How to Eat Healthy at Chipotle
In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prioritize our health and make nutritious food choices can be a challenge, especially for busy working professionals. But what if we told you that you could enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal at one of the most popular fast-casual restaurants? Welcome to "How to Eat Healthy at Chipotle," a comprehensive guide designed to help you navigate the menu options at Chipotle while making informed choices for your well-being. Authored by Emily Morgan, a dedicated registered dietitian passionate about helping individuals find balance in their lives, this article will provide you with valuable insights, practical tips, and expert advice on creating a nutritious and satisfying dining experience at Chipotle. So, get ready to indulge guilt-free, as we embark on this flavorful journey towards a healthier you.
How To Eat Healthy at Chipotle: Building a Balanced Meal
1. Burrito, taco, salad or bowl…Which to choose?!
It depends on what you like! A salad or bowl can be a great option to spare yourself the extra calories and sodium from the large flour tortilla of the burrito. However, if you’re adamant on your burrito,, no worries! There are many other ways to incorporate balance in your meal without having to ditch the tortilla all together. If you’re opting for tacos, consider trying the crispy corn tortillas instead of the soft flour tortillas. In addition to the corn tortillas containing less sodium, theyoffer slightly more nutritional value in minerals such as fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium!
2. Rice, rice, rice!
Brown rice has a slight advantage over white rice when it comes to nutrition value. Brown rice is a complex carbohydrate containing more fiber than white rice, meaning it takes slower to digest which can help manage blood sugar levels. Regardless if you choose brown rice or white rice, keep in mind portion control. If the Chipotle you go to is known for being generous on portioning rice, don’t be afraid to ask for a half serving to see how it measures up! Generally, a cup of rice (one full scoop) can be a sufficient portion for maintaining a balanced meal. Also, if you’re trying to watch your sodium intake, brown rice contains less sodium than white rice.
3. Beans… Black or Pinto?!
A 4 oz serving size of beans, either pinto or black, can be a great way to incorporate more fiber into your meal! Black beans and pinto beans are very similar in calorie, fat, and protein content. The fiber in these beans helps promote a healthy GI, manage blood sugar levels by slowing down digestion, and help you feel fuller longer.
4. Add Veggies and Greens for Volume
Ask for the fajita vegetables and pico de gallo to get an easy serving of vegetables into your meal. You can also add lettuce or supergreens to your meal for increased nutrient intake. These options contribute to the overall volume of your meal, allowing you to consume more at a lower calorie cost! Plus, you can always double the servings of your favorite veggie options to increase the volume of your meal without increasing the calorie load as much.
5. Condiments on the Side. Be in control!
Ask for the guac, sour cream and cheese on the side! Chipotle tends to give a generous serving of guacamole. And although guacamole is a good source of healthy fat and fiber, the oversized portion can contribute to added calories and sodium to the meal that you most likely don’t need! Getting the guac on the side allows you to control how much you want to add to your meal (while still getting your money’s worth to save the extra for later)! Same idea with sour cream and cheese. If you ask for it on the side, you can control how much you consume because you are in portion control! If you don’t want to ask for these options on the side in fear of still using it all, try asking for a half serving of sour cream, or a light sprinkle of cheese on top, instead of a full spoonful. If you’re focused on keeping your meal low calorie, skip out on sour cream or queso all together!
6. Sodium Awareness
If you’re trying to watch your sodium intake, be aware that a lot of the food at Chipotle can be sodium dense. For example, one large flour tortilla and a serving of chicken together accounts for 910 mg of sodium… And that’s before all the added condiments and toppings! Remember, you are in control by asking for condiments on the side, or getting light portions of certain items. Also, sticking to one salsa instead of multiple can be another great way to limit your sodium intake.
Take the time to explore Chipotle’s menu and figure out how much you’re getting nutritionally for your meal.
Chipotle’s Menu and Full Nutrition Facts:
Ready to Start Eating Healthy?
Are you tired of feeling sluggish, confused about what to eat, or struggling to reach your health goals? Schedule a free consultation with our registered dietitian today to gain invaluable insights into your nutritional needs, discover practical strategies for a balanced diet, and set realistic goals tailored to your individual circumstances.
