What do I order here? -Mexican Joint

It seems there is a Mexican food joint no matter how big or small my clients’ town is near by. Personally, I could eat Mexican food(good or bad) everyday! Clients tell me all the time that they really struggle finding good choices here. It is not difficult at all. Follow and use just a few of these tips and I think you’ll be surprised at how you don’t have to throw away your progress if you’re eating here! Keep in mind these suggestions and adjustments are intended for a balanced, mindful, and sustainable nutrition program. If you’re following an anti-inflammatory, Keto, WW, or any other approach email me at Bfit2training@gmail.com and I will help you adjust and make the correct decision for your plan.

Stay fresh and feel fresh!

1-The Chip Basket

If you want to destroy any progress you’ve made in the week so far go ahead and hit a couple servings of chips up when they bring the basket out. This is where a decision has to be made. “Am I going to have a serving of chips now(about 8-10 chips), or am I going to order a dish that has a tortilla shell included?” Choose one. Whatever your choice count them out! Pull them out and separate them into a serving. If not, half baskets and three tortillas happen in the blink of an eye. Either one serving of chips or 1 shell. This will keep your carbohydrate count manageable. If you have both, or worse yet, 2 servings of chips and 2 tortilla shells you’re already sitting around 500 calories and 80g carbohydrates! If you are at a finer mexican style joint order the ceviche. It is a wonderfully fresh and light alternative that will allow you to feel part of the chip basket eating crew. Eat it with a fork….not a tortilla chip.

2-The Drink Choice

The most successful nutrition plans and progress are 100% made on programs

that don’t allow alcohol. No debate! Fact! If you want to really see progress and

feel the effects of a healthy nutrition plan cut it out! However, I enjoy a beer or a great few ounces of tequila on occasion as well. So if you’re going to have a drink or two choose a lighter beer or a clear alcohol. Most every Mexican restaurant nowadays has a “skinny margarita” option on the menu if you must. Be aware that health wise a large dose of artificial sweetener is not the best thing in the world by no surprise. If you want to be immersed in the experience of eating and drinking have a real margarita. Top shelf tequila(reposado or blanco), lime, and agave. If you enjoy the smoky age of a bourbon grab an Anejo tequila.

3-Cheese vs.Salsa

It comes as no surprise here that salsa is by far the winner here. Most Mexican

style cheese is very high in fat. Oooey, gooey, and gets that nice fat separation on top. This is a great way to get about 110 calories and 9g of fat per ounce. In other words, about 6-10 chip dips worth. If you feel like you’re never going to stop this at least limit it to 1 serving. Next time ask yourself if you really taste the cheese or is it strictly a habit to have it. Another great question to ask yourself is “Do I really taste and enjoy the cheese or is it mostly a texture and a mindless dip as I’m talking before my meal?” Salsa has 10x less calories and also some micronutrient benefits. Salsa is the clear winner here!

4-Entree

Keep your manners but.....order first! You’re motivated and have a plan to order the right thing to follow the plan then as the orders come in of nothing but margaritas and smothered burritos it’s a little weird to order something with no cheese, no sour cream and extra veggies. So, order first! Set and example and let the others follow.

Let's follow the rule of the chip here as well. If you order 3 tacos then eat one

tortilla and the insides of the other two. Or skip the tortillas all together and have a serving of chips with your entree. If you didn't already waste your carbohydrate on the basket of chips on the table. Another very simple adjustment to make is ordering no cheese or sauces on the entree and again, use salsa as your sauce. This can save you hundreds of calories and 9 out of 10 of my clients who order foods with no cheese eventually realize they really can’t tell a difference in true taste at all. If you are the one out of ten, then go ahead and get the cheese, record it but make sure you’re cutting the high calorie fats elsewhere. Most mexican places have a leaner chicken or pork than they do steak but some actually go the other way here. If you notice whatever protein you choose is a higher fatty option limit the amount you consume and choose differently next time. Beans at mexican restaurants are almost always cooked in lard. Yes, I said LARD! Talk about an artery clogging, blood pressure raising food. To combat this order extra lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, and/or onions. Some places even have a black bean option over refried option. Rice at most places is ok if it will fit into your numbers for the day, but the catch is they usually give you around 2 cups! Two cups of rice is around 4 servings! Have one! Remember, that would also count as your carbohydrate 20-35g serving so cut another out. The before mentioned ceviche would also be a great option for your entree as well. Grilled fish and vegetables are usually an option too. Fajitas are a great option if a few adjustments are made.

-Lean Protein Choice-Shrimp really cuts total calories and fat down here.

-No rice or beans

-Most of the time peppers and onions are great. If they are not swimming in oil. Ask them to be done and a little crispy.

-No sour cream(read above about strictly a texture thing)

-Choose your carbohydrate again…..Rice or Tortilla or Chips?

-Guacamole is ok but it is calorie dense so you’ll need to adjust your intake somewhere else in order to not go over your goals.

This “What do I order” series is intended to be how an individual with goals can be creative and selective with choices. It is not intended to be restrictive at all. If you feel like I have eliminated all options email me personally at bfit2training@gmail.com and Title it: You must be crazy!, and I’ll respond to your food palate, goals, and situation personally so you can make the best lifestyle choice for you.