Mexican meal plan for healthy eating
The Mexican meal plan for healthy eating features a variety of nutrient-rich foods. It includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, and healthy fats, particularly avocado and olive oil. Traditional Mexican cooking methods, like grilling and baking, are used to preserve nutritional value while enhancing natural flavors.
Meal plan grocery list
Whole grain bread
Avocado
Tomato
Onion
Lime
Chicken or fish
Mixed greens
Black beans
Corn
Whole wheat tortillas
Oatmeal
Almond milk
Berries
Chia seeds
Quinoa
Bell peppers
Greek yogurt
Granola
Tropical fruits
Lentils
Corn tortillas
Cucumber
Carrots
Guacamole ingredients
Tofu
Brown rice
Spinach
Meal plan overview
Nourish your body with the Mexican meal plan for healthy eating. This plan celebrates the nutritious and vibrant aspects of Mexican cuisine, focusing on whole foods and balanced meals.
Rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, it’s a wholesome way to enjoy the flavors of Mexico.
Foods to eat
- Low-Calorie Vegetables: Salad greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini.
- Lean Proteins: Grilled fish, chicken breast, and turkey.
- Whole Grains: Small portions of whole wheat pasta or farro.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil used sparingly and nuts for snacks.
- Fruits: Berries, apples, and pears for sweetness and fiber.
- Legumes: Lentils and beans in soups or salads.
- Low-Fat Dairy: Parmesan or ricotta cheese in moderation.
- Herbs and Spices: To flavor dishes without added calories.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- High-Calorie Pasta Dishes: Especially those with creamy sauces.
- Processed Meats: High in fat and sodium, such as pepperoni and salami.
- Fried Appetizers: Such as fried calamari and arancini.
- Full-Fat Cheeses: Like mozzarella and gorgonzola in excess.
- Sugary Desserts: Tiramisu, gelato, and cannoli.
- High-Calorie Beverages: Sweetened sodas and alcoholic drinks.
- Excessive Oils: Even healthy oils like olive oil should be used in moderation.
- Refined Carbohydrates: White bread and regular pasta.
Main benefits
The Italian meal plan for dieting combines the flavorful aspects of Italian cuisine with a focus on calorie control for weight loss. It includes plenty of vegetables, lean proteins like chicken and fish, and uses whole grains instead of refined pasta and bread. Meals are cooked with minimal olive oil and flavored with herbs, providing a balanced and enjoyable dieting experience.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
Healthy eating is about variety and balance. Here are some great alternatives to maintain a diverse and nutritious diet:
- Replace tofu with chickpeas for a different source of plant-based protein.
- Try bulgur instead of quinoa to introduce new grains into your meals.
- Use pumpkin seeds instead of roasted nuts for added nutrients and flavor.
- Swap mixed greens with baby arugula for a peppery twist in salads.
- Instead of Greek yogurt, try kefir for a probiotic-rich, tangy alternative.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Embrace a lifestyle of wellness with these 7 wholesome and flavorful Mexican-style snacks:
- Spicy mango slices with Tajin seasoning
- Crisp bell pepper strips with creamy avocado dip
- Coconut milk yogurt parfait with fresh berries
- Baked whole grain tortilla chips with homemade salsa
- Roasted chickpeas tossed in cumin and chili powder
- Quinoa salad with black beans, corn, and lime dressing
- Raw almonds and dried fruit mix
What should I drink on this meal plan?
In a healthy eating approach with a Mexican twist, choosing the right beverages is important. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Herbal teas can be a soothing, healthy option. Enjoy aguas frescas in moderation, made with fresh fruits and less sugar. Coffee, a staple in Mexican culture, is fine in moderation, but skip the heavy creams and sugars. Avoid high-calorie, sugary drinks to maintain a balanced diet.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
Mexican Meal Plan for Healthy Eating
Day 1
- Breakfast: Whole grain toast with smashed avocado and pico de gallo (calories: 250, protein: 7g, carbs: 30g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Grilled chicken or fish salad with mixed greens, black beans, corn, and lime-cilantro vinaigrette (calories: 350, protein: 30g, carbs: 35g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Fresh fruit salad with lime (calories: 120, protein: 2g, carbs: 30g, fat: 0.5g)
- Dinner: Chicken fajitas with bell peppers, onions, whole wheat tortillas (calories: 400, protein: 25g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with almond milk, berries, chia seeds (calories: 300, protein: 10g, carbs: 45g, fat: 8g)
- Lunch: Quinoa and black bean stuffed bell peppers, side salad (calories: 350, protein: 12g, carbs: 55g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Handful of almonds (calories: 160, protein: 6g, carbs: 6g, fat: 14g)
- Dinner: Baked cod with salsa verde, steamed vegetables (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 25g, fat: 18g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with granola, tropical fruits (calories: 300, protein: 15g, carbs: 40g, fat: 8g)
- Lunch: Lentil soup, corn tortillas, mixed vegetable salad (calories: 350, protein: 18g, carbs: 50g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Carrot and cucumber sticks with guacamole (calories: 150, protein: 3g, carbs: 18g, fat: 9g)
- Dinner: Vegetarian enchiladas with tomato sauce, refried beans (calories: 400, protein: 15g, carbs: 60g, fat: 12g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, almond milk, protein powder (calories: 280, protein: 20g, carbs: 40g, fat: 5g)
- Lunch: Turkey or chicken wrap, whole wheat tortilla, lettuce, tomato, avocado (calories: 350, protein: 25g, carbs: 35g, fat: 12g)
- Snack: Fresh fruit (apple or pear) (calories: 100, protein: 0.5g, carbs: 25g, fat: 0.2g)
- Dinner: Tofu and vegetable stir-fry, brown rice (calories: 400, protein: 15g, carbs: 50g, fat: 15g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, whole grain tortilla (calories: 300, protein: 20g, carbs: 25g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Tuna salad with mixed greens, olives, citrus vinaigrette (calories: 350, protein: 30g, carbs: 15g, fat: 18g)
- Snack: Small bowl of melon or pineapple (calories: 80, protein: 1g, carbs: 20g, fat: 0.5g)
- Dinner: Shrimp ceviche with avocado, whole grain tostadas (calories: 400, protein: 25g, carbs: 35g, fat: 18g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Chia seed pudding with coconut milk, kiwi, pineapple (calories: 250, protein: 5g, carbs: 30g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Grilled chicken or fish salad with mixed greens, avocado, lime-cilantro dressing (calories: 350, protein: 25g, carbs: 20g, fat: 18g)
- Snack: Handful of roasted nuts or seeds (calories: 180, protein: 5g, carbs: 8g, fat: 15g)
- Dinner: Roasted vegetable tacos with whole grain tortillas, pico de gallo (calories: 400, protein: 10g, carbs: 50g, fat: 18g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Whole grain cereal with almond milk, fresh berries (calories: 280, protein: 8g, carbs: 50g, fat: 6g)
- Lunch: Black bean and corn salad, steamed vegetables (calories: 350, protein: 15g, carbs: 50g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Sliced bell peppers with hummus (calories: 150, protein: 6g, carbs: 20g, fat: 6g)
- Dinner: Baked chicken with mole sauce, quinoa (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g)
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⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb 29, 2024
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024