Top 10 Healthiest Mexican Foods

If you are trying to drop a few pounds or simply wanting to eat a little healthier, eating at a Mexican restaurant may seem like a bad idea. While the menu may seem like a minefield, there are some healthy options hidden inside. Just look for these ten healthiest Mexican foods.

Bean Burrito

A bean burrito is one of the healthiest menu items you will find. Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber offering on average 12g and 8g respectively. This will keep you satisfied for hours. Most restaurant bean burritos have between 300 and 600 calories.

Chicken Soft Taco

Chicken soft tacos are another healthy choice. While they don't have the fiber of a bean burrito, they do offer around 12g of lean protein. At around 200 calories per taco, you can enjoy two without feeling guilty.

Shrimp Fajitas

The colorful array of grilled onions and peppers bring some vitamins to this menu offering. You can have two shrimp fajitas for around 230 calories. With only 4g of fat, most of which is unsaturated, this is a heart-healthy choice. Protein (11g) and fiber (5g) ensure it doesn't leave you feeling hungry later.

Black Bean Soup

If the weather is cold, why not indulge in a bowl of healthy black bean soup. It is low in fat (3g) and calories (200). The soups also offers around 9g of protein and 5g of fiber thanks to the beans.

Chili

Another cold weather option is chili. The blend of beans and vegetables bring around 7g of fiber to the soup. When combined with the meat, it packs around 24g of protein as well. At around 310 calories per bowl, it's an option that won't pack on the pounds either.

Gazpacho

Gazpacho is another soup, but one that can be eaten year round due to being chilled. It is made from vegetables so it is packed with vitamins and minerals. It's under 60 calories per one cup serving so you can eat it as a starter or enjoy a larger bowl as your meal. Most versions are less than 1g of fat. It offers around 7g of protein and around 1g of fiber.

Pinto Beans

If you are looking for a healthy side, you can't go wrong with pinto beans. A half cup serving will give you around 8g of fiber and 7g of protein. With only 1g of fat and just under 120 calories, it's an easy choice.

Fish Taco

While low in fiber with only 2g, fish tacos make up for it with 11g of protein. On average, fish tacos have 16g of fat, but most are healthy unsaturated fats. With around 300 calories and low in sodium and cholesterol, this is a fairly healthy Mexican food. Keep in mind that while most fish tacos contain baked fish, there are some that have fried. Opt for the baked version if its available.

Huevos Rancheros

Huevos rancheros start with a healthy base of eggs. The addition of vegetables gives it color and flavor, while still keeping calories low. On average, huevos rancheros are 200 calories per one cup serving. It also offers around 12g of protein and 4g of fiber. Between the eggs and vegetables, you get a good mix of vitamins and minerals to round out the meal.

Ceviche

Ceviche uses acids such as lemon or lime juice to "cook" fish or seafood. It runs between 117 and 173 calories per cup depending on if shrimp or fish is used. Fat is low around 1.5 to 2g, almost completely unsaturated. Ceviche is often served with vegetables which add around 2g of fiber. Shrimp typically has around 16g of protein with fish packing in more protein at around 28g. Both types of ceviche have low sodium and offer plenty of Vitamin C due to the citrus juice being used to cook and flavor it.