Navigating the Mad Mex Menu: A Calorie and Nutrition Guide
Mad Mex is a popular Mexican restaurant chain known for its festive atmosphere and diverse menu. With options like tacos, burritos, fajitas, and more, Mad Mex aims to bring fresh, Mexican-inspired cuisine to its customers.
However, some may find it challenging to make healthy choices when dining out at restaurants, especially when nutritional information is not readily available. The good news is that Mad Mex provides complete nutrition and calorie counts for all menu items on its website.
Understanding this information can help you make informed decisions when ordering at Mad Mex. This guide covers some of the lower calorie dishes at Mad Mex and tips for customizing items to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.
Tacos and Lettuce Wraps
Tacos make a great lighter option at Mad Mex. Corn tortillas contain around 50 calories each and flour tortillas are 100 calories. Building your own tacos allows you to control the ingredients and portions.
For the interior fillings, choose lean proteins like grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp, which range from 70-150 calories per serving. Load up on vitamin-rich veggies like onions, peppers, lettuce, and tomatoes without adding substantial calories.
Another strategy is to opt for lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. The Chicken Avocado and Steak & Avocado Lettuce Wraps clock in at around 300 calories each. This swaps out the carbs for nutrient-dense romaine lettuce leaves.
Lighter Bowls and Ensaladas
Bowls and ensalada options are another lighter choice at Mad Mex. The Fresca Chicken Bowl has chicken, rice, pico de gallo, avocado, and chili lime dressing for around 500 calories. The Ensalada de Pollo contains grilled chicken, guacamole, pepitas, and chipotle vinaigrette for 440 calories.
You can further reduce the calorie counts by using lemon or vinegar as lower calorie dressing options. Bowls with salsa instead of creamy sauces are also a good strategy for limiting calories without limiting flavor.
Seafood and Vegetarian Fare
Taking advantage of the fresh seafood options at Mad Mex is a great way to get lean protein while keeping calories in check. Choices like the Grilled Shrimp Tacos, Shrimp Fajitas, and Seared Tuna Tacos range from 300-500 calories for an entire entree.
There are also ample meatless options at Mad Mex for vegetarians looking for lower calorie dishes. The Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with jalapeno aioli come in at 440 calories for three tacos. The Vegetarian Burrito and Vegetarian Fajitas are around 500 calories as well.
Build Your Own Options
Customizing your order is key for lightening up items at Mad Mex. Instead of getting an assembled burrito, order a burrito bowl without the tortilla to eliminate over 200 calories. For fajitas, choose lean steak or chicken and load up on grilled veggies instead of rice and beans.
The Build Your Own options are great for picking healthier ingredients like fresh salsas, cilantro, onion, lime, and lettuce to add flavor without significant calories. Avoid items like sour cream, cheese, and guacamole in large amounts.
Choosing Sides and Starters Wisely
While the entrées make up the bulk of a meal, sides and starters can also impact the overall nutrition profile. Here are some lower calorie options for these items on the Mad Mex menu:
Salsa and Chips
Fortunately, Mad Mex's signature salsas are low in calories, ranging from 15-30 calories per 2 oz serving. However, the chips add 140 calories for a small serving and 240 for a large. Ask for a lighter portion of chips or skip them entirely to save calories.
Rice and Beans
Rice and bean sides weigh in around 200 calories per serving. Black and pinto beans make a fiber and protein-packed side. For a lower carb option, sub in cilantro lime cauliflower rice or a side salad.
Queso Fundido
This popular starter of chorizo, cheese, and tortillas packs nearly 800 calories per order. Opt for fresh guacamole and veggies instead for a lighter appetizer.
Salads
Salads, like the 140-calorie Mad Mex Ensalada, are a wise choice for starters. Load up on lettuce, salsa, cotija cheese, and skip high-calorie toppings like crispy chicken to keep the salad light.
Healthier Drinks to Go With Your Meal
Beverages can be an overlooked source of calories. Here are some lower calorie drink options at Mad Mex:
Water
Water is always the lowest calorie choice. Filling up on water prevents mindlessly sipping high-calorie drinks throughout your meal.
Tea and Coffee
Unsweetened iced tea contains zero calories, while a regular coffee with cream has about 30. Avoid adding excess milk, flavored syrups, and sugars.
Light Beer and Wine
Light beers like Michelob Ultra contain around 100 calories per 12oz serving. Dry wines like sauvignon blanc and pinot noir range from 120-130 calories per 5oz glass.
Skinny Margaritas
The classic Mad Mex margarita weighs in at 340 calories, while the lower calorie skinny version is only 150. Avoid margarita flavors with added syrups and juices.
Final Tips for Controlling Calories at Mad Mex
Keep these suggestions in mind for monitoring your calorie intake when dining at Mad Mex:
- Check out nutritional info online in advance to plan your order
- Order corn tortillas instead of flour and lettuce wraps when possible
- Fill up on fresh produce like salsa, onions, lime, cilantro
- Choose lean proteins like chicken, fish, and steak
- Limit high-calorie sauces, cheeses, sour cream, and guacamole
- Ask for dressings and drizzles on the side
- Avoid tortilla chips, queso, and creamy starters
- Stick to water, unsweetened tea, black coffee, and light alcohol
- Share high-calorie items instead of overordering
With its bold flavors, Mad Mex offers great options for health-conscious diners. Following these simple guidelines can help you enjoy the freshly prepared Mexican cuisine while still minding your daily calorie goals.
FAQs
What are some of the lowest calorie entrée options at Mad Mex?
Some lower calorie entrees are tacos on corn tortillas or lettuce wraps, fajita bowls with chicken or shrimp, vegetarian burritos, and ensalada bowls with light dressing.
How can I order Mad Mex sides more healthfully?
Choose black or pinto beans, cilantro lime cauliflower rice, or a side salad instead of white rice. Go easy on the tortilla chips and avoid queso fundido.
What are the best low calorie drinks to get at Mad Mex?
Water, unsweetened iced tea, black coffee, skinny margaritas, light beer, and dry wine are good lower calorie beverage choices.
How can I cut calories in tacos at Mad Mex?
Opt for corn tortillas, fillings like grilled chicken or shrimp, and load up on veggie toppings. Skip sour cream, cheese, and guacamole if trying to limit calories.
Should I avoid the salsa and chips at Mad Mex for calorie reasons?
The salsas are very low calorie, so you can enjoy those. But go easy on the higher calorie chips or skip them to save calories.
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.
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