Don't we all just love Chipotle? I've witnessed boys down Chipotle burritos in the blink of an eye. Recently, I have had a few friends and family members ask, "how bad is chipotle" Chipotle is a tricky restaurant because it looks fresh and delicious, but yet it is still a fast food chain. I believe there are healthy options wherever you go, so it is your responsibility to become educated on their options to make the healthiest decision.
Lets take the Chipotle experience and break it down...
Step 1 : What type of meal are you going to get?
BURRITO - you are starting off with 290 cal, 9 g fat
BURRITO BOWL - okay still 0 calories. but wait until the rice comes...
MINI TACOS - each tortilla is 90 cals, 3 g fat
SALAD - 0 calories and NO RICE. good job.
Step 2: Hello rice
Unless you are getting a salad, rice will be added. Ask them to limit the amount of scoops... they can go awful heavy on the ladle size. According to the website, 3 oz rice = 130 cals. Although I am not completely sure how much rice they add, I can almost guarantee it is more than 3 oz.
Step 3: Protein
BEANS - great source of protein. j&j loves beans. 4 oz =120 cal, 1 g fat, 7 g pro
CHICKEN - another low fat protein option. 4 oz = 190 cal, 7 g fat, 30 g pro
FAJITA VEGETABLES - THUMBS UP. 2 oz = a measly 20 cals.
BARBACOA AND STEAK - about 170-190 cals, 7 g fat, 30 g pro
*It is good to pair a tortilla or rice dish with a protein to keep you full longer.
Step 4: Top away
SALSA - go for it! About 40 cals/serving. salsas tend to be tomato based which are very low in calorie.
CORN SALSA - corn is a starchy vegetable which has more calories - but still a good option
SOUR CREAM & CHEESE - resist! they dish out way more than a serving. high in fat.
TIP: ask for these on the side
GUACAMOLE - provides healthy mono unsaturated fats from the avocados but because it is made with many other ingredients, there are hidden calories! 3.5 oz = 150 cal, 13 g fat
Chips - BEWARE! 4 oz = 570 cal, 27 g fat. WOW. Each bag must have more than 4 oz.
Take this information as you please. If you are going to indulge in a monster burrito, balance it throughout the rest of your day. Get toppings on the side. Decide what calories you can live without.
I've found that while watching what I eat, especially at a place where everything looks good (like Chipotle!) it is nice to go into the restaurant with a game plan.
ReplyDeleteBelow is a link for a "Chipotle Calculator." There have been a number of times where I've unchecked a few extras like Sour Cream I could do without after seeing the Nutrition Facts.
Hope this helps!
http://www.chipotlefan.com/index.php?id=nutrition_calculator