Low-Calorie, High-Protein Options at Mad Mex (November 2025)
November 2025 update
Mad Mex is tailor-made for macro-conscious eating because nearly everything is customizable. The big levers are format (bowl vs tortilla), protein choice, rice/beans ratio, veggie load-out, and sauce control. With a few consistent rules, you can hit your protein target and keep calories tidy—without eating like a bird.
The Mad Mex Playbook (quick rules that actually matter)
Pick the format first.
Naked Burrito (burrito bowl) is your default for weight loss/cutting.
Burrito (tortilla) only when you plan your carbs—consider half rice or a mini if offered.
Tacos can be macro-friendly if you use corn tortillas and smart fillings.
Protein > extra cheese.
Best bets: grilled chicken, lean steak, pulled chicken, or plant protein (beans + tofu/veg mince).
Double protein on bowls when you need >35–45 g protein; skip doubling cheese.
Rice & beans are your carb budget—allocate on purpose.
If cutting: half rice, double beans (or even no rice).
If training: half-half or full rice + beans post-workout.
Veg = volume (free fullness).
Always add fajita veggies (capsicum/peppers + onions), shredded lettuce, pico de gallo.
Ask for “extra veg”—most shops say yes.
Sauce hierarchy:
Salsa (pico, verde, roja) first—big flavour, minimal calories.
Hot sauce second—spice raises satisfaction.
Guac = healthy fats, but count it; use half scoop if cutting.
Sour cream & queso are occasional add-ons—pick one creamy thing max.
Crisps on your terms.
Corn chips are energy-dense; share a small or swap for extra veggies.
High-Protein, Lower-Calorie Builds (what to order)
(Exact macros vary by store and portioning, but these patterns consistently land in a good place.)
1) The Everyday Cutting Bowl
**“Naked Burrito with grilled chicken, no tortilla, half rice, double black beans, fajita veggies, pico, salsa verde, lettuce, extra coriander, no sour cream, no queso—guac half scoop.”
Why it works: Protein from chicken + beans; veg volume; flavour from salsas; moderated carbs; a little guac for satisfaction.
2) High-Protein Post-Workout Bowl
**“Bowl with double steak, full rice, black beans, fajita veg, pico, roja + verde, lettuce, no sour cream, no queso, guac full scoop.”
Why it works: Two lean protein portions + full carb refill; fats from guac; still light on creamy sauces.
3) Lean & Spicy Chicken Taco Trio (Corn)
“Three corn tacos with grilled chicken, fajita veg, pico, shredded lettuce, salsa roja, fresh lime; no cheese, no sour cream—hot sauce on the side.”
Why it works: Corn tortillas are lighter than a full burrito wrap; spice + veg keeps you full.
4) Plant-Protein Power Bowl (Vegan)
“Bowl with no tortilla, half rice, double beans (black + pinto if available), fajita veg, pico, salsa verde, corn salsa (if offered), lettuce, guac half scoop.”
Why it works: Beans carry protein and fibre; double veg = big volume; modest guac keeps calories in check.
5) Smarter Burrito (When You Want the Wrap)
“Burrito with grilled chicken, half rice, black beans, fajita veg, pico, verde, lettuce, no sour cream, no queso, guac half scoop.”
Why it works: You get the classic experience, but halve the rice and keep sauces light.
Rice, Beans, and Tortillas: How to Choose
White vs brown rice: pick whichever you prefer; the portion size matters more than the type for calories.
Black vs pinto beans: both are great. Black beans are often slightly leaner; pinto can feel creamier.
Tortilla (burrito wrap): the wrap itself is a big calorie block—budget for it by halving rice and skipping creamy sauces.
Corn tortillas (tacos): usually lighter than a full burrito wrap and easy to portion (you can stop at two).
Salsa & Sauce Ladder (from lightest to richest feel)
Pico de gallo (tomato, onion, coriander)
Salsa verde / salsa roja
Tomatillo or chipotle hot sauce
Guacamole (count the scoop)
Sour cream (choose one creamy thing)
Queso (treat; use sparingly or skip when cutting)
Pro move: If you really want queso, skip sour cream and full guac—use half scoop guac or none.
Add-Ons That Boost Protein (without blowing calories)
Double meat on bowls (chicken/steak)
Extra beans (half or full scoop)
Egg whites (if your location runs breakfast or offers them—varies)
Side of protein in a bowl, not a wrap
Sides & Shareables (macro-friendly → treat)
Daily drivers:
Side salad with salsa as dressing
Grilled corn/veg (when offered)
Lime wedges + hot sauce for big flavour
Good if managed:
Corn chips (small)—share, or use 6–10 chips as a crunch topper for a bowl
Street-corn style sides—ask for light mayo/cheese
Treat territory:
Queso + chips, large corn chips, dessert wraps—pair only with a lean bowl
Macro “Lanes” (build to your goal)
Cutting (~450–650 kcal, 30–45 g protein):
Bowl, grilled chicken, half rice, double beans, fajita veg, two salsas, half guac, no sour cream/queso.
Corn-taco duo, chicken/steak, heavy veg/salsa, no creamy sauces.
Balanced (~600–800 kcal, 35–55 g protein):
Bowl, single protein, full rice, beans, veg, salsa, half guac (no sour cream/queso).
Burrito, chicken, half rice, beans, veg, salsa, half guac.
High-Protein / Post-Workout (~750–950 kcal, 45–65+ g protein):
Bowl, double protein, full rice + beans, veg, two salsas, full guac, no creamy sauces.
Three corn tacos, double meat split across tacos, beans, veg, salsas.
“I Want Guac” Without Wrecking the Day
Use half scoop on bowls; skip sour cream and queso that day.
If you’re getting a burrito wrap, keep half rice and no creamy sauces so guac fits the budget.
Drinks That Keep It Lean
Best: water, sparkling water, diet soda, unsweetened iced tea.
Decent: diet lemonade/lightened aguas frescas (if offered).
Limit: full-sugar sodas, frozen margarita-style drinks, creamy horchata (save for treat days).
Counter/App Scripts (copy/paste)
“Naked burrito, grilled chicken, half rice, double black beans, fajita veggies, pico, salsa verde, lettuce—no sour cream or queso—half scoop guac.”
“Bowl, double steak, full rice, black beans, fajita veg, pico, roja and verde, lettuce—no sour cream, guac full scoop.”
“Three corn tacos with grilled chicken, fajita veg, pico, lettuce—no cheese, no sour cream—roja on the side.”
“Burrito with grilled chicken, half rice, black beans, fajita veg, pico, verde—no sour cream, no queso—half guac.”
“Vegan bowl—no tortilla—half rice, double beans, fajita veg, pico, salsa verde, corn salsa, lettuce—half guac.”
Calorie-Saving Tweaks That Don’t Change the Vibe
Half rice instead of full; keep beans for protein + fibre.
Double veg (fajita + lettuce + pico) for volume.
Salsa + hot sauce as your “dressing.”
One creamy thing max (sour cream or queso or guac).
Corn tacos > full burrito wrap when you want handheld food.
6–10 chips as a garnish, not a whole basket.
Common Pitfalls (and easy fixes)
Burrito wrap + full rice + queso + sour cream + full guac.
Fix: Keep the wrap, but go half rice, no sour cream, half guac, salsa for flavour.
“Double cheese because it’s small.”
Fix: Cheese is calorie-dense—skip it, and keep guac half scoop if you want richness.
Ordering chips first because you’re starving.
Fix: Build the protein + veg bowl first, then add a small chips to share.
Vegetarian & Vegan High-Protein Tips
Double beans (black + pinto) as default on bowls.
Add tofu/veg mince if available.
Layer corn salsa, pico, fajita veg, lettuce for volume.
Half guac for fats; keep sauces salsa-based.
Quick Recap Before You Order
Bowls beat wraps for easy calorie control.
Grilled chicken / steak / beans = protein core; double on training days.
Half rice, double beans, double veg is the default cutting combo.
Salsa + hot sauce for flavour; one creamy thing max (or none).
Corn tacos are the smarter handheld; chips are a garnish—share them.
Use the scripts above, stick to the sauce ladder, and you’ll get that Mad Mex flavour with macros that still fit your day.
