Going out for your beloved Tex-Mex is NOT an excuse to abandon your healthy eating habits. There are plenty of healthy options & substitutions! Here are some tips for the next time you find yourself @ Chuy's, and at a loss for what you should order! The little things can add up to go a LONG way in saving calories...and thus...your waistline ;)- Drink an entire glass of water before you put ONE SINGLE THING into your mouth. Seriously. Do it.
- If you MUST eat chips & salsa, limit yourself to ONE bowl of chips. Once the first bowl has been replaced...CUT. YOUR. SELF. OFF.
- No queso.
- Steer clear of any & all things fried. This includes "crispy" chicken salads/sandwiches, french fries, "breaded" meats & veggies, fried shrimp, and even tortilla chips & crispy tacos!
- Replace traditional starchy sides (mashed potatoes, french fries, mexican rice) with their greener & more nutritious counterparts. Ask your waiter for baked or grilled mixed veggies, a baked sweet potato w/cinnamon on the side, black beans, avocado slices, a side salad (House or Garden...NOT CAESAR!!!)
- Replace any topping/sauce with salsa, this includes on salads, smothered chicken, enchiladas, , tacos, etc...
- Avoid anything topped w/cheese. OR even better: replace the cheese w/salsa or pico!
- Order tacos on corn instead of flour tortillas. If you don't like corn, ask for a side salad and dump the contents of your taco/burrito on top of your salad! Top w/salsa or avocado slices. YUM.
- Look for grilled chicken or grilled fish plates. As a general rule, these will be your healthiest options!
- Meals like cheese quesadillas & cheese enchiladas offer VERY little health benefit, while loading you up on the dreaded EMPTY CALORIES. Don't give in!
- Speaking of empty calories...Remember: Drinks contain calories too. Sodas and Margaritas will up your calorie-count in a hurry. Drink water!
Please share any questions or other helpful suggestions that have worked for you!!
--Peace. Health. RoxyB!!
