Mexican meal plan for weight loss
The Mexican meal plan for weight loss emphasizes low-calorie, high-nutrient foods common in Mexican cuisine. It includes a variety of fresh vegetables, lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and beans, and whole grains. Portion control is key, and dishes are prepared with minimal oil, focusing on herbs and spices for flavor to aid in effective weight loss.
Meal plan grocery list
Eggs
Chicken breast
Cod
Shrimp
Tofu
Fresh berries
Mango
Avocado
Lime
Tomato
Lemon
Orange
Pear
Spinach
Cabbage
Corn
Black beans
Carrots
Bell peppers
Cherry tomatoes
Portobello mushrooms
Zucchini
Eggplant
Onion
Oatmeal
Brown rice
Quinoa
Meal plan overview
Achieve weight loss goals with the flavorful Mexican meal plan for weight loss. This plan focuses on low-calorie Mexican dishes, rich in vegetables and lean proteins.
Emphasizing portion control and nutritious ingredients, it’s a tasty and effective way to lose weight with Mexican cuisine.
Foods to eat
- Low-Glycemic Vegetables: Leafy greens, tomatoes, and eggplants.
- Whole Grains: Whole wheat pasta, farro, and barley in controlled portions.
- Lean Proteins: Grilled chicken, fish, and turkey.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
- Low-Sugar Fruits: Berries, peaches, and apples.
- Legumes: Beans and lentils for fiber and protein.
- Dairy: Low-fat cheese and yogurt.
- Herbs and Spices: For flavoring dishes without adding sugar or excess salt.
Foods not to eat
- High-Sugar Foods: Desserts like panna cotta and gelato.
- Refined Grains: White bread, regular pasta, and pizza dough.
- Processed Meats: High in sodium and unhealthy fats.
- Fried Foods: Fried mozzarella, zucchini, and other fried appetizers.
- Sweetened Beverages: Sugary drinks and sweetened coffees.
- High-Fat Dairy: Full-fat cheeses and cream-based sauces.
- Alcohol: Can affect blood sugar control.
- Excessive Salt: In cured meats and cheeses.
Main benefits
The Italian meal plan for diabetics is designed to maintain stable blood sugar levels while offering the rich flavors of Italy. It emphasizes low-glycemic-index foods like leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables, and whole grains, along with lean proteins. Olive oil is used for healthy fats, and dishes are seasoned with fresh herbs to enhance flavor without adding sugar or excess carbohydrates.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
Adapting a weight loss plan with flavorful alternatives can keep your meals interesting and nutritious:
- Substitute tofu with halloumi cheese for a protein-packed, satisfying meal.
- Replace whole wheat tortillas with lettuce wraps to cut down on carbs and calories.
- Use bulgur wheat instead of quinoa for a different texture in your salads and bowls.
- Swap coconut milk with almond milk for a lighter, lower-calorie option.
- Instead of tortilla chips, try vegetable sticks with your dips for a healthier snack.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Rev up your weight loss journey with these 7 satisfying Mexican-style snacks:
- Watermelon slices sprinkled with chili powder
- Carrot sticks with salsa verde
- Low-fat cottage cheese with pineapple chunks
- Baked kale chips with a dash of hot sauce
- Grilled chicken skewers with bell pepper strips
- Veggie soup with a kick of jalapeno
- Smoothie made with spinach, cucumber, and lime juice
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For weight loss with a Mexican flair, focus on drinks that are low in calories. Water is your best friend for hydration. Herbal teas, especially those with metabolism-boosting properties, are great. Light aguas frescas with minimal added sugar can satisfy your fruit cravings. Black coffee provides an energy boost without the calories. Avoid sugary and alcoholic beverages to keep your calorie count in check.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
Mexican Meal Plan for Weight Loss
Day 1
- Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Sliced Tomatoes and Avocado (calories: 250, protein: 15g, carbs: 10g, fat: 16g)
- Lunch: Grilled Chicken Salad with Mixed Greens, Black Beans, Corn, and Salsa (calories: 350, protein: 30g, carbs: 30g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Fresh Fruit Salad (calories: 120, protein: 2g, carbs: 30g, fat: 0.5g)
- Dinner: Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw on Corn Tortillas (calories: 400, protein: 25g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with Almond Milk, topped with Fresh Berries (calories: 300, protein: 8g, carbs: 45g, fat: 8g)
- Lunch: Veggie and Black Bean Burrito Bowl with Brown Rice (calories: 350, protein: 12g, carbs: 55g, fat: 8g)
- Snack: A Small Handful of Almonds (calories: 160, protein: 6g, carbs: 6g, fat: 14g)
- Dinner: Grilled Vegetable Fajitas with Whole Wheat Tortillas (calories: 400, protein: 12g, carbs: 50g, fat: 18g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Smoothie with Spinach, Banana, and a scoop of Protein Powder (calories: 280, protein: 20g, carbs: 40g, fat: 5g)
- Lunch: Chicken Tortilla Soup (calories: 300, protein: 25g, carbs: 30g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Carrot Sticks with Hummus (calories: 150, protein: 5g, carbs: 20g, fat: 5g)
- Dinner: Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado (calories: 350, protein: 30g, carbs: 20g, fat: 15g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Chia Seed Pudding made with Coconut Milk and topped with Mango (calories: 250, protein: 6g, carbs: 30g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Quinoa Salad with Corn, Black Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, and Avocado (calories: 350, protein: 10g, carbs: 45g, fat: 15g)
- Snack: A Small Pear (calories: 100, protein: 1g, carbs: 25g, fat: 0.2g)
- Dinner: Grilled Portobello Mushroom Tacos with Salsa Verde (calories: 350, protein: 10g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Whole Grain Toast with Avocado and a Side of Pico de Gallo (calories: 300, protein: 8g, carbs: 35g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Lentil Soup with Vegetables and a Side Salad (calories: 350, protein: 18g, carbs: 40g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: A Handful of Pumpkin Seeds (calories: 180, protein: 9g, carbs: 10g, fat: 15g)
- Dinner: Baked Cod with a Side of Mexican-Style Zucchini (calories: 400, protein: 35g, carbs: 25g, fat: 18g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Yogurt with Granola and Fresh Berries (calories: 280, protein: 12g, carbs: 40g, fat: 8g)
- Lunch: Veggie-Stuffed Bell Peppers with Brown Rice (calories: 350, protein: 12g, carbs: 50g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Fresh Salsa with Baked Tortilla Chips (calories: 150, protein: 3g, carbs: 25g, fat: 4g)
- Dinner: Roasted Eggplant Enchiladas with a Light Tomato Sauce (calories: 400, protein: 12g, carbs: 50g, fat: 18g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Scrambled Tofu with Onions, Bell Peppers, and Salsa (calories: 250, protein: 15g, carbs: 10g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Spinach Salad with Avocado, Orange Slices, and a Citrus Vinaigrette (calories: 300, protein: 5g, carbs: 30g, fat: 18g)
- Snack: A Handful of Fresh Blueberries (calories: 80, protein: 1g, carbs: 20g, fat: 0.5g)
- Dinner: Vegetarian Chili with a Variety of Beans and Vegetables, Served with a Small Corn Tortilla (calories: 400, protein: 15g, carbs: 60g, fat: 10g)
Want to learn more?
- Weight management using a meal replacement strategy: meta and pooling analysis from six studies
- Randomized Trial of a High Protein, Partial Meal Replacement Program with or without Alternate Day Fasting: Similar Effects on Weight Loss, Retention Status, Nutritional, Metabolic, and Behavioral Outcomes
⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb 29, 2024
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024