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If you go to McDonald’s and order a Big Mac and fries, chances are you’re ordering it because you want to eat it, not because you think it’s rich in nutrients. Same goes for ordering fried chicken. roast Arby’s beef sandwich.
But if you’re thinking of eating at Chipotle, it’s probably because you want Mexican food. When I want something healthy. Sure, it’s still a fast food chain, but the ingredients are fresh, so it must be healthier, right?
“Since Chipotle uses only fresh ingredients and no artificial or processed additives, it ranks high for me in terms of nutritional levels and I’m glad I ordered here.” nutritionist Melissa Rifkin, RD, Say. However, like virtually any restaurant, the health of your meal can vary greatly depending on what you order. Here, a registered dietitian walks you through what to order at Chipotle to keep your diet nutritious, and which ingredients you want to minimize or skip.
Chipotle’s healthiest menu
Co-founder of Married to Health and Registered Dietitian if you have specific health goals in mind. Dahlia Marin, RDN, Before going to the restaurant, it may be helpful to visit the Chipotle website. “They are nutrition calculator A place where you can see exactly what you are getting. If you go to the ‘Nutrition’ tab, you have the option to make your own meals,” she says. You can see how much protein any menu item provides.
overworked? Co-Founder and Registered Dietitian, Married To Health James Mullin, RDsays a general rule to keep in mind when ordering is to prioritize promotion-related plant-based foods. gut healthThis includes complex carbohydrates (such as beans and brown rice) and fiber-rich vegetables. “Plants not only contain dietary fiber and necessary macronutrients, they also contain dietary fiber, prebiotics, and phytonutrients that are not found in animal foods. helps feed the ecosystem of
Related: 18 foods that are good for your gut
Ingredients James would consider ordering include black beans, pinto beans, coriander-lime white rice, brown rice, cauliflower Rice, fajitas (sautéed peppers and onions), sofritas (braised) tofu with poblano and chipotle peppers), vegan chorizo (made from soybeans), fresh tomatoes salsa, corngreen chili salsa, lettuce Red salsa with blend, coriander and tomatillo.
As you can see, there is no shortage of options. “These ingredients come together for a balanced diet that includes protein, fat, and fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied longer,” says James. and add that you can make a truly nutritious burrito bowl.
How to make chipotle even healthier
By ordering a burrito bowl and prioritizing the combination of ingredients above, you can be sure you’re getting a nutritionally balanced meal. But what about the ingredients you should skip? Daria says shredded cheese, queso blanco, and sour cream are all high in saturated fat and should be enjoyed in moderation.
The same goes for meat protein options.[Meat and cheese] It contains saturated fat and cholesterol,” she says. “These nutrients aren’t necessarily ‘bad’. Humans make cholesterol in the liver and saturated fatty acids also serve a purpose. Where these fats cross the line is with regards to animal quality and consumption. In other words, while meats and cheeses are certainly healthy, the tried-and-true adage that moderation is best is certainly relevant here.
Related: What are the worst foods for high cholesterol?
James says to watch the amount of refined carbs in your diet, such as flour tortillas and tortilla chips. This can lead to spikes and drops in energy and mood.
Finally, Rifkin says to watch out for sodium in tortilla chips, dressings and sauces. Too much sodium can harm your heartThe American Heart Association recommends taking Less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per dayConsidering hefty amounts of potato chips and guacamole contain 1,330 milligrams, which most people pair with their entrees, it’s easy to see why it’s important to watch sodium in your diet.
Related: 25 foods that are good for your heart
In general, Chipotle is a healthy place to eat. But how healthy you want your diet to be is up to you. Prioritize plant foods when preparing meals.
next, Find out what our nutritionists recommend ordering when you’re craving sushi.
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