If you’re like most people, you probably love an excellent Chipotle meal. But let’s face it; their toppings can add up quickly, leaving you bloated and guilty. Luckily, as a registered dietitian, I’m here to help you navigate the menu and order more healthily.
The first thing to consider when ordering at Chipotle is your base. You can choose between a bowl or a salad. Burritos and tacos are also available, but remember that a large tortilla can add up to 320 calories. If you’re watching your calorie intake, consider opting for a bowl or salad instead.
Next, it’s time to choose your grain. Whole grains are always a good choice for their fiber and overall nutritional value. Brown rice, for example, is lower in sodium and higher in fiber than white rice. However, if you prefer white rice, that’s okay too. Just make sure to balance it out with extra veggies to get your fiber in.
When it comes to protein, all of the options are pretty high in sodium. If you’re trying to maintain a low-sodium diet, opt for chicken or beans with lower sodium levels. My go-to order is the sofrito, a plant-based protein option with 500160 milligrams of sodium per serving.
Don’t forget to add some beans to your meal. Legumes are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, offering 8 grams of plant-based protein per serving.
Now onto the toppings. The best toppings for you are the ones you love, but consider adding fajita veggies, lettuce, guacamole, and tomatillo green salsa for a nutrient-packed punch of flavor. Be mindful of toppings like sour cream, cheese, queso, and high-sodium salsas. If you choose these toppings, ask for a smaller portion or have it on the side to control how much you use.
If you also need a crunch, try splitting a bag of chips with a friend or saving some for later. A small serving contains 540 calories and 390 milligrams of sodium.
My go-to order at Chipotle is brown rice, black beans, sofrito, double fajita veggies, lettuce, guacamole, green salsa, corn salsa, and small queso.
In conclusion, Chipotle has plenty of healthy options that won’t leave you feeling guilty or bloated. Remember to balance out your meal with lots of veggies, fiber-rich grains, and lean protein. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy your meal in a way that fits your nutritional needs and flavor preferences.
*****
Source Description
Chipotle is one of the healthier fast-food joints; they use fresh ingredients with no processed or artificial additives. That’s pretty impressive for a restaurant chain of their size. But even though Chipotle’s ingredients are better than most, you can still rack up the calories on a typical order. In this video, we dive deep into their menu to explain how to order.
#Healthy #Order #Chipotle #FastFood #Dietitian #EatingWell
Read the article at: https://www.eatingwell.com/article/290597/how-to-order-healthy-at-chipotle/
00:00 Introduction
00:24 What To Consider Ordering At Chipotle
1:55 What Are The Best Toppings?
2:26 What Toppings To Limit
3:36 What Does A Dietitian Order?
An EatingWell registered dietitian answers the internet’s burning questions about the hottest topics in nutrition, diet, and health.
Subscribe to Eating Well: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=eatingwell.
Official Website: http://www.eatingwell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EatingWell
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eatingwell
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/eatingwell/
How to Order Healthy at Chipotle | Dietitian Q&A | EatingWell
