I usually get a steak fajita salad that comes with avocado, egg, etc. It still has carbs of course, but not like eating tortillas and such. I also indulge in a few chips with salsa, but I can usually stop after a few. The steak/avocado/egg combo is very satisfying because we never have steak at home. Have fun!

pitbullmamaliz wrote: »

For a hot second I contemplated permitting myself maybe 5 chips, but I don't think I'm emotionally strong enough for that yet. I fear I'd have 5 and then dive head first into the basket and it would be all ugly. ;-)

Fajita salad is another good idea, yes, with scads of sour cream (and guac for me!). Was your queso dip low in carbs? I wondered if they added flour or corn starch or something to thicken it.

I didn't ask about the queso dip. I made the assumption it had some carbs, because chorizo often had some carbs in it. Whether it did or did not, I knew any carbs in the dip would amount to less than I would consume if I sat there munching away on chips. I ate some of the dip by itself and added some to my chicken fajita salad. It was yummy!

Not only that...remember that having 10-15 or so extra carbs at dinner for some queso/veggies (or even a small bit of beans if you tolerate them well) to make the meal more satisfying is a FAR FAR better option than faceplanting in to the endless bowl of chips. I also use salsa on my meal, regardless of what it is, as long as I know they make it fresh and don't add sugar... Remember, you aren't aiming for perfection - you're aiming to improve. Personally, and I know this is JUST my OPINION, I'd rather see you overeat a few carbs sticking mostly to plan and being very satisfied with your meal than blast yourself into a binge. You might even be surprised and enjoy the meal MORE without all the carbs. I know I did...

Fajitas (sans tortillas, rice, beans, etc.)
Dumped tacos
Tortilla soup is filling - just skip the strips
Any form of taco salad, without the shell/beans/rice.

Extra sour cream, cheese, guacamole, salsa, queso, etc. Some of these have a few carbs, but it's nice like you're getting it by the gallon.

Remember, too, that getting something like shrimp/shredded pork/ground beef will have more natural fats than lean chicken or lean steak...

pitbullmamaliz wrote: »

Thank you. That put things into some good perspective for me. I know I am not going to have chips, so I'm already successful. I used to plow through a whole basket (with cheese and salsa and guac) all by myself. Since I won't be doing that, I'm already winning. That's a really healthy, easily attainable way of looking at things. Thank you!!!

Perhaps pick up some backed cheese crisps and take those along to use as "chips" for yourself. Some decent brands are Cello Whisps, Kitchen Table Bakers, Just the Cheese. Trader Joes also carries bake cheese (and Parnsip Chips too which are MUCH lower in carbs pe serving than corn or potato-based chips - you do still need to watch the portion size though)!!

pitbullmamaliz wrote: »

I have family coming in and they want Mexican tonight. Little restaurant by my house that used to be my go-to for a binge. I'm planning on doing fajitas with no wraps, no beans, no rice, add guac and sour cream. No chips of course. This just feels so dissatisfying though. I guesstimated calories the best I could and it only came up to 500-ish. Obviously I don't want to binge (I don't need chips, I don't need chips, I don't need chips...), but 500-some calories just feels really lackluster. Any other ideas? Maybe get some tacos instead and scrape the fillings out? This is going to be such a test for me. O.o

Do they do carnitas there, pork that is roasted and then fried, just get the lettuce and tomato that most places always include, use the guacamole as your salad dressing. How about chili poblano, most places (around me in CO ) use primarily beef or chicken with some chopped veggies, just make sure they don't use frijoles and rice. Mexican steak salads are usually good too. I eat out Mexican several times a month. No chips and the salsa gets dumped over whatever meat I have usually. Oh and some places do good chicharonnes, so you might want to try those with the guac or the salsa.

@pitbullmamaliz - Kudos!! So glad that you enjoyed it. And yes, it isn't a pretty picture per se, but it tastes yummy!

P.S. Turning a former binge zone into a on plan success story? How much of a win is that?!?!?