If you're looking for a tasty meal that won't break the calorie bank, look no further than a whole tostada with beef and cheese. Coming in at just 315 calories, this dish is a great option for those watching their intake.

In addition to being low in calories, this tostada also has a decent nutritional profile. With 14 grams of fat, 29 milligrams of cholesterol, and 464 milligrams of sodium, it's important to enjoy in moderation. On the plus side, it also has 24 grams of carbohydrates and 17 grams of protein.

So how can you make the most of this tasty meal option while still staying on track with your health goals? Read on for some tips and strategies to make this tostada work for you.

Calories

As mentioned, a whole tostada with beef and cheese contains just 315 calories. To put this into perspective, this dish is roughly the same amount of calories as a medium-sized banana or a small serving of sweet potato fries. When planning your meals for the day, be mindful of your calorie intake and consider incorporating this tostada as a lunch or dinner option.

Fat Content

One tostada with beef and cheese has 14 grams of fat, which is about 22% of the recommended daily intake for adults. While some fat is necessary for our bodies to function properly, it's important to monitor our intake to prevent health issues. Consider pairing this dish with a side of veggies or a salad to balance out your fat intake for the meal.

Cholesterol

A single tostada with beef and cheese contains 29 milligrams of cholesterol, which is roughly 10% of the recommended daily intake for adults. While cholesterol is an important component of our bodies, too much can lead to health issues like heart disease. To keep your cholesterol intake in check, consider choosing leaner protein options like chicken or fish for your meals.

Sodium Content

This tostada also contains 464 milligrams of sodium, or about 20% of the recommended daily intake for adults. While sodium is important for proper bodily function, too much can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues. To balance out your sodium intake, be mindful of other high-sodium foods you consume throughout the day and opt for lower-sodium options when possible.

Carbohydrates

With 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving, a tostada with beef and cheese can be a great option for those looking to fuel up for a workout or active day. Carbohydrates are our body's preferred source of energy, so it's important to consume enough to keep our bodies functioning properly. However, be mindful of overconsuming carbohydrates, as excess can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Consider pairing this dish with veggies or a small serving of rice to balance out your carbohydrate intake.

Protein

One tostada with beef and cheese has 17 grams of protein per serving. Protein is important for our bodies to build and repair tissue, and it can also help keep us full and satisfied after meals. To ensure you're getting enough protein throughout the day, try incorporating other lean protein sources like chicken, fish, or tofu into your meals.

Vitamin A

This tostada provides a small amount of vitamin A, which is important for proper vision, immune function, and skin health. While this dish alone won't provide all the vitamin A you need for the day, it's important to consider where you're getting your micronutrients from. Try incorporating other vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, or spinach into your diet to ensure you're meeting your daily needs.

Calcium

While this tostada doesn't provide a significant amount of calcium, it's still important to monitor your intake of this micronutrient to maintain strong bones and teeth. Consider incorporating other calcium-rich foods like leafy greens, milk, or yogurt into your diet to ensure you're meeting your daily needs.

Iron

Iron is important for our bodies to make red blood cells and transport oxygen throughout the body. While this dish doesn't provide a significant amount of iron, it's still important to be mindful of the iron content of your meals. Consider incorporating other iron-rich foods like red meat, beans, or fortified grains into your diet to ensure you're meeting your daily needs.

Serving Size

It's important to note that the nutritional information for a tostada with beef and cheese is for a single serving, which is 163 grams. If you're having this dish at a restaurant or making it at home, be mindful of portion sizes to ensure you're not overconsuming calories, fat, and other nutrients.