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Low- Carbing at a Mexican Restaurant

No need to go off of your diet to eat at a Mexican restaurant.

By Chelsie Kenyon, About.com

Image (c)2005 Chelsie Kenyon licensed to About.com

Mexican restaurants are all over the place and sooner or later your friends are going to invite you to lunch at one. Or your family is going to dinner and everyone wants Mexican food or your office often orders from the little Mexican place around the corner. What do you do? First of all, don't worry, you can enjoy a variety of Mexican dishes. Here's what to order and what questions you may need to ask to make sure your order is low-carb.

Carne Asada
A big slab of moist and juicy beef is the perfect answer to low-carb. You can't go wrong.

Fajitas
These usually come in beef and chicken, but ask about the marinade. Some marinades contain sugar and that may be a no-no according to your eating plan. Ask them to hold the tortillas, beans, rice and add extra onions and peppers.

Chile Relleno
Chile relleno is a cheese-stuffed chile dipped in egg and fried. You may want to verify that they don't smother it with a "carby" sauce. You can however ask for some cheese to melt on top. Add some salsa for extra flavor.

Chile Verde
A wonderful stew of pork and green chiles. The ingredients should be carb-friendly.

Ceviche
Usually served as an appetizer, but also makes a filling meal. Use fresh vegetables to eat it or top a salad with it for an interesting variation.

Ensalada (Salad)
Most ingredients in salads are fine for low-carb. Make sure to hold the carrots, tortilla strips and other low-carb offenders and ask them to add some chicken or beef fajitas on top to make it more filling. Question the dressing too. Ranch and cilantro dressings are fine, but double check the ingredients on the others.

Guacamole and Salsa
These tasty appetizers are naturally low-carb, but watch out for the chips! Ask for a side of celery or cucumber for your "dippers."

Gazpacho
This lovely tomato based soup is naturally low-carb and even more satisfying if it happens to be shrimp gazpacho. The added seafood will keep you full longer.

Carnitas
This shredded pork is a low-carb favorite. Flavorful and juicy, it can be eaten alone or with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.

In a Pinch Order a taco or a burrito with no beans or rice and heavy on the meat, lettuce and tomato. If you want to, order sour cream, extra sauce or onions. Open it up and eat the insides like a salad. Do not eat the tortilla.

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