We're going to "El-Rancho" tonight

ZacFields

My fiance's father is in town and so we're going out to eat tonight. He lives in Florida but her parents used to live right here in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Needless to say, they've got some of their favorite restaurants up here that don't exist down there.

So we're going out to eat this evening and we're going to his favorite Mexican restaurant, El Rancho. I can't find any nutritional information on the internet (not much anyway... MFP has some entries for El Rancho but I don't think it's the same place) that is specific to the restaurant, so I'm trying to wing it and just find something comparable.

The dish I usually get there is the Seafood Enchilada, but I looked up the nutritional information for a typical Seafood Enchilada.... yeah it's about 1,200 calories. No thanks.... I've only been consuming about 1,800 calories in an entire day.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should do? I've already reserved myself to eating fewer calories for breakfast and lunch so I can bank some up for supper. My only problem with that is that I feel like even that is not very healthy. Is this okay to do? Or should I really try to eat normal today and choose a dish (maybe like a taco salad) that isn't really any more calories than my typical dinner?

chocolatnoir

How about skipping the chips and ordering something like chicken fajitas? Except, eat them without the tortillas and skip the sour cream, guac, and cheese. Usually they are delicious just with the onions and bell peppers they are served with. Pass on the refried beans!

elmct57

you can low carb it and do the steak (carne asada), no rice or beans or tortillas and a side salad with lemon or limes for the dressing. they have unsweetened iced tea with lemon wedges. call ahead and ask--they'll help you.

here's a link to access their menu:

http://www.elranchomexican.com/

AggieCass09

I have this same problem with evil Mexican food restaurants, my in-laws go to the same place every Friday (for the past 11+ years) and i have decided nothing there is healthy to be had. If you are going to eat chips, just put some one a plate and eat them slowly. When they are gone dont keep reaching into the chip bowl. Margaritas generally have 600+ calories for a small so be careful. I recommend eating a half order of quesidillas with lots of veggies inside (they tend to put less cheese when theres other stuff in there) or get fajitas and just eat that with pico and guac. Good luck...planning is the key here...save your calories during the day and pick a dinner entre that will do the least damage...if that doesnt work ask the server what healthy options there are (taco salad is generally NOT healthy unless thees no cheese and no sour cream)

Good luck!

NoAdditives

I just wouldn't worry about it. One meal, one day, won't make an impact on your long term goals. I have two days off a week where I don't go to the gym or worry about sticking to my calorie goal. I've lost 9 pounds in 8 weeks. Our bodies need little breaks and changes in order to avoid plateaus. Changing things up keeps the metabolism on its toes.

blachly5

I look ed at the menu online...I would avoid things that say "sauteed"-because restaurants really dollop on the grease. I noticed that they have a grilled chicken salad which might be a better choice than the taco salad(since the taco salad has melted cheese and sauteed veggies). You could top it with salsa rather than dressing (so you feel like you're eating Mexican). Ask for warm corn tortillas. That way you can make your own taco. You can also ask for warm corn tortillas when you first get to the place and they place the chips and salsa on the table. I have no self control with chips and salsa-so the corn tortillas let me have a little to eat with everyone else-rather than feeling sorry for myself. Another thought is that if you order something with more calories-share with someone else or take 1/2 home. Could you substitute beans and rice with a salad or fresh veggies? Pollo Verde looks good-substitue beans and rice with small salad (topped with salsa-yum) Carne asada is another choice-you could share with someone-see if the onions could be grilled . If not, just have a small bit or avoid completely-same with beans and rice(or substitute) Then get warm corn tortillas to go along since invariably they will be giving you flour. Make sure to fill up with water before and during the meal. You could even eat some raw veggies before you go out so that you aren't so hungry. Good luck and have fun!!