Mexican restaurants serve lots of delicious food, and it an be very easy to overindulge. However, this is also a very easy way to put on weight, especially if you find yourself eating at that Mexican restaurant several times a week. Here are some tips for making your Mexican food splurge less damaging to your diet and to your body.

1. Lay Off the Sour Cream

The first step is to avoid using anything but the smallest amounts of sour cream. If you look at the menu and see that sour cream is included, consider asking it to be put on the side, rather than in the dish itself. If you are worried that you are going to eat too much sour cream, you can either commit to putting a little bit on your fork and spreading it through your food every time you need sour cream, which will result in you eating less of it, or you can simply ask that it's not included with your meal if you are afraid that you are going to eat too much. Sour cream is one of the most fat-filled options on the menu. Try to minimize the amount that you eat.

2. Know the Portion Size

Mexican restaurants tend to serve huge portions, along with chips and salsa before the meal is even brought to your table. In order to keep the amount of calories that you eat for that meal in check, see if anyone wants to split a plate of quesadillas or enchiladas. If nobody is willing, see if the restaurant will allow you to order off the cart. For example, if you want tacos and the taco plate includes five, ask your waiter or waitress if you can order just two or three off the cart. They will usually be able to oblige.

3. Don't Get Anything Fried

If you don't know what something is, ask your waiter or waitress before you order it. You want to make sure that it isn't fried or else you are going to be packing on calories that you don't need. Chimichangas and gorditas are two examples of fried foods that you might not understand.

4. Get a Light Appetizer

Because most restaurants offer a bottomless bowl of chips before they bring out your meal, it can be difficult to avoid eating them. One way to stop yourself is to order a filling, low-calorie appetizer like shrimp or a fruit bowl. This will allow you to eat with everyone else but keep the calories to a minimum.

For more information, talk to your waiter or waitress about low calorie options that they offer. Trying different types of restaurants, such as OJ's Steak & Pizza, may also be an option to consider.