Eating out with diabetes can be quite difficult since there are countless hidden ingredients found within even the most upscale of restaurants. This is especially true for Mexican food due to the variability of the ingredients from one restaurant to another and one region to another.

In one region, deep-frying tamales might be the norm while in others, steaming tamales is preferred. In some areas, cheese is used sparingly inside of tacos whereas other restaurants will pour cheese on top of dishes as though it is a sauce in and of itself.

Despite the many potential pitfalls inherent in eating out at a Mexican restaurant, you can have diabetes and still enjoy the food by making a few simple substitutions.

#1. Lettuce for Tortillas

It may be tempting to scoop up your delectable food and sides with a fresh tortilla, but set aside the additional carbs found in tortillas and opt for a fresh lettuce leaf instead. Most sit-down Mexican restaurants have lettuce on hand for various dishes and are willing to substitute if asked.

#2. Beans or Rice

Having both beans and rice can wreak havoc on your blood sugar. Instead of getting beans and rice, choose one side and request an additional serving of tomatoes, avocado, or salsa instead. You can add these things to your beans or rice to bulk them up without risking the addition of more starches and carbs.

#3. Grilled Chicken for Fried Meat

Many restaurants rely upon fried meat to add flavor and texture to dishes. Avoid deep-fried or pan-fried meats and opt instead for grilled meat.

Choosing grilled meat will keep additional fats and oils away from your already fat-and-oil-laden meal and allow you to enjoy your meal peacefully without gastrointestinal discomfort or blood sugar spikes.

#4. Homemade for Restaurant-Made

When in doubt, consider a homemade replica. When you make your food at home, you have complete control over all of the ingredients. In a restaurant, you can’t be sure what type of oil the food is cooked in or what is in the sauce. At home, you can make substitutions wherever necessary. Making your own sauce means you can leave out excess oil and sugar while making your own tortillas means you can swap out flour tortillas for cauliflower rounds.

Mexican food is one of the most popular food types for restaurant goers. Knowing a few tricks to make sure you don’t tax your body is the best way to enjoy a night out without feeling deprived.