Are Fajitas Healthy?

Fajitas are typically made with grilled meat, sautéed veggies, and seasonings. That’s a great base for a balanced meal. You get protein from the meat, along with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from the vegetables. But since there are often many accompaniments to the meat and veggie combo, the healthfulness of fajitas really depends on how they’re prepared and what you’re serving on the side. 

Here’s how healthy the most common types of fajitas can be:

• Are chicken fajitas healthy? Chicken fajitas typically use skinless chicken breasts, which are a lean protein that helps keep you full and supports muscle health. The chicken is usually grilled, and vegetables such as peppers and onions often accompany the chicken. As long as you limit how much oil is used during cooking, this can be a very healthy meal option. To reduce fat and calories, skip the cheese and sour cream, use only small amounts, or substitute Greek yogurt. Fresh salsa, avocado, shredded lettuce, cilantro, and lime are healthy additions.
• Are steak fajitas healthy? Made the same way as chicken fajitas, steak fajitas can also be a healthy meal as long as you use leaner cuts of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, instead of fattier cuts. Grilled steak is a good source of protein and iron. Just keep portions moderate, pair with plenty of veggies, and make healthy choices for toppings and sides.
• Are shrimp fajitas healthy? Shrimp is another popular protein that’s often grilled along with veggies to make delicious and healthy fajitas. Shrimp is a low-fat and low-calorie seafood that’s tasty and protein-rich, and it pairs well with the Tex-Mex flavors of fajitas. Just dust shrimp with spices before grilling or sauté in a small amount of olive oil for a healthy meal. 
• Are fajita veggies healthy? Fajita veggies like onions, peppers, and mushrooms are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. These veggies are often cooked with just a little oil and spices, making them a flavorful and healthy part of any fajita dish. They’re also good on their own or as a side dish. Just pay attention to how much oil is used during cooking, since oil can significantly add fat and calories to this otherwise healthy food.

If you’re trying to lose weight, you may wonder if eating fajitas is a good option. Since the dish is comprised primarily of lean protein and vegetables, fajitas can be a healthy weight loss meal, as long as you keep these tips in mind:

• Watch portion sizes – If you’re eating tortillas, stick to one or two small ones or think about eating the meat and veggies without tortillas or with some rice and beans on the side.
• Use lean proteins – Skinless chicken, shrimp, or tofu are lighter choices than fatty cuts of beef or pork (but you can also use lean beef and pork for a healthy weight loss meal).
• Pile on the veggies – The more vegetables you include, the more filling and nutritious your fajitas will be without adding too many calories. Just make sure they’re not swimming in oil.
• Go easy on the extras – Sour cream and cheese can add calories quickly. Instead, use salsa, fresh lime juice, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.

It’s easy to make fajitas a healthy meal when you cook them yourself. Here are some tips:

• Grill or sauté the meat and veggies with just a little bit of olive or avocado oil
• Add flavor with fresh or dried herbs and spices
• Enjoy healthy toppings like cilantro, salsa, lime juice, or avocado
• Use whole wheat or corn tortillas for more fiber
• Serve with a side of beans and rice instead of chips and queso