Mexican Food Calories
Mexican food is a very popular cuisine that has gained an international acclaim due to its varied and pleasing flavors, unique cooking style, and a soul pleasing aroma. Many fusion cuisines and variations of Mexican foods have emerged in the recent past. However, the basic method of cooking, ingredients, and basic recipes have remained the same. Mexican food has become so popular that many fast food chains have started serving it. In fact, many fast food chains serving only Mexican food have also emerged. Before we try to understand and calculate the amount of calories in Mexican food, let us have a look at the ingredients of Mexican food.
Mexican Food Ingredients
Mexican food that we eat today is actually a fusion of Spanish and South American foods. In the times of the Spanish invasion in America, the Mexicans and South Americans principally relied on a diet of corn, vegetables, herbs and chilies. Even today, the basic ingredients of Mexican food are made from corn, beans, and a variety of herbs. The herbs that are used to give Mexican food a particular conditioning, do not account for the majority of calories. The major chunk of calories come from beans, corns and meat. Most of the Mexican foods are prepared from Masa, a dough made from cornmeal, which has a high calorie content. In some cases, Masa also refers to corn dough or wheat flour dough.
The Spanish invaders in the 15th century introduced a whole new variety of food products such as rice, meat, cattle and heavy cheese to the people of South America, thus establishing a distinct influence over South American and Mexican food culture. In short, calories in Mexican food are concentrated in the base ingredients, i.e. grains, beans, and meat fillings of the food products. The calories at large can be rated as medium in quantity of calories, and high in nutrients such as proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates.
Calories in Mexican Food
The following table is a calorie chart, giving information all about Mexican food calories.
| Mexican Food Item | Calories in Mexican Food |
| Quesadilla | 650 |
| Tortilla chips and guacamole | 590 |
| Nachos | 1,000 |
| Tortilla chips and salsa | 515 |
| Barbecue ribs | 360 |
| Potato skins with sour cream | 565 |
| Chicken wings with barbecue dip | 520 |
| Vegetable fajitas | 810 |
| Beef fajitas | 1,300 |
| Caesar salad | 535 |
| Chicken burrito | 600 |
| Chicken enchilada | 700 |
| Chicken chimichanga | 675 |
On an average, there are about 1200 calories in Mexican food which is meant for one person. In order to minimize the calories, dietitians often recommend many alternative cooking methods. Some of the essential tips have been listed below.
- Usage of low fat oil for cooking
- Using brown rice
- Using whole wheat tacos and tortillas
- Using grilling method instead of frying
