Mexican Food
(Photo : by Bernadette Wurzinger from Pixabay)

The ketogenic diet has become popular these days. Deciding to shift to a keto-friendly diet can be daunting, but that doesn't mean you can't grab something from a Mexican menu.

Preparing keto-friendly home cooked meals can be a handful, especially if you start thinking about the carbs, protein and fat you have to get into your system. Food Network pointed out that it looks something like five percent carbs, 25 percent protein and 70 percent fat.

It's something that you can still get from take-out or your favorite Mexican restaurant, if you always think keto-friendly. There are plenty of Mexican menu items that are shockingly great for those on keto.

According to Healthline, studies have supported the benefits of this diet in preventing diabetes and epilepsy. It also helps with weight loss. We don't want you to stop reaping the benefits of keto, so we'll help you get work on getting settled into it.

Here are some tips if you are still clueless as to how you should deal with Mexican food when on keto.

Tip # 1: Avoid carbs

Keto has a strict requirement of only 20-50 grams of carbs in a day. It shouldn't be something new for someone who's on keto. But that means you shouldn't touch the tortillas or chips.

You should also avoid starchy vegetables like corn and potatoes. You might want to substitute the chips with pork rinds instead if you really want to have something to munch on, suggested by keto-friendly blog Keto in Pearls.

Tip #2: Guacamole is your best friend

Guacamole is one of the most keto-friendly items at a Mexican restaurant. Half of a medium avocado is likely to have around just nine grams of carbs, but since seven of them are fiber, its net carb count is just around two grams.

It's high on healthy fat and low on carbs, so it's safe to eat it by the spoonful or forkful. Don't hesistate to ask for non-starchy vegetables for dipping.

Tip #3: Add flavor with queso and pico de gallo

Queso and Pico de Gallo are safe ways to add flavor to your somewhat boring food choices.

Cheeses - all of its types - are very low in carbs and high in fat, making it a great add-on for someone keto. There is only around one gram of carbs in an ounce of cheddar cheese. Just make sure there isn't any hidden sugar or starch in it. Same goes for your salsa.

Meanwhile, Pico de Gallo usually has tomatoes, onions, cilantro and, sometimes, jalapeno. It's a good choice for extra spice when you don't want to add extra carbs.

Tip #4: Watch your alcohol

Margaritas and daiquiris are usually full of sugar and syrups, meaning more carbs.

If you really want some drinks to cap off you night out, tequila or a low carb beer is your best option. Watch your mixers or, if you can, drink the alcohol on the rocks.

You can also ask for the restaurant's carb-free options if you want to. A little goes a long way anyway, so still drink in moderation.

Bottomline

Avoid rice and beans and think of worthy substitutes for them. You can never go wrong with ordering meat options that can be easily keto-fied.

Consume the food you really need to have on a regular basis and keep these options in mind when you need to eat out.

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