Even if you’re not a huge taco or burrito lover, you’ve probably stopped at Chipotle a time or two. The chain has more than 2,000 locations and is known to focus on real ingredients without added colors, flavors, preservatives or GMOs. It’s also well-known for making burritos bigger than your face.
Since you build your own meal at Chipotle, it’s easy to load up your burrito and set yourself back over 1,000 calories without realizing it. But, since you’re in the driver’s seat, it’s also easier to make healthier decisions. For example, pass on the flour tortilla by getting a burrito bowl and save 320 calories from the start.
Each of these options have fewer than 450 calories, so you can satisfy your Mexican-food craving without going overboard on calories.
BURRITO BOWLS
Black beans, fajita vegetables, tofu sofritas, tomatillo green chili salsa, romaine lettuce
Nutrition Stats: 320 calories, 11.5g fat, 41g carbohydrate, 12g fiber, 11g sugar, 17g protein
Why it made the cut: This bowl fills you up in 300 calories, with 17 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber.
RD Tip: Skipping rice saves you more than 200 calories and about 40 grams of carbs. If you’re looking to add satisfying creaminess without breaking the calorie bank, ask for guac on the side. Top your bowl with half the container for an additional 115 calories and 11 grams of healthy fat, then save the rest for a snack the next day.
Brown rice, fajita vegetables, barbacoa, fresh tomato salsa, romaine lettuce
Nutrition Stats: 430 calories, 13g fat, 45g carbohydrate, 6g fiber, 3g sugar, 29g protein
Why it made the cut: Meat-eaters have options here. This bowl packs 29 grams of filling protein and 6 grams of fiber at 430 calories.
RD Tip: If you’re craving savory, tender pulled meat, choose barbacoa over carnitas. Barbacoa is made with a leaner cut of meat, so you’ll save about 40 calories and 5 grams of saturated fat. Barbacoa is also more seasoned than carnitas, so you get a flavor boost without having to add high-calorie condiments.
READ MORE > WHAT’S THE HEALTHIEST THING TO EAT AT MCDONALD’S?
TACOS
Three corn tortillas, chicken, fajita vegetables, tomatillo green chili salsa, romaine lettuce
Nutrition stats: 430 calories, 8.5g fat, 3g saturated fat, 52g carbohydrate, 5g fiber, 36g protein
Why it made the cut: You get three tacos for just 430 calories, and they pack 36 grams of lean protein, 5 grams of filling fiber and plenty of veggies.
RD Tip: Choose corn tortillas instead of flour to save 40 calories and 7 grams of fat, then build your tacos with lean protein like chicken and plenty of fiber-packed veggie toppings. The fajita vegetables and lettuce add volume and the tomatillo salsa provides enough flavor to keep you satisfied without adding too many calories.
SALADS
Romaine lettuce, fajita vegetables, black beans, grilled steak, tomatillo red chili salsa, 1/2 serving of cheese
Nutrition Stats: 395 calories, 10.5g fat, 5g saturated fat, 34g carbohydrate, 11g fiber, 33g protein
Why it made the cut: This salad satisfies a savory red meat and cheese craving with tons of flavor, 11 grams of fiber and 33 grams of satiating protein — all for less than 400 calories!
RD Tip: Starting with a veggie base gives you more wiggle room for adding toppings. Piling your salad high with lean protein like black beans or grilled steak keeps you full, while leaving a little room for cheese or guacamole. To slash even more calories, opt for a half-serving of cheese to cut 55 calories and 4 grams of fat and use the spicy red chili salsa as a dressing instead of vinaigrette to save 190 calories and 16 grams of fat.
