Eating out on the keto diet can be a challenge, especially in restaurants where you might expect to find carb-heavy options like Mexican food. But with some knowledge and preparation, it is totally possible to enjoy delicious Mexican meals while still sticking to your healthy keto lifestyle. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to eat keto at a Mexican restaurant so that you don’t have to miss out on delicious tacos and other savory dishes.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that we may earn a small commission if you click through using our link and make a purchase. Please be assured that this will not cost you any extra money. Also, please be assured that we either use the products we recommend personally, or have been recommended by trusted friends who currently use them.
Whether you’re dining alone or with friends and family, eating keto doesn’t need to mean missing out on all the fun of going out for dinner.
With just a few tweaks here and there, you can make sure your meal stays low-carb without sacrificing flavor.
You’ll learn which menu items are safe bets and what kind of modifications you may need to make when ordering certain foods.
We’ve got tips for both burrito bowls and table service establishments – no matter where you choose to dine, you can do so while following the rules of your ketogenic diet.
By the end of this article, you will feel empowered knowing that even if everyone else orders enchiladas or quesadillas, you won’t have any trouble finding something delicious (and low-carb!) that fits into your diet plan.
So let’s get started learning about how to order smartly when faced with an array of tempting Mexican cuisine!
What Is The Keto Diet?
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that helps individuals to lose weight and improve overall health. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as people have begun to realize the many benefits of this type of eating.
The main goal when following a keto diet is to reduce your intake of carbs while increasing your consumption of healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, avocados, and fish.
By doing so, your body enters into a state known as ‘ketosis’ whereby it switches from burning sugar for energy to instead burning fat for fuel.
With Mexican food being one of the most popular cuisines around the world, you may be wondering how you can enjoy delicious meals without compromising on the principles behind the keto diet.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options available if you know where to look!
Let me take you through what I have learned over the years.
Eating Mexican On Keto
For starters, opt for dishes that include protein sources like beef or chicken over those with higher carb content such as beans or rice.
Also, ask for double vegetables instead of starchy sides like potatoes or corn – both will provide fiber and fill you up but won’t add unnecessary carbs to your plate.
Finally don’t forget about guacamole; this tasty dip made from avocado provides plenty of healthy fats which are essential for any ketogenic meal plan!
Eating out doesn’t have to mean straying away from your chosen way of life; by making mindful decisions based on what’s right for you.
Eating out at a Mexican restaurant while following a keto diet could open new doors and ways to enjoy an old favorite cuisine.
With some careful thought ahead and knowledge about food ingredients, it’s possible to make smart choices even when dining out – who knows, maybe soon enough everyone will want what you’re having!
What Foods Should Be Avoided While Eating Keto?
Are you wondering what foods to avoid while eating keto in a Mexican restaurant? Following the ketogenic diet can be tricky when dining out, especially at places like Mexican restaurants.
Fortunately, with our tips and tricks below, we’ll have you eating delicious meals that keep you on track with your dietary goals.
When it comes to ordering food from a Mexican restaurant, there are some key items to watch for.
Any dishes containing flour tortillas or corn chips should be avoided as they will quickly take up most of your daily carb allowance. This includes burritos, tacos and enchiladas but also extends to quesadillas, fajitas and even nachos.
If the dish contains refried beans – another major no-no on the keto diet – steer clear as well. Luckily skirt steak is an excellent option if you’re looking for something meaty; simply ask them to prepare it without any tortillas or other starchy accompaniments.
Sticking to low-carb options doesn’t mean having to compromise on flavor either.
An increasing number of restaurants offer creative substitutes such as lettuce wraps instead of bread or alternative grains like cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
You may find these alternatives already listed on the menu so be sure to check first before asking about substitutions — chances are you won’t need them after all!
Eating out while following a strict diet can seem daunting but with just a few simple changes here and there, you can stick to your nutritional goals without missing out on experiencing new flavors and cuisines.
Buffets can be great for this, as you can pick and choose the bits that you want.
So don’t skip out on going out next time — use this guide and enjoy tasty meals that fit perfectly into your keto lifestyle!
What Are The Benefits Of Eating Keto In A Mexican Restaurant?
Eating keto in a Mexican restaurant has its own unique benefits. For starters, you can enjoy the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine without all the carbs and sugar that usually come with it! You’ll also find plenty of low-carb options on the menu, such as grilled meats and vegetables, which are delicious and healthy alternatives to carb-heavy dishes like burritos and tacos.
Plus, when you order your food without any rice or beans, you’re avoiding most of the hidden calories found in these dishes.
Another great benefit to eating keto at a Mexican restaurant is that there are several dairy-free topping options for your meal.
Many restaurants offer guacamole instead of sour cream – this option is not only healthier but still tasty! Additionally, many places have cilantro and limes available as condiments – perfect for adding flavor to your dish while staying within your dietary restrictions.
TOP TIP: When dining out at a Mexican restaurant while following a keto diet, make sure to ask questions about each dish so you know what ingredients are being used before ordering.
This will help ensure that you stay within your dietary goals while enjoying all the flavors of Mexican cuisine.
What Are Common Keto-Friendly Mexican Dishes?
Eating keto in a Mexican restaurant can be an enjoyable and health-conscious experience. But what are some of the best keto-friendly dishes to enjoy? With low-carb tortillas, flavorful sauces, and plenty of protein options, there’s something for everyone.
The good news is that many Mexican recipes lend themselves well to the ketogenic diet. For starters, you can try sizzling fajitas with grilled chicken or steak on top of sautéed peppers and onions.
If you want something even lower carb, swap out traditional flour tortillas for those made from cauliflower or almond flour. You could also go for tacos filled with grilled fish or shrimp topped with salsa verde or guacamole – both very keto friendly.
Another popular choice is a taco bowl made from lettuce leaves instead of a shell, which still packs all the flavor but without any extra carbs.
Finally, if you’re looking for something simple yet satisfying, order burrito bowls full of vegetables and your favorite meat cooked in lime juice and garlic. All these delicious dishes will provide lots of energy while keeping you within your macros.
No matter what kind of Mexican meal you choose to have at your next visit to a local restaurant, rest assured that it won’t push you off track when it comes to maintaining your keto lifestyle – as long as you make mindful choices!
Best Low-Carb Mexican Restaurant Menu Items
When it comes to eating keto in a Mexican restaurant, there are plenty of delicious low-carb options. The best menu items are those that don’t use carb-heavy tortillas or rice. Tortilla strips and taco salads with cheese, lettuce, guacamole, and sour cream can be great choices as they include protein without the added carbs from traditional tortillas.
The key is to avoid ordering anything that has been fried – like chips – or dishes made with carb-filled tortillas such as burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas.
Instead, opt for fresh fajita vegetables served on their own without the flour wraps or substitute them for the taco shells when making tacos.
You can also make your own low-carb version of these classic dishes using cauliflower instead of regular carb tortillas.
Healthy Fats To Add To Mexican Dishes
When it comes to eating keto in a Mexican restaurant, adding healthy fats is key. But what are the best options? To start with, many Mexican dishes can be made healthier by subbing out unhealthy oils for better-for-you sources of fat like avocado oil or coconut oil.
You could also opt for chicken as your protein and add extra vegetables instead of rice or beans; this will help you meet your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Looking beyond traditional ingredients, there are other ways to make sure that your meal is high in healthy fats.
Pork rinds, for example, provide a great crunchy texture to tacos and burritos – plus they’re super low carb!
If you want something more substantial than pork rinds, consider topping off a dish with cheese or guacamole – two classic Mexican toppings rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs).
High-Protein Options To Accompany Keto-Friendly Mexican Dishes
Ground beef is one of your best options for taco filling – it’s full of protein and flavor. You can skip the flour tortillas, but if you do opt for them, look out for low-carb alternatives like almond or coconut flour versions. It might take some experimenting to find what works best with your meal.
But there are plenty more creative ways to make your Mexican dishes higher in protein while sticking to the keto diet.
Cheese is a great addition to many dishes as it contains both fat and protein; plus, who doesn’t love cheese?
Olives provide an extra burst of flavor along with healthy fats; just remember to watch how much salt you’re using on top! And don’t forget about beans – they contain loads of fiber and protein which will keep you fuller for longer.
So when eating at a Mexican restaurant, think outside the box!
There are plenty of fantastic keto-friendly options available so you won’t miss out on any flavourful favorites.
Keep it simple by choosing lean proteins like ground beef or get creative with olives, beans, and cheese. Either way, enjoy every delicious bite knowing that your meal is packed with energy-boosting nutrients as well as being lower in carbs than usual!
How To Avoid Hidden Carbs In Mexican Restaurant Meals
First, take some time to read through the menu carefully! Many Mexican dishes contain ingredients like beans or corn tortillas which are high in carbohydrates – but there may also be other options that have fewer carbs.
Ask your server about carb counts so you know what to expect from each dish. And when in doubt, opt for grilled proteins such as chicken or steak instead of deep-fried dishes.
You can add flavor by squeezing fresh lime juice on top; it adds a zesty kick without adding any additional carbs.
When choosing sides, skip the rice and refried beans; they are high in carbs and not allowed on a keto diet.
Instead, look for low-carb side dishes like salad greens or steamed vegetables flavored with Mexican spices like cumin and chili powder – these will help give your meal an authentic taste without going over your daily carb limit.
Topping off your plate with salsa made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and cilantro will provide plenty of flavor without sacrificing nutritional value either.
By following these simple tips you won’t have to worry about eating out ever again! With just a few adjustments, you’ll soon find yourself enjoying all the flavors of Mexico alongside a nutritious keto-friendly meal.
How To Choose The Best Keto-Friendly Beverages At A Mexican Restaurant
When you’re eating keto in a Mexican restaurant, the beverages you choose will be just as important as your meal. But don’t worry – there are plenty of delicious drinks that won’t ruin your diet!
For starters, opt for Tequila with club soda and a lime wedge. Not only is it low-carb, but it’s also packed with flavor – perfect for when you’re craving something boozy.
Vodka Soda is always a reliable choice: crisp, refreshing, and definitely keto-friendly!
No matter which beverage you decide to enjoy at the Mexican restaurant, remember that moderation is key. It’s easy enough to get carried away while sipping margaritas and enjoying good conversation – so stay mindful of how much liquid cheer you consume throughout dinner (and beyond!).
Wrapping Up: Keto At The Mexican
Eating keto in a Mexican restaurant can be simple and delicious. With the right knowledge of what to order, you’ll get all the benefits that come with eating keto without sacrificing flavor. Knowing which dishes are naturally keto-friendly and how to make substitutions for higher-carb options will help ensure that your meal is both tasty and nutritious.
Additionally, don’t forget about adding healthy fats and high protein options to boost the nutritional value. Finally, watch out for hidden carbs when ordering food from Mexican restaurants so you know exactly what you’re getting! By following these tips, you can enjoy eating out while still sticking to your diet goals.