Carbohydrate is an important nutrient for the body, but complications occur if you eat too many carbohydrates. People with diabetes have to keep an eye on their carb and food intake.
Traditional Mexican cuisine is high in carbs. Diabetes patients will get problems as a result of this. People with diabetes cannot break down carbohydrates without insulin or other diabetic medications.
But here, the question arises. Is Mexican food suitable for people with diabetes? Should this cuisine be avoided entirely? If you have type 2 diabetes, you do not have to eliminate Mexican food from your diet. You can still enjoy it by making a few minor changes.
In this article, I will explain which Mexican food is bad and how it will affect your blood glucose levels. I will also enlist some diabetic-friendly Mexican food. So without further ado, let’s dig unto it.
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Skip The Following Food Items While Preparing/Ordering Mexican Food
- First, remove the tortilla chips. On the other hand, Salsa is produced using tomatoes, which have a low glycemic index and is unlikely to cause issues. Guacamole is also recommended since it is abundant in good fats and may lower your risk of coronary heart disease.
- You must skip refined beans, but black beans are a nutritious alternative. Well, how about a beef option? You can always get the fajitas, lean meat like chicken or fish, and ask them to cook it in a lower oil or altogether omit the oil.
- And dont eat traditional Mexican pastries. Instead, eat a low-glycemic fruit like a pear, apple, or a modest low-fat dairy.
- People with diabetes cannot eat taco shells because Corn tortillas used for tacos are higher in nutritional fiber and lower in saturated fat. They are high in carbohydrates, which can alter diabetics’ blood sugar levels.
- People with diabetes should avoid eating quesadillas as the tortilla is high in carbohydrates and contains much more. If you’re attempting to lose weight or have diabetes, this is a bad idea. Although cheese is high in calcium and protein, it contributes saturated fat to a quesadilla. Saturated fat consumption may raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.
- Stop eating potatoes, as potatoes are a starchy vegetable, which means they are high in carbs and can elevate blood sugar levels. For patients who have diabetes, potatoes are not a healthy option, as they cause a surge in blood glucose levels. A study was conducted that concluded that excessive intake of potatoes can worse type two diabetes.
- Corn is not a healthy option for people with diabetes because Corn is considered a “starchy” vegetable (along with potatoes, peas, and squash). As the name implies, starchy veggies contain more carbohydrates than “non-starchy” vegetables (such as broccoli, asparagus, and onions). They have the potential to raise your blood sugar levels.
- Beans are also high in carbs, which means that if beans are utilized as a protein source in a meal with other carbs, the chances of a blood sugar surge increase (especially if you’re carb-sensitive). A diet rich in beans causes a spike in blood glucose levels.
People with diabetes cannot digest carbohydrates without insulin or other medications. Carbohydrate buildup is what causes blood sugar levels to rise. People with diabetes should take precautions when consuming Mexican food. That is not to suggest that people with diabetes cannot have a nice Mexican lunch; they most certainly can!
Mexican food is suitable for people with diabetes. People with diabetes have numerous low-carb alternatives from which to choose. Several restaurants offer low-carb meal options, especially as the healthy-living craze continues. Low-carb choices can be pleasant and rewarding with a little preparation.
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Starter For Diabetics
- Mexican Beef Soop, known as Caldo de Res, is a well-balanced dish.
The primary ingredients in this recipe are beef shank with bone, pepper, chopped onions, tomatoes, cabbage, jalapeno, and, of course, beef broth.
Different Mexican Restaurant diabetes-friendly meals. Carrots and potatoes are frequently used in this Mexican meal. However, they should be avoided due to their high carbohydrate content. Similarly, although they mix well together, serving this meal with rice is not recommended.
- Guacamole is a fantastic diabetic option at a Mexican restaurant. Avocados are high in healthy fats and low in carbs and are used to make guacamole. Use a spoon or fork to eat the tortilla chips that normally come with guacamole.
Another alternative is to inquire about the availability of dipping vegetables such as tomatoes, romaine lettuce spears, or bell pepper slices.
- Pico de gallo, often known as fresh salsa, is another diabetic-friendly appetizer in a Mexican restaurant. Fresh tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and jalapenos are usually used to make pico de gallo. This is an excellent way to begin your dinner or enhance your main course’s flavor.
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Main Course For Diabetics
While ordering Mexican food, there is numerous meal option. You must be active because typical Mexican cuisine includes tacos, burritos, flautas, chimichangas, chilaquiles, and tostadas.
All of these are enclosed with carbs. You can order tacos without tortillas that are made of white flour, but you can still enjoy the salad. This may not sound as thrilling as a burrito or fried flauta, but don’t panic; there are healthful options for people with diabetes.
- Salads are a fantastic alternative for people with diabetes. Many Mexican salads are served in a large, fried tortilla shell, which is similarly high in carbs and should be avoided. Any salad with the tortilla shell bowl is a safe bet.
Make sure to avoid roasted corn as well. Make sure to avoid roasted corn, which adds unnecessary carbs. If you’re strong enough, just eat the salad and leave the taco shell alone.
- Fajitas are one of the most popular menu items at Tex-Mex restaurants. Because this dish is often grilled, it is naturally healthier than other deep-fried Mexican food. Fajitas are grilled meat or chicken, veggies, cheese, and spices. Fajitas are sometimes served with corn or flour tortillas.
However, a person with diabetes should avoid having it served or made with a tortilla because it may contain excessive amounts of carbs and sugar. Similarly, cheese should be skipped to reduce the overall carb amount of the dish.
Adding vegetables like bell pepper and onion to fajitas makes them even healthier. If you are preparing the food at home, you can also add other grilled veggies.
- Ceviche was not invented in Mexico; it is such a popular dish in Mexico and the United States that it is sometimes associated with Mexican cuisine. Ceviche is a savory dish comprised of marinated and seasoned fresh fish with lemon juice and seasonings such as tomatoes and onion.
Ceviche is a healthy dish with balanced protein and good fats compared to rice dishes. Ceviche is typically served with tortillas in Mexican restaurants.
However, because tortillas can be heavy in carbs, you may choose not to serve them with the dish. After all, this smoky fish dish is delicious on its own.
- Chipotle, a Mexican restaurant, is well-known for this style of food. Instead of a tortilla to hold the food, it is placed in a container to be eaten and advertised as “bowls.”
Grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or portabella mushrooms are available, along with cilantro lime rice, black beans, bell peppers, queso fresco, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and sliced avocado. Depending on your daily carbohydrate allowance, you can skip the beans.
Sweet Dishes Iption For Diabetics
Desserts are typically labeled as foods diabetics should avoid in Mexican and other cuisines.
Desserts are naturally sweet and heavy in sugar content, so this makes sense. Desserts, in general, are harmful to a diabetic’s health. However, as a person with diabetes with a sweet craving, this is hardly the end of the road. There are still ways to enjoy beverages and dessert.
- A sugar-free margarita is a perfect example. The triple sec used in this beverage can be made sugar-free and thus more suitable for people with diabetes. Make some low-sugar Flan if this drink doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth. You can make low-sugar Mexican Flan at home.
People with diabetes have numerous diabetic alternatives. Don’t allow diabetes to prevent you from having a night out with friends, a romantic night, or a family supper. You have a variety of healthy, wise options to pick from. You should have basic knowledge of what to choose and avoid.
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FAQs
Is Mexican Rice Good For people with Diabetes?
This is the worst food for people with diabetes, heart patients, and people who want to lose weight because Mexican Rice contains 215 calories per serving. And 3.40 grams of sugar. Carbohydrates account for 130 calories, proteins for 15 calories, and fat accounts for the remaining calories (70 calories).
Is Queso Suitable for Diabetics?
Cheese can be eaten safely by people with diabetes as part of a well-balanced diet. Like with all meals, moderation is crucial, and a diet high in cheese could be dangerous to persons with or without diabetes.
Can Diabetics Eat Baked Potato and Salsa?
Yes, the tomatoes and other vegetables in salsa are low in carbs (just 4 g per 14 cups), making them an excellent choice for people with diabetes.
What Foods Can a Diabetic Eat at a Mexican Restaurant?
Many soups in Mexican cuisine are good in nutrients and low in calories. Search for one that is created with broth. Soups such as black beans, chicken tortillas, and prawns (caldo de camaron) are safe options. Pozole, a stew made with pig, veggies, and hominy, is another option (ground corn kernels).
Final Words
In this article, I have told you what food items must be skipped from the Mexican menu and diabetic-friendly Mexican food options. So you should follow these guidelines before eating Mexican dishes. As you know, most of them are coated with just carbs and sugar.
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