Cinco de Mayo is this Saturday, which means we’ll all be digging into Mexican food – and margaritas – galore.
If you’re planning on dining at home, check out this spicy Cinco de Mayo-inspired recipe round up that includes Eva Longoria’s spicy serrano guacamole and spicy Mayan truffles for dessert. You’ll be able to make all of your favorite kicked up Mexican dishes in the comfort of your own home while impressing your family and friends.
But, if you’re the restaurant type, we’ve got you covered there, too. Consider this your quick guide on how to eat healthy at your favorite Mexican restaurants. We’re comparing classic Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, as well as each restaurant’s most popular desserts. We’re warning you now, it’s not pretty. But armed with the knowledge of what’s in your food, you’ll be able to better navigate the tempting Mexican food-scape this holiday weekend.
On the Border
Grande Fajita Chicken Nachos: 1390 calories, 77 grams of fat, 41 grams of saturated fat, 4210 mg of sodium, 82 grams of carbohydrates, and 102 grams of protein.
Chicken Fajita Quesadilla: 1190 calories, 84 grams of fat, 35 grams of saturated fat, 2530 mg of sodium, 55 grams of carbohydrates, and 58 grams of protein
Big Chicken Bordurrito with Rice: 1690 calories, 77 grams of fat, 20 grams of saturated fat, 4670 mg of sodium, 173 grams of carbs, 76 grams of protein
Soft Chicken Taco Combo without Rice and Beans: 270 calories, 11 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 820 mg of sodium, 24 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of protein.
Brownie Sundae with Vanilla Ice Cream: 1310 calories, 72 grams of fat, 34 grams of saturated fat, 420 mg of sodium, 161 grams of carbohydrates, and 16 grams of protein
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Taco Bell
Nachos: 440 calories, 25 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 640 mg of sodium, 42 grams of carbohydrates, and12 grams of protein
Chicken Quesadilla: 530 calories, 28 grams of fat, 12 grams of saturated fat, 1210 mg of sodium, 41 grams of carbohydrates, and 28 grams of protein
Chicken Burrito: 350 calories, 8 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, 1060 mg of sodium, 50 grams of carbohydrates, and 18 grams of protein
Soft Chicken Taco: 180 calories, 6 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, 460 mg sodium, 18 grams of carbohydrates, 14 grams of protein
Cinnamon Twists: 170 calories, 7 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 200 mg of sodium, 26 grams of carbohydrates, and1 grams of protein
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Chili’s
Classic Nachos: 1440 calories, 97 grams of fat, 50 grams of saturated fat, 2590 mg of sodium, 81 grams of carbohydrates, and 62 grams of protein
Southwest Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas: 1650 calories, 107 grams of fat, 39 grams of saturated fat, 3450 mg of sodium, 96 grams of carbohydrates, and 78 grams of protein
Crispy Chicken Tacos: 1630 calories, 78 grams of fat, 22 grams of saturated fat, 4320 mg of sodium, 171 grams of carbohydrates, and 63 grams of protein
Chicken Fajitas without Tortillas: 360 calories, 10 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 1330 mg of sodium, 24 grams of carbohydrates, and 44 grams of protein
Molten Chocolate Cake: 1020 calories, 46 grams of fat, 27 grams of saturated fat, 710 mg of sodium, 144 grams of carbohydrates, and 11 grams of protein
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Chipotle
Chipotle posts their nutritional information online;,, although since each customer’s order can vary so greatly in ingredients and calorie content, the company lists each item’s nutritional make up individually so customer’s can build their order from the ground up and know exactly how much of what they’re eating.
We have to say, Chipotle and Taco Bell seem to be the healthiest options for Cinco de Mayo fare. Although any dish can be made healthier by simply splitting it with two or three people, or liming heavy cheese and sour cream sauces and keeping margarita hour to a one-drink maximum. So with your knowledge of Mexican grub, go forth and have a happy – and healthy – Cinco de Mayo.
Also Read:
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Healthier Fare
Cinco de Mayo Healthy Eating Tips