A 136-gram serving (1 taco) of Carnitas Taco contains about 210 calories, which includes carbohydrates, protein, and fats. It is important to monitor your nutritional intake to stay healthy and avoid overconsumption.

Apart from the calorie content, a Carnitas Taco is also rich in other essential nutrients such as fiber, sodium, cholesterol, vitamin A, and iron.

If you're looking to enjoy a delicious and satisfying taco without compromising your health goals, this article is for you. We'll take a closer look at the nutritional value that a Carnitas Taco has to offer and explore how it can fit into your diet without guilt.

Calories in a Carnitas Taco

A 1 taco (136 g) Carnitas Taco contains about 210 calories, which is a moderate amount. If you're trying to lose or maintain weight, it's important to keep track of your daily calorie intake and ensure that you are getting enough nutrients as well. In comparison to other types of tacos, a Carnitas Taco is relatively low in calories as it is made with roasted or slow-cooked pork, which is a leaner protein source. However, the calorie content can vary depending on the additional toppings and sauces you choose to add. If you're looking for a calorie-controlled meal, try choosing toppings that are low in calories like lettuce, tomatoes, or salsa. Alternatively, you can opt for a smaller portion size or split a taco with a friend to cut down on calories.

Total Fat Content

A 1 taco (136 g) Carnitas Taco contains about 10 grams of total fat, which is a moderate amount. Fats are essential to our diet as they provide energy, support cell growth, and protect our organs. However, not all fats are created equal- some like trans fats can increase the risk of heart disease while others like monounsaturated fats can improve heart health. Carnitas Tacos are made with leaner cuts of meat which reduces the total fat content. To reduce your intake of unhealthy fats, try avoiding toppings like sour cream or cheese and opt for healthier fat sources like avocados or nuts.

Protein Content

A 1 taco (136 g) Carnitas Taco contains about 16 grams of protein, which is a significant amount. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues, maintaining good health, and is essential for people trying to build muscle or lose weight. Carnitas Tacos are a good source of protein because they contain pork, which is a leaner protein source. To maximize your protein intake, try adding extra meat or beans to your taco and opting for toppings like guacamole or salsa that are high in protein.

Carbohydrate Content

A 1 taco (136 g) Carnitas Taco contains about 17 grams of carbohydrates, which is a moderate amount. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for our bodies and help regulate blood sugar levels. However, not all carbs are created equal. Tacos usually contain refined carbohydrates like tortillas or chips, which can spike blood sugar levels and lead to sugar crashes. To minimize the impact of carbohydrates on your health, try opting for whole-grain tortillas or skipping the chips altogether. Alternatively, you can stick to smaller portions or balance out your carbohydrate intake by adding high-fiber toppings like beans or vegetables.

Fiber Content

A 1 taco (136 g) Carnitas Taco contains about 3 grams of fiber, which is a good amount. Fiber is important for promoting good digestive health, reducing the risk of heart disease, and aiding in weight loss. Adding high fiber toppings like beans, vegetables or whole-grain tortillas to your taco can help you reach your daily fiber goals. However, some toppings like sour cream or cheese can be low in fiber, so try to balance out your fiber intake by choosing a mix of high and low fiber toppings.

Sugar Content

A 1 taco (136 g) Carnitas Taco contains about 1 gram of sugar, which is a low amount. Sugar is often added to food to enhance the taste, but excessive sugar intake can lead to health problems such as diabetes and obesity. To minimize your sugar intake when eating tacos, choose toppings that are low in added sugar or skip the sweet sauces altogether. Alternatively, you can try making your own sauce with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. If you have a sweet tooth, opt for fresh fruits like pineapple or mango as toppings which naturally contain sugar and are a healthier way to satisfy your cravings.

Sodium Content

A 1 taco (136 g) Carnitas Taco contains about 380 milligrams of sodium, which is a moderate amount. Sodium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and balance fluids in the body. However, most people consume too much sodium which can lead to health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease. Tacos are usually high in sodium due to the addition of toppings like cheese, salsa, and sauces. To reduce your sodium intake, choose toppings that are lower in sodium or limit the amount of high-sodium toppings that you add. Alternatively, you can try making your own toppings to control the amount of sodium that you consume.

Cholesterol Content

A 1 taco (136 g) Carnitas Taco contains about 43 milligrams of cholesterol, which is a moderate amount. Cholesterol is important for building cells and producing hormones, but excessive cholesterol intake can lead to health problems like heart disease. While Carnitas Tacos are made with leaner cuts of meat, toppings like cheese and sour cream can increase the cholesterol content of your taco. To reduce your cholesterol intake, try skipping high-cholesterol toppings and opting for healthier alternatives like guacamole or salsa. Alternatively, you can try making your own cheese or sour cream substitutes with lower cholesterol alternatives like tofu or Greek yogurt.

Vitamin A Content

A 1 taco (136 g) Carnitas Taco contains about 346 International Units (IU) of vitamin A, which is a good amount. Vitamin A is important for maintaining good vision, healthy skin, and a strong immune system. Carnitas Tacos are usually topped with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, and onions which are all good sources of vitamin A. To maximize your vitamin A intake, try adding more vegetables or fruits to your taco. Alternatively, you can try making a healthier taco sauce with ingredients like carrots or sweet potatoes which are high in vitamin A.

Iron Content

A 1 taco (136 g) Carnitas Taco contains about 1 milligram of iron, which is a good amount. Iron is important for building red blood cells and carrying oxygen throughout the body. Meats like pork are a good source of iron, so Carnitas Tacos are a good way to boost your iron intake. Adding toppings like beans, quinoa or spinach can also help increase your iron intake. However, certain toppings like cheese can inhibit iron absorption, so try to balance out your iron intake by choosing toppings that are high in iron.