Mexican meal plan for dieting
The Mexican meal plan for dieting offers a balanced approach to weight loss, featuring nutrient-dense and lower-calorie Mexican dishes. It includes vegetable-centric meals, lean proteins, and controlled portions of whole grains, all flavored with herbs and spices to provide satisfying meals that support weight loss goals.
Meal plan grocery list
Eggs
Spinach
Whole wheat bread
Chicken breast
Avocado
Black beans
Salsa
Oatmeal
Almond milk
Fresh berries
Quinoa
Corn
Lime
Greek yogurt
Honey
Mixed vegetables
Guacamole ingredients
Cod fillets
Tomato
Lentils
Lettuce
Apple
Chia seeds
Mango
Tuna
Olives
Pumpkin seeds
Meal plan overview
Enjoy dieting with a Mexican flair in the Mexican meal plan for dieting. This plan combines the pleasures of Mexican cuisine with a focus on healthy, calorie-controlled meals.
With an emphasis on fresh produce and lean proteins, this plan makes dieting both effective and enjoyable.
Foods to eat
- Low-Carb Vegetables: Leafy greens, eggplants, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
- Proteins: Fish, chicken, beef, and pork, preferably grilled, baked, or broiled.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
- Low-Carb Fruits: Berries and melons in moderation.
- Cheese: Parmesan, mozzarella, and other Italian cheeses in moderation.
- Nuts and Seeds: For snacking and added crunch in salads.
- Herbs and Spices: Basil, oregano, and garlic for flavoring without carbs.
- Water and Herbal Teas: To stay hydrated without added sugars.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Traditional Pasta: Opt for spiralized vegetables or low-carb alternatives.
- Bread: Avoid regular bread, focaccia, and breadsticks.
- High-Carb Fruits: Such as grapes and bananas.
- Starchy Vegetables: Potatoes and corn.
- Sugary Desserts: Traditional Italian pastries and gelatos.
- Beer and Sugary Cocktails: High in carbs and sugars.
- Cream-Based Sauces: Often high in carbs and calories.
- Fried Foods: Fried appetizers and entrees.
Main benefits
The Italian meal plan for a low carb diet adapts traditional Italian recipes to fit a low carbohydrate lifestyle. It includes dishes with lean meats, seafood, and a variety of non-starchy vegetables. Pasta and bread are replaced with low-carb alternatives like zucchini noodles and cauliflower crusts, allowing for enjoyment of Italian flavors while adhering to a low carb regimen.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
For those on a diet, making smart swaps can help reduce calories while still enjoying delicious meals:
- Replace whole wheat bread with lettuce wraps to cut down on carbs and calories.
- Use zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of pasta for a low-carb option.
- Opt for egg whites instead of whole eggs to lower fat and cholesterol intake.
- Swap almond milk with cashew milk for a creamier, lower-calorie beverage.
- Instead of quinoa, try spaghetti squash for a lower-calorie, fiber-rich substitute.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Stay on track with your diet goals while savoring the bold flavors of Mexico with these 7 satisfying snacks:
- Chili lime cucumber slices
- Light Greek yogurt with diced mango
- Vegetable crudites with salsa verde
- Baked whole grain tortilla chips with black bean dip
- Grilled chicken skewers with pineapple salsa
- Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt and lime
- Smoothie made with spinach, banana, and unsweetened almond milk
What should I drink on this meal plan?
On a dieting regime with a Mexican style, your drinks should be low in calories but high in flavor. Water is essential for hydration and can be infused with citrus or cucumber for a refreshing twist. Opt for herbal teas, especially those that aid digestion. Lightly sweetened aguas frescas provide a taste of fruit without too many calories. Coffee is fine but avoid adding too much sugar or cream. Steer clear of sugary and alcoholic drinks to stay on track with your diet goals.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
Mexican Meal Plan for Dieting
Day 1
- Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and a slice of Whole Wheat Toast (calories: 250, protein: 15g, carbs: 20g, fat: 10g)
- Lunch: Chicken Salad with Avocado, Black Beans, and Salsa (calories: 350, protein: 25g, carbs: 30g, fat: 15g)
- Snack: Fresh Fruit Salad (calories: 120, protein: 2g, carbs: 30g, fat: 0.5g)
- Dinner: Grilled Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw on Corn Tortillas (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with Almond Milk and Fresh Berries (calories: 300, protein: 10g, carbs: 45g, fat: 8g)
- Lunch: Veggie and Black Bean Burrito Bowl with Brown Rice (calories: 350, protein: 12g, carbs: 50g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: A Small Handful of Almonds (calories: 160, protein: 6g, carbs: 6g, fat: 14g)
- Dinner: Chicken Fajitas with Bell Peppers and Onions, Whole Wheat Tortillas (calories: 400, protein: 25g, carbs: 35g, fat: 18g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Greek Yogurt with a Drizzle of Honey and Mixed Berries (calories: 200, protein: 10g, carbs: 25g, fat: 4g)
- Lunch: Quinoa Salad with Black Beans, Corn, Avocado, and Lime Vinaigrette (calories: 350, protein: 10g, carbs: 55g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Fresh Vegetable Sticks with Guacamole (calories: 150, protein: 3g, carbs: 15g, fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Baked Cod with Salsa Verde, Steamed Vegetables (calories: 400, protein: 35g, carbs: 25g, fat: 18g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Whole Grain Toast with Avocado and Tomato (calories: 250, protein: 7g, carbs: 25g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Lentil Soup with a Side Salad (calories: 350, protein: 18g, carbs: 40g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: A Small Apple (calories: 80, protein: 0.5g, carbs: 22g, fat: 0.2g)
- Dinner: Vegetarian Enchiladas with a Light Tomato Sauce (calories: 400, protein: 12g, carbs: 50g, fat: 18g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Chia Seed Pudding with Almond Milk and Fresh Mango (calories: 250, protein: 5g, carbs: 30g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Tuna Salad with Mixed Greens, Olives, and a Citrus Vinaigrette (calories: 350, protein: 25g, carbs: 15g, fat: 20g)
- Snack: A Handful of Pumpkin Seeds (calories: 180, protein: 9g, carbs: 10g, fat: 15g)
- Dinner: Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado, served with Whole Grain Tostadas (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 35g, fat: 18g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Smoothie with Spinach, Banana, Almond Milk, Protein Powder (calories: 280, protein: 20g, carbs: 40g, fat: 5g)
- Lunch: Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas with Whole Wheat Tortillas (calories: 350, protein: 12g, carbs: 45g, fat: 15g)
- Snack: Fresh Salsa with Baked Tortilla Chips (calories: 150, protein: 3g, carbs: 25g, fat: 4g)
- Dinner: Vegetarian Chili with a Variety of Beans and Vegetables, Small Corn Tortilla (calories: 400, protein: 15g, carbs: 60g, fat: 10g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Scrambled Tofu with Onions, Bell Peppers, and Tomatoes (calories: 250, protein: 15g, carbs: 10g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Spinach Salad with Avocado, Orange Slices, Citrus Vinaigrette (calories: 300, protein: 5g, carbs: 30g, fat: 18g)
- Snack: A Small Handful of Blueberries (calories: 80, protein: 1g, carbs: 20g, fat: 0.5g)
- Dinner: Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini Tostadas with Black Beans (calories: 400, protein: 15g, carbs: 60g, fat: 10g)
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⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb 29, 2024
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024