Ordering Mexican takeout food is definitely a delicious way to enjoy your lunch. But if you don't pay attention to what you're ordering, it's really easy to end up over-indulging, leading to a slowly expanding waist line. Does watching your weight mean you can't eat Mexican takeout anymore? Not at all! You'll just need to pay closer attention to the foods you choose. Here are some tips to help you make healthier choices when ordering Mexican takeout.

Choose salsa over guac or queso.

If you're ordering chips and a dip, always choose salsa over guacamole or queso. Yes, guacamole is made from vegetables, but avocado, the main ingredient, is quite high in fat and calories. Queso, like all cheese-based dishes, is high in saturated fat. Salsa is lower in calories, higher in fiber, and just as delicious, especially when ordered from a real Mexican restaurant.

Order a la carte.

Portions tend to be huge from Mexican restaurants, especially when you're ordering takeout. You can't blame the restaurant; they just want to make sure you have enough to eat! A good way to ensure you don't order too much food is to order a la carte rather than ordering a pre-prepared meal. This way, you can order just the two tacos you want or the one burrito you want, without also ending up with piles of extra beans, rice, and other sides that came with the meal.

Ask for sauces to be put on the side.

Many Mexican restaurants already put sauces on the side for takeout as it helps ensure the food doesn't get soggy before it reaches you. However, it doesn't hurt to ask for this option, just in case. Having sauces put on the side lets you decide how much of the sauce you want to use. If you're trying to keep your calorie intake lower, you can use just a little sauce.

Choose chicken over other meats.

Yes, carnitas and carne asada are delicious, but both tend to be higher in fat or calories than chicken. So, whether you're ordering tacos, a burrito, or something else entirely, your meat of choice should be chicken. The meal will still be delectable. Most Mexican restaurants season their chicken well so it has plenty of flavor.

With the tips above, you can keep your Mexican takeout meals lighter and healthier. You can still enjoy Mexican food takeout. You just need to do so in moderation.