Finding Healthy Latin Food Options at Gloria's Latin Cuisine

Finding Healthy Options at Latin Cuisine Restaurants

Latin cuisine encompasses the flavorful foods of many Latin American countries. With the right choices, dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas can be part of a nutritious diet. Restaurants like Gloria's Latin Cuisine offer lighter fare and veggie-packed sides to balance meals.

Understanding Healthy Fats and Carbs

Instead of focusing solely on fat or carbs, it's key to consider the sources and portions. Plant-based unsaturated fats and high fiber complex carbs provide more benefits than their saturated and processed counterparts.

In Latin cuisine, avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and even modest amounts of cheese supply healthier fats. Beans, rice, corn, and veggie toppings offer better carb options compared to refined flour tortillas and chips.

Building Nutritious Plate at Gloria's

With some simple substitutions, many Gloria’s Latin Cuisine menu items can be very nourishing. Consider these tweaks for more veggie-centric plates:

• Skip chips and opt for fresh salsa and guacamole with cut veggies
• Sub out rice for cilantro lime cauliflower rice or salad
• Choose corn tortillas which offer more fiber
• Load up on extra produce like onions, peppers, mushrooms
• Add black beans or pinto beans for a fiber, protein boost

Lighter Gloria’s Entrees to Consider

While menus highlight more indulgent dishes like chimichangas and enchiladas, Gloria’s Latin Cuisine provides lighter options perfect for those focused on healthier eating.

Grilled entrees allow you to skip fried shells and extra oil. Burrito bowls are another smart choice, avoiding the refined flour of tortillas. Some recommended picks include:

• Pollo Asado - Grilled chicken breast
• Arroz Con Pollo - Chicken and rice bowl
• Ensalada De Pollo - Chicken salad with avocado
• Fajita Power Veggie Bowl - Grilled veggies over quinoa

Adding More Produce

In addition to swapping starchy sides for veggie-focused ones, taking advantage of salsa and salad bar additions can increase nutrition. Some tasty produce picks at Gloria's Latin Cuisine that won't tip the calorie scale include:

• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Peppers
• Corn
• Zucchini
• Radishes
• Cucumber
• Cilantro
• Jicama

Evaluating Healthier Beverage Options

While alcohol-infused Latin drinks like margaritas may be tempting, limiting alcoholic intake is best for health. Beyond booze, what you sip makes a difference too. Water is always top choice, but some alternatives at Gloria's like iced tea, fruit infused water, or aguas frescas allow flavor while avoiding excess calories and sugar.

The Major Players: Water and Tea

Water tops the list of healthy drink options. Opting for still or sparkling with lemon or lime provides pure hydration without sweeteners or calories. Iced tea can be a good choice as well - at Gloria's unsweetened black or green tea avoids extra sugar.

Infused Waters for Flavor

Gloria’s also offers self-serve infused waters featuring fruit and herb combinations like:

• Citrus - Lemon, lime, orange
• Berries - Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
• Tropical - Pineapple, mango, coconut
• Mint & Cucumber

The fruit adds light sweetness and antioxidant power for a more appealing hydrator.

Aguas Frescas

Sweetened lightly with sugar rather than artificial sweeteners, traditional aguas frescas provide another better-for-you Latin drink choice:

• Horchata - Rice milk, vanilla, cinnamon
• Jamaica - Hibiscus flower tea
• Tamarindo - Sweet and sour tamarind fruit

Satisfying Dessert and Coffee Cravings

Rounding out a meal with something sweet can surely hit the spot after Latin cuisine. By keeping portions in check, desserts and coffee beverages don’t have to derail healthy eating goals.

Fruit and Baked Treats

Fresh fruit makes for an easy lower calorie dessert choice. Other more modest options at Gloria’s include:

• Flan - Baked caramel egg custard
• Churros - Fried dough sticks coated in cinnamon sugar

Getting these items to share can help control serving sizes.

Coffee and Tea

Rather than pumped up coffee drinks overloaded with cream, sugar and flavorings, wise choices include:

• Cold brew iced coffee
• Americano
• Cappuccino
• Latte
• Black or green tea

Opting for small sizes, asking for less sweetener, and adding just a splash of milk helps keep calories down.

Gloria's Latin Cuisine Nourishes Body and Soul

With some simple substitutions and smart choices focused on quality carbs, healthy fats and extra veggies, Latin restaurant dining can absolutely be nutritious. Gloria’s Latin Cuisine allows guests to enjoy flavorful ethnic cuisine along with lighter fare suitable for any healthy lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.