19 May 2009

Shanna asks:

What’s your take on Chipotle? Specifically, a vegetarian burrito bowl is kind of my go-to for quick, on-the-run meal. I order half the rice, twice the beans, and have them load on fajita veggies, fresh salsa, guac, a little cheese and lettuce.  I end up eating this about 2 or 3x a week (I LOVE it) and I’ve always considered it a pretty healthy alternative to fast food, but am I just deluding myself?

Chipotle is one of those chains that sort of masquerades as healthy by marketing itself as natural and organic. Don’t get me wrong, I love that they’re striving for “food with integrity,” but in terms of health, I’m not sure that means a whole lot.

If you’re going to eat Chipotle, a vegetarian burrito bowl is probably the best you can do (hold the sour cream and cheese if possible). WITH guac, sour cream, and cheese, the whole thing will run you about 900 calories (per the Daily Plate). I’m guessing you can shave 300-400 calories by cutting the sour cream, some cheese, and some rice, but it’s still not a low-calorie dish by any means. Beans are great, but they’re pretty calorie dense and I’m sure Chipotle isn’t using oil sparingly.Plus, the rest of the bowl doesn’t offer much nutrition (romaine lettuce isn’t exactly a nutritional champion).

Bottom line: A Chipotle veggie burrito bowl isn’t the worst thing you could eat, especially for fast food, but it’s still a higher calorie meal without a ton of nutritional value. I know, I know, my Chipotle-loving readers are going to be mad at me for this. Just watch the portion carefully (don’t eat the whole thing if you can help it) and don’t fool yourself into thinking it’s health food.