapenos as apetizers -- but they're about the leanest thing on the menu and so make a great meal for me.

Taco salad without dressing or eating the shell.. maybe? if you can order the chicken it may be less calories. I don't know. That's what I've heard to do. Absolutely no guacomole or sour cream.

If you want beef, carne asada (flank steak) is realtively lean.  http://caloriecount.about.com/cc/item.php?ite m_id=13070&size=2

Just be prepared though, the marinades are so high in sodium, I blow up like a ballon the next day.

I second the veggie fajitas and corn tortillas, with a side of black beans.  Skip the sour cream and cheese.  A little guac isn't bad since avocado is "healthy fat" but don't overdo it as it is high in calories.  Don't eat a lot of the greasy chips, but you can put the salsa on your fajitas when you assemble them to ramp up the flavor and spice! 

Just say "no" to the margaritas!  If you must have a drink you would probably be better off getting a light beer with a lime or something rather than the calorie laden mixed drinks.