Think dining at your favorite Mexican eatery is a only a memory if you're following The South Beach Diet? Think again! With a few modifications, you can say si to eating Mexican food on any Phase on the plan.
As with Chinese food, the main problem at many Mexican restaurants is that the food has been "Americanized" which means out-of-control portions and bad fats. But that doesn't make them off-limits.
Chipping Away at Your Will-Power?
Of course, the most tempting part of visiting Mexican eateries on the SBD is the never-ending basket of tortilla chips. Since Mexican food is my favorite food, I have only one suggestion to stay on SBD in this situation: Eat your protein snack 20 minutes before dining. Hopefully, you'll feel full enough to resist while everyone else is munching away. Either that, or sneak a chip or two to quell your craving!
Entree Ideas
Basically, you can eat all your favorite entrees, just order them "unwrapped". Ask for the meats and vegetables you usually order on all types of entrees like fajitas or tacos. You can even have whole-wheat tortillas on the side if you're in Phase 2 or 3. (Leave them off if you're still in Phase 1.) Some chains now even offer special menu items like a low-carb burrito.
Black beans are an acceptable side on Phase 2. You could also order a salad and top it with salsa as dressing for all Phases. Guacamole is also acceptable because avocado is considered a "good fat".
You can usually order a dish of grilled chicken (Make sure to ask if his has cheese on top. It's certain to be full-fat if so, so go without.) or fish. If the many includes chicken in mole sauce, which is grilled chicken in a very spicy sauce, that's acceptable. Other grilled chicken and shrimp dishes are usually available, so be sure to ask you server for descriptions if they're not on the menu.
No Way!
- Tortilla chips. Crunchy, delicious deep-fried corn. Not what Dr. A considers a good carb!
- Sour cream. (Watch out for it as garnish or topping)
- Refried beans. They may be protein-sources, but they're usually prepared with animal fats and topped with full-fat cheese, so they're a no-go.
- Chimichangas and taco salad shells. I know. Those are my favorite things, too.
These Restaurants are Your Amigos!
While I've yet to run across an ideal Mexican restaurant for South Beachers, there are a handful that are more SBD-friendly than others.
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill offers something called a Bare Burrito, which is burrito fillings like rice, grilled peppers, onions, black beans, salsa, and steak or chicken, among other ingredients. It also comes in a vegetarian version. Hold the sour cream and the rice is a no-go on Phase 1 and 2.
Baja also offers their Baja Ensalada, which is basically a small serving a salad vegetables with Pico de Gallo and tortilla chips and your choice of charbroiled meat or seafood. Just leave off those tasty tortilla chips to stay "on the beach".
Source: bajafresh.com
Del Taco offers tortilla-less chicken enchiladas and a salad that you can top with chicken or steak. Just be careful about taco salads, because they come in deep fried bowls and contain unacceptable fillings like full-fat cheese, sour cream, and rice.
Source: deltaco.com
On the Border? Try these tasty dishes: Guacamole Live!, Shaken Margarita Shrimp Cocktail, or Ajita Grill. Just say no to the tortillas, ask for black beans or vegetables. And of course, hold the rice.
Source: ontheborder.com
