Healthy Meal Delivery: Taking your Enchiladas Up a Notch with Nutritious Swaps
Posted by Amelia K. on Monday, November 3rd, 2014 with 6 Comments
Sometimes, we all crave something more along the lines of comfort food for lunch. And giving into those types of cravings every once in a while is okay! But when you want to get the flavor of one of those cravings without packing on quite so many calories, there are definitely ways to make the usual high calorie meal a little more friendly to your healthy lifestyle. For many, a delicious entree of traditional enchiladas can be highly tempting – and also highly tasty.
And while this yummy treat can be little on the heavy side of lunchtime fare, it does have some ingredients that fall into the good-for-you category. Starting off as a type of Mexican street food (simply tortillas dipped in sauce), enchiladas of today are typically made with fillings, usually beef or chicken, which are packed with iron and protein. Fresh cheese is typically also a main component of this dish, which is loaded with calcium and vitamin D, two things that support healthy bones and teeth. Finally, enchiladas are usually topped with at least a few veggies (usually in the form of grilled peppers), which can help reduce inflammation, heart problems and certain types of cancer. So, by all means, the base of an enchilada is actually somewhat healthy!
Ordering your enchiladas with extra veggies (like avocado!) and skipping the heavy cheese sauces can up the health factor of your lunch delivery.
Image source: Flickr user mealmakeovermoms
But because of the high carb content of the tortillas and high fat content of the sauces, enchiladas are certainly not something you’re likely eating on a daily basis. So when you want to indulge in the spice and flair of Mexican food, but also want to take the health factor of this dish up a notch, what can you do? We’ve compiled the four best ways to do just that – without losing any of the flavor-packed deliciousness you love.
Skip the Sauce
One way to immediately remove some of the not so great for you ingredients is to simply order this meal without the cheesy, high fat sauces that it’s typically topped with. Not only does this boost some of the health benefits (and help you feel less bloated for the afternoon), your meal will likely taste better by the time your healthy meal delivery arrives – because without the sauce, there’s no room for soggy tortillas!
Add Black Beans
A common accompaniment of many Latin dishes, black beans can definitely up the protein, fiber, and vitamins you get out of an enchilada lunch. The flavor mixes beautifully with the other ingredients in this yummy meal and can prevent the loss the flavor of this dish when you order without the sauce – helping to bolster your good food intake while naturally eliminating some of the fat that’s traditionally found in this dish.
Order Extra Veggies
It’s no secret that packing your meal with veggies is a great way to give yourself a health kick over the lunch hour – and ensure that you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet. Plus, consuming more vegetables can help reduce your risk of certain diseases, help your body better digest your food and help you stay fuller, longer. Consider some of the more traditional options – like tomatoes and avocados – but also think outside the box. Ordering your enchiladas with grilled zucchini or plantains is a great way to mix up the flavor and get yourself to try some new healthy foods in the process!
Get a Side of Salsa Verde
If you’re worried about missing some of the creamy sauces this meal is traditionally topped with, we have the solution for you! Order your meal to be delivered with a side of yummy salsa verde. Not only is this packed with (you guessed it!) more veggies, it’s a full-flavor, low calorie way to top off this tasty meal. You won’t even realize that the meal arrived without its regular sauce!
Comfort Food, With a Side of Healthy
Ordering your favorite comfort foods for lunch can sometimes make you feel bloated and overly full for the rest of the afternoon. Unfortunately, this just isn’t a good combo – it causes you to feel more tired and be less productive for the remainder of your day. By incorporating some healthier options into your favorite enchilada dish, you’ll get a lunch delivered to your office that’s not only healthier, but boosts your energy and brain power for the rest of your work day. And when all else fails, try splitting your favorite comfort food meal with a co-worker. For those times you just have to have the full calorie version, sharing your meal can help you control your portion size!
When you’re looking for delicious enchiladas for lunch, Waiter.com is here for you. We can connect you with your favorite restaurants from around the city – helping you get your favorite healthy meal delivery right to your office while saving time on your lunch break so you can focus on other things, like going for a walk around the block or a mid-day yoga class. And that’s a great way to help keep your healthy lifestyle on track!
When it comes to feeding employees and coworkers, make your company's food program really count! If your workplace dining plan needs to take it up a notch — or if you don't have one at all — Waiter.com is here to help. From Virtual Cafeteria Service to diverse menus to local takeout & delivery, Waiter.com offers customizable dining solutions for every business and budget. Contact us today to get started!
This is an amazing article. I am so glad I have learned these tips to crush a craving without all the calories!
Sometimes, you definitely need the full fat version. But if you can get away with an easy swap, we highly recommend it!
I didn’t know enchiladas could even be healthy or even eaten as street food.
It’s all in how you order them 🙂
Nice article! Great to know that one of my favorite foods can actually be good for me.
Healthy swaps are a great way to do that!