Why You Should Think Twice Before Getting Rice At A Mexican Restaurant

Eating healthy while dining out at restaurants is a difficult task for many. While there are some healthy options at Mexican restaurants, you would be surprised to learn some of the dishes you would think are a safe bet, actually aren't. 

Burrito bowls typically top the list of healthy options at Mexican restaurants. But rice as a side dish can contain some hidden calories. The unhealthy part of rice as a side dish comes from its preparation — in most Mexican restaurants, it is fried in oil, packing 380 calories and nearly 11 grams of fat (via Eat This, Not That!). Those fats are also not the healthy kind of fats, so it is best to avoid ordering an extra side of rice if you are trying to maintain a low-cal diet.

Researchers say rice in general can also increase your risk of obesity. A study published in 2012 in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that people who ate white rice regularly were more likely to be overweight than those who didn't. It is important to note that this study doesn't specifically cover brown rice or rice substitutes like quinoa, meaning those could be healthy options worth trying.

Here's how to enjoy rice with a healthy twist

Don't want to give up your rice and beans? Try preparing your favorite side dish at home instead of ordering rice out at a Mexican restaurant. This way, you can control the recipe and have the choice to make healthier selections in the way that you prepare it.

Spanish rice can also be a good low-fat side dish to try. Prepared with onions, green peppers and tomatoes, it packs about 1.4 grams of dietary fiber (via Livestrong). If you can avoid frying it, you'll ditch the added calories that often come with rice dishes at Mexican restaurants.

It can be daunting to keep your diet in check while also trying to enjoy that delicious Mexican food. But if you do end up selecting rice as your side dish the next time you're out, just remember to eat it in moderation and offset the extra calories by selecting a healthy entrée option.