Dining With Diabetes: Guilt-Free Mexican Food You Can Eat

Whether you've been a diabetic for years or you have recently been diagnosed with the disease, you may be restricted to a special diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates. This does not necessarily mean you need to forgo all your favorite Mexican dishes. It's nice to know that dining out with diabetes does not have to be a major challenge. Overcome the obstacle by keeping these tips in mind next time you visit your favorite Mexican restaurant:

1. Request Low-Carb Wraps

As a diabetic, you may have been told to limit your intake of carbohydrates, a compound which often converts to sugar and may raise a diabetic's blood glucose level. Many popular Mexican food menu items include tortillas, taco shells and wraps. These tend to be high in carbohydrates, and this may present an issue for diabetics on a low-carb diet. There is a way around this, however.

When dining out at a Mexican restaurant, request low-carb tacos, fajitas and tortillas. You might want to substitute the taco shell for a healthy green option such as a bed of lettuce or romaine or some crunchy endive. These days the trend in dining focuses on making healthy choices, and this means you shouldn't have difficulty requesting your favorite Mexican foods to suit your dietary needs.

2. Savor the Flavor of a Taco Salad or Taco Soup

Do you love the flavor of tacos, yet wish to eliminate the starch? There is a simple solution for taco lovers. You can have your favorite "south of the border" dish without the carbohydrates of the wrap. A scrumptious taco salad offers all the fillings you're accustomed to, including a healthy dose of veggies, perfect for the diabetic diet.

Request your taco salad be made with lean ground beef or turkey. Corn, lettuce, crushed tomatoes and taco seasoning are the typical toppings, making it an excellent diabetic-friendly choice. You might want to omit the beans, however, as these do add some carbohydrates.

If you are in the mood for something warm on a chilly autumn day, check the menu for taco soup. Alternatively, you might find chicken tortilla soup on the menu, prepared with peppers, onions, garlic, shredded chicken and a small amount of low-carb tortilla chips.

3. Opt for Grilled Mexican Lime-Flavored Shrimp or Chicken

This is a popular entree at many Mexican restaurants. It's a good choice for a diabetic, as it is typically low in carbohydrates. This dish is typically marinated in lime juice, with garlic and chili powder. Also, look for variations of this Mexican dish, such as grilled lime chicken or shrimp with watermelon salsa. As a side dish, opt for grilled peppers and veggies in favor of Mexican rice, which tends to be high in carbohydrates.

4. Fill Up on Salsa

A staple in Mexican eateries, salsa may be used in a variety of ways. With ingredients such as crushed tomatoes, limes, peppers, onions and chili, it's a guilt-free choice for a diabetic. Try salsa soup for lunch, salsa topped over grilled tilapia or a salsa tuna melt on a low-carb wrap.

5. Drink up – Sangria Style

Sangria is typically made from red or white wine, sparkling club soda, and fresh fruits such as peaches, berries and oranges. This refreshing and popular drink is frequently served in most Mexican style restaurants. Ask for this favorite Mexican beverage to be served with a sugar-free sweetener. Get a sweet taste of Mexico without raising your blood glucose levels.

6. Pass on the Toppings (or Make Healthy Substitutions)

As you probably know, most Mexican restaurants offer toppings such as shredded cheese and sour cream for their entrees. Even the low-carb choices may pack extra calories. Because weight management is essential for a diabetic, you might want to substitute the sour cream for low-fat plain yogurt or even salsa. Your Mexican restaurant should be happy to accommodate you. Use this link for more information.


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