The Mexican Pizza, a staple on the Taco Bell menu, has been a favorite among many for its unique blend of Mexican and Italian flavors. However, when it comes to nutrition, there are several mistakes that consumers make when ordering this dish. In this article, we will explore 8 common Mexican Pizza nutrition mistakes that can significantly impact the nutritional value of this meal.
Introduction to Mexican Pizza Nutrition
A standard Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell consists of a crispy tortilla shell topped with seasoned beef, refried beans, and a blend of three cheeses, all covered in a tangy tomato sauce. While this combination may seem harmless, the nutritional content can add up quickly. According to Taco Bell’s nutrition information, a single Mexican Pizza contains approximately 370 calories, 22 grams of fat, 26 grams of carbohydrates, and 19 grams of protein. However, these numbers can increase dramatically based on the toppings and modifications chosen by the consumer.
Mistake 1: Adding Extra Cheese
One of the most significant mistakes consumers make when ordering a Mexican Pizza is adding extra cheese. While the standard Mexican Pizza already contains a blend of three cheeses, adding extra can increase the calorie and fat content by as much as 100 calories and 8 grams of fat. This modification can also increase the sodium content, with an additional 200-300 milligrams of sodium per serving of extra cheese.
| Nutrient | Standard Mexican Pizza | Extra Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 370 | +100 |
| Fat | 22g | +8g |
| Sodium | 790mg | +200-300mg |
Mistake 2: Choosing High-Fat Meats
Another common mistake is choosing high-fat meats, such as carnitas or carne asada, to top the Mexican Pizza. These meats can add significant amounts of fat and calories to the dish, with carnitas containing approximately 25 grams of fat per 3-ounce serving and carne asada containing around 20 grams of fat per 3-ounce serving. In contrast, opting for lower-fat protein sources like chicken or steak can reduce the fat content of the dish.
- Carnitas: 25g fat per 3-ounce serving
- Carne asada: 20g fat per 3-ounce serving
- Chicken: 6g fat per 3-ounce serving
- Steak: 10g fat per 3-ounce serving
Mistake 3: Overlooking Vegetable Options
Veggie lovers often overlook the nutritional benefits of adding vegetables to their Mexican Pizza. Toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and diced onions can add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to the dish while keeping calorie and fat content in check. A single serving of diced tomatoes, for example, contains approximately 2 grams of fiber and 20% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
In addition to the nutritional benefits, vegetables can also enhance the flavor and texture of the Mexican Pizza. Consider adding a variety of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, jalapeños, or mushrooms, to create a nutrient-dense and flavorful meal.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Portion Sizes
Consumers often underestimate the portion size of a Mexican Pizza, leading to overconsumption of calories, fat, and sodium. A standard Mexican Pizza is designed to be a single serving, but many people may eat multiple pizzas or add large sides, such as nachos or burritos, to their meal. To avoid this mistake, be mindful of portion sizes and consider sharing a meal or saving leftovers for later.
Mistake 5: Adding High-Calorie Salsas
While salsa can be a nutritious and flavorful addition to a Mexican Pizza, some varieties can be high in calories and sugar. Creamy salsas, such as salsa verde or sour cream-based salsas, can add significant amounts of fat and calories to the dish. In contrast, opting for lower-calorie salsa options like pico de gallo or salsa roja can reduce the nutritional impact of this topping.
| Salsa Variety | Calories per serving | Fat per serving |
|---|---|---|
| Salsa verde | 100-150 | 10-12g |
| Sour cream-based salsa | 150-200 | 15-18g |
| Pico de gallo | 50-70 | 0-2g |
| Salsa roja | 70-100 | 2-5g |
Mistake 6: Disregarding the Crust
The crust of a Mexican Pizza is often overlooked when considering nutrition, but it can be a significant source of calories, fat, and sodium. A standard Mexican Pizza crust contains approximately 120 calories, 2 grams of fat, and 200 milligrams of sodium. However, some crust options, such as whole wheat or crispy tortilla strips, can be higher in fiber and nutrients compared to the standard crust.
In addition to the nutritional benefits, choosing a healthier crust option can also enhance the flavor and texture of the Mexican Pizza. Consider opting for a whole wheat crust or adding crispy tortilla strips to create a crunchy and nutritious meal.
Mistake 7: Adding High-Sodium Toppings
Some toppings, such as pickled jalapeños or bacon, can be high in sodium, adding to the overall sodium content of the Mexican Pizza. According to the American Heart Association, consuming high amounts of sodium can increase blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. To reduce sodium intake, consider choosing lower-sodium toppings or limiting the amount of high-sodium toppings used.
In addition to the health benefits, reducing sodium intake can also enhance the flavor of the Mexican Pizza. Consider adding fresh herbs and spices, such as cilantro or cumin, to create a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Mistake 8: Not Customizing the Pizza
Finally, not customizing the Mexican Pizza to meet individual nutritional needs can be a significant mistake. By choosing lower-fat meats, adding vegetables, and selecting healthier toppings, consumers can create a Mexican Pizza that meets their dietary requirements and preferences. Consider using Taco Bell’s online nutrition calculator or consulting with a registered dietitian to create a personalized Mexican Pizza that meets your nutritional needs.
What is the healthiest way to customize a Mexican Pizza?
+To create a healthier Mexican Pizza, consider choosing lower-fat meats, such as chicken or steak, and adding vegetables like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and diced onions. Opt for lower-calorie salsa options and limit the amount of cheese used. Finally, choose a whole wheat crust or add crispy tortilla strips to increase the fiber content of the dish.
How can I reduce the sodium content of my Mexican Pizza?
+To reduce the sodium content of your Mexican Pizza, consider choosing lower-sodium toppings, such as diced tomatoes or shredded lettuce, and limiting the amount of high-sodium toppings used. You can also opt for a lower-sodium salsa or make your own salsa using fresh ingredients. Finally, choose a whole wheat crust or add crispy tortilla strips to reduce the sodium content of the crust.
Can I make a Mexican Pizza at home that is healthier than the Taco Bell version?
+Yes, you can make a healthier Mexican Pizza at home by using whole wheat tortillas, lower-fat meats, and plenty of vegetables. Consider using homemade salsa or low-calorie store-bought options, and limit the amount of cheese used. You can also add beans, such as black beans or pinto beans
