If you ask majority of U.S citizens on when the last time they ate Mexican food, usually it is within the last week. Mexican foods have become very popular in the US. The problem is that the Mexican foods in the USA are not the same as they are in Mexico. Americans have added lots of fat to the meals. If you go down to Mexico, you may not even find the same dishes as the dishes were created in America. Authentic Mexican meals are rich in fresh vegetables, protein, and wholesome vitamins and spices.

Taco Bell comes to mind as a popular food chain that serves Mexican foods. You will find tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. People in Mexico usually do not eat big platters of tortilla chips in their everyday meals. Because of the food sold in the United States, it is not very healthy. The Mexican foods in the US are not as rich in nutrients. It contains large amounts of fat, sodium, and calories. It also does not include many fresh vegetables.

Most traditional Mexican dishes have less fat and calories. This does not mean you can't enjoy the foods served in American restaurants. You can include more healthy foods to the dish. Tomatoes are high in vitamins and have lycopene which has cancer-fighting properties. Tomatoes can be added to many Mexican dishes. Beans carry high protein and fiber. As opposed to eating the beans refried, try getting them whole. It cuts back on the fat. Corn is another vegetable that is healthy in Mexican foods. It is high in vitamins and contains fiber. Adding these to your Mexican dishes will make them healthier than what you are served at Taco Bell.

You may be wondering if people in Mexico eat healthier foods. In the US we've the alternative to go to health food stores where we can find organic foods and foods not as fattening. The only drawback is that not everyone can afford to buy these foods whenever they go to grocery shops. In Mexico, healthier options are available. Each year the health food market in Mexico makes over $500 Million. The consumers make up 5 percent of Mexico's population. Their age range is from 20 to 50 years old. They usually reside in metropolitan areas and can afford to buy these types of healthier foods. If they can't afford it, they still are not getting all the fats and calories that we encounter in American foods, especially fast-foods. Authentic Mexican foods still carry many vegetables and ingredients that are good for your body, and also the way the food is cooked is healthier.

Is Mexican food healthy for me? Authentic Mexican dishes are, because they carry a lot of vitamins and are generally low in fat. America has fattened up the Mexican dishes making them not a good choice. If you want to go out to eat, try avoiding the major Mexican food chain restaurants. Find a restaurant that serves authentic dishes. It is healthier and will taste even better knowing you are giving your body good foods.