I love the fact that everything can still in go in moderation of course and with out going over board!! last few days I've been craving mexican but like bad Mexican not healthy alternative mexican.. like a gigantic torta with extra mayo or a mondo burrito and a big serving of rice and beans to go with it and a pile of cheese of course.. lol I told my self yesterday if I was still craving it today I'd allow my self to have something indulgent today and I'd compensate by having a lower calorie breakfast and lunch.. Well today came and I still wanted it! my hubby suggested taco del mar since I could at least look up online the calorie counts of stuff. instead of going o the authentic taquieria or taco truck where I'd have no real clue.. so I looked up and low and behold a mondito burritto was only around 500 calories! I had them hold the cheese and sour cream ( I added a dollop of my own light sour cream when I got home) but I did get some rice and beans and guacamole and told them to load me up on the lettuce and pico de gallo !!! mmm craving cured!! and all with a totally reasonable calorie range!! gotta love a way of life where everything still goes!

Calorie counting is the best!!!

Mmmm.... Mexican is my favorite. I make tacos at home every once in a while so I don't go crazy for them but I'm just waiting for the day where I HAVE to have some out where I can't make them healthier. Good job satisfying your craving and still staying on plan! Thats why I prefer calorie counting too.

I know there is quite a few naturally healthy Mexican options like chicken fajitas with corn tortillas as long as the fajita mix isnt sauteed in a bunch of oil is pretty good option and I make home made tacos every now and then too there's just something about eating it out though! mmm lol

Way to go! I totally agree that counting calories is very liberating. It is the most "non-diet" diet that I've ever encountered.

I do love calorie counting. I also love taco night! I do find it hard to eat out sometimes but I can have a 3 taco dinner at home for a very reasonable amount of calories. It's even good on my blood sugars so I get a lot of yumminess without having to worry about it or compensate for it.

I love Taco salad but don't eat the shell. The great thing about calorie counting is the flexibility , by planning ahead and doing a little research you find that you don't have to give up everything you love.

We had Mexican last friday night....here is what I made (doing it again tonight).

Broiled swai filets (whitefish) with a light panko breading. with 1 avocado homemade guac (just sea salt/garlic powder), fresh salsa, sauteed peppers and onions (in cooking spray), and a little low-fat cabot cheddar...wrapped in....here is the big calorie savor......Romaine lettuce...! It was to die for yummy.

We even had skinny margaritas...tequila, small amount of triple sec, fresh lime, and a shot of light cranberry juice....

I also made a half a batch of rice and black beans to top it off.

If you don't like fish you could use chicken or 96% lean ground beef.

Enjoy

MONdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are my high exercise days...I shoot for 90-120 minutes....target burn around 600 calories...I do circuit training at 4:30 am....then elliptical at lunch, and then a run after work....It is my stupid way of justifying a little splurge....although I still try to keep the calories under 1600.

Maria--I love counting calories too. This way of dieting is working for me. The reason I love it is because I don't feel deprived of my favorite foods, I just can't eat as much. Instead of pigging out, I'm learning all about portion control...and finding I really enjoy seeing how I plan to "spend" my calories for the day.

Plus if we eat out, there is always something I can get to fit into my "calorie budget." My husband is taking me out for Valentine's Day and it is no problem. We are going to Pizza hut where I can get a good salad and eat one small piece of pizza without ruining my diet. True, I'm not stuffed but that is okay--I'm satisfied and that is important to me.

I've been dieting since November and even made it through Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. And if I crave chocolate, I have some small pieces in my home and I can have a 40-cal. piece occasionally without any trouble. Believe me, I suck on it slowly to enjoy it more!

Counting calories is the BEST and since I've started 4 months ago, I've lost 24.1 pounds. Only 50 more to go!! One other thing I love is seeing my stomach get flatter---no more flabby stomach--well it has a little flab but not huge like before. Ahhh, that feels good! Already my self-esteme has improved!!!

I don't think I could have lost weight w/out counting calories because I just enjoy flexibility in eating too much to give up food groups. Also, I'm a terrible estimator of how much is too much in terms of treats, portions, etc., so calorie counting is the tool that defines those limits for me.