Cheese Enchiladas: Calorie Count At El Fenix

how many calories in el fenix cheese enchiladas

El Fenix is a popular Tex-Mex restaurant chain that has been serving its customers since 1918. It is particularly well-known for its cheese enchiladas, which are served with a distinctive enchilada chili gravy. The nutritional value of the enchiladas varies depending on the source of information. One source suggests that a serving of El Fenix cheese enchiladas contains 1069 calories, while another source indicates a slightly higher calorie count of 1170.

Characteristics Values
Calories 1069 or 1170
Total Fat 65g
Saturated Fat 31g
Trans Fat 1g
Unsaturated Fat 25g
Cholesterol 240mg
Sodium 2931mg
Carbohydrates 49g
Fiber 8g
Sugar 10g
Protein 73g

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Calorie count: 1069 or 1170 per serving

The calorie count for El Fenix cheese enchiladas depends on the serving size and the ingredients used. According to one source, a serving of El Fenix cheese enchiladas with refried beans contains 1170 calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 32% carbohydrates, 52% fat, and 16% protein.

Another source provides the nutritional information for a single enchilada, which amounts to 1069 calories per serving. This option has a higher calorie count from fat, with 65g of total fat, including 31g of saturated fat and 1g of trans fat. It also contains 25g of unsaturated fat and 73g of protein.

It is important to note that the calorie count and nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used in the recipe. The presence of refried beans, for example, can increase the overall calorie count and contribute to a higher percentage of carbohydrates.

Additionally, El Fenix, as a restaurant, may have different serving sizes or recipes that can affect the calorie count. The recipe for their famous enchilada gravy is said to be a closely guarded secret, although recreations exist online. The gravy is often cited as a key component of the flavor of their cheese enchiladas.

In summary, the calorie count for El Fenix cheese enchiladas can vary between 1069 and 1170 calories per serving, depending on the specific ingredients, quantities, and serving sizes used. It is always a good idea to refer to official sources or nutritional information provided by the restaurant for the most accurate and up-to-date data.

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Fat content: 52% of calories from fat

Fat is an important part of a healthy diet, providing essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce itself. However, consuming too much fat can lead to adverse health effects. The fat content of El Fenix's cheese enchiladas is quite high, with 52% of the calories in this dish coming from fat. This means that of the 1170 calories in a serving, 618.4 calories are from fat.

To put this into perspective, the total fat content of a serving of El Fenix cheese enchiladas is 65 grams. The recommended daily intake of fat for an adult on a 2000-calorie diet is between 44 and 77 grams, depending on age and gender. Therefore, a single serving of these enchiladas provides more than the recommended amount of fat for the entire day.

It is worth noting that not all fats are equal. The type of fat consumed is also important for health. El Fenix's cheese enchiladas contain 31 grams of saturated fat, 1 gram of trans fat, and 25 grams of unsaturated fat. Saturated and trans fats are generally considered less healthy than unsaturated fats, as consuming too much of them can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

When consuming high-fat foods like El Fenix's cheese enchiladas, it is important to consider the overall balance of one's diet and to ensure that other meals and snacks are lower in fat to maintain a healthy balance. It is also beneficial to incorporate sources of healthy unsaturated fats, such as avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.

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Carbohydrates: 32% of calories from carbs

Carbohydrates are a vital source of energy for the body and are one of the three main macronutrients, alongside protein and fat. The percentage of calories derived from carbohydrates in a food item is an important metric to consider when evaluating its nutritional value.

A serving of El Fenix cheese enchiladas provides 1069 calories, of which 32% are derived from carbohydrates. This equates to approximately 342 calories from carbohydrates per serving. This is a relatively high proportion of carbohydrate calories compared to the overall calorie count.

The total carbohydrate content per serving of El Fenix cheese enchiladas is 49 grams. This includes 8 grams of dietary fiber and 10 grams of sugar. Dietary fiber is an important component of a healthy diet, aiding in digestion and promoting regular bowel movements. Sugar, on the other hand, should be consumed in moderation as excessive intake can lead to health issues such as weight gain and increased risk of dental cavities.

When considering the nutritional value of El Fenix cheese enchiladas, it is worth noting that the carbohydrate content may vary depending on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used. The presence of refried beans in the dish, for example, can contribute to the overall carbohydrate count. Additionally, the type of tortilla used and the inclusion of other carbohydrate-rich ingredients can influence the total carbohydrate content. Therefore, it is always advisable to refer to the specific nutritional information provided by the restaurant or refer to the nutritional information provided for similar dishes.

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Protein: 16% of calories from protein

A serving of El Fenix cheese enchiladas contains 73g of protein, which equates to 16% of the calories from protein. This is a relatively high proportion of protein, constituting a higher percentage of the overall calories than carbohydrates (32%) and fat (52%).

Protein is an essential macronutrient, critical for muscle repair and growth. It is made up of amino acids, which are often referred to as the "building blocks of life". Amino acids are necessary for the creation and repair of muscle tissue, as well as the production of hormones and enzymes.

The recommended daily intake of protein varies depending on age, sex, and activity level. On average, the recommended intake for adults is 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person weighing 75kg should aim to consume 60g of protein per day.

As a serving of El Fenix cheese enchiladas contains 73g of protein, it provides a substantial amount of this macronutrient. This is beneficial for those seeking to increase their protein intake, particularly individuals who are physically active or are looking to build muscle mass.

However, it is important to note that the overall calorie count of this dish is high, at around 1069-1170 calories per serving. Therefore, while it offers a good source of protein, it may not align with certain dietary goals or calorie restrictions.

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Sodium content: 2931mg per serving

The sodium content in El Fenix cheese enchiladas is a dietary concern. Each serving contains 2931mg of sodium, which is a significant amount. To put this into perspective, the recommended daily intake of sodium for an adult is typically around 2300mg or less. Therefore, a single serving of these enchiladas provides more sodium than the recommended daily amount.

It's important to note that sodium is a necessary mineral for the body, as it helps maintain fluid balance, transmit nerve impulses, and relax and contract muscles. However, excessive sodium intake can lead to negative health consequences, such as high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

The high sodium content in these enchiladas is likely due to the combination of ingredients used, including cheese, which is known to be high in sodium. The enchilada sauce or gravy may also contribute to the sodium content, as it may contain added salt or sodium-rich ingredients.

When consuming El Fenix cheese enchiladas, it's essential to be mindful of the sodium content and its potential impact on health. For individuals with high blood pressure or those at risk for cardiovascular disease, it may be advisable to limit sodium intake and choose lower-sodium options.

Additionally, pairing cheese enchiladas with sides that are low in sodium can help balance the overall sodium intake of the meal. Fresh vegetables or salads with minimal seasoning, unsalted corn or flour tortillas, and homemade salsa can help offset the sodium content of the enchiladas.

Frequently asked questions

A serving of El Fenix cheese enchiladas contains 1170 calories.

The macronutrient breakdown for El Fenix cheese enchiladas is 32% carbs, 52% fat, and 16% protein.

There are 73g of protein in a serving of El Fenix cheese enchiladas.

Yes, one source mentions that there are 1069 calories in a serving of El Fenix cheese enchiladas.

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