This is healthy takeout and a nice break from cooking.
From consumer reports.com
https://www.consumerreports.org/fast-food/healthy-mexican-fast-food-options/
Healthy Meals at Chipotle, Qdoba, and Taco Bell
Many of these Mexican fast-food options are built around protein- and fiber-rich ingredients
Healthy Meals at Chipotle, Qdoba, and Taco Bell
Many of these Mexican fast-food options are built around protein- and fiber-rich ingredients
There’s good news at Mexican-style chain restaurants: Some of the most popular—like Chipotle and even Taco Bell—are offering healthier options.
“Their meals can be built around nutritious ingredients, like beans, veggies, and corn tortillas,” says Amy Keating, RD, a CR nutritionist. “And at some, you can customize your order with tofu, plant-based meats, and whole grains.”
But be aware that even if you include nutritious ingredients, your meal can be a sodium bomb with 1,000 calories or more—which isn’t so good for you (most adults should consume only 1,800 to 2,600 calories and less than 2,300 mg of sodium a day).
For instance, a burrito at Chipotle—chicken, black beans, brown rice, fajita veggies, guacamole, and salsa in a flour tortilla—contains 1,115 calories and 2,380 mg of sodium. To help you choose Mexican meals more wisely, we reviewed the menus at three chains and selected healthier dishes you’ll still enjoy.
- Calories: 595
- Fat: 29 g
- Sat. fat: 4.5 g
- Carbs: 72 g
- Fiber: 17 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
This plant-based option is high in protein and fiber, thanks to the black beans. Opt for brown rice over white because it’s a whole grain and is higher in fiber.
- Calories: 460
- Fat: 29 g
- Sat. fat: 6.5 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fiber: 20 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Sodium: 1, 105 mg
This bowl is the lowest-sodium choice of the chain’s “Lifestyle Bowls,” and it’s packed with fiber and vitamins A and C. Ask to go “light” on the salsa to cut an additional 130 mg of sodium.
- Calories: 370
- Fat: 13 g
- Sat. fat: 5 g
- Carbs: 41 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Sodium: 960 mg
Corn tortillas are a good-for-you whole grain and are lower in Calories: and sodium than flour tortillas. These tacos offer filling protein, but their size keeps calories in check.
- Calories: 430
- Fat: 15 g
- Sat. fat: 7.5 g
- Carbs: 50 g
- Fiber: 16 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
This plant-based option is high in protein and fiber, thanks to the black beans. Opt for brown rice over white because it’s a whole grain and is higher in fiber.
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated fat: 3.5 g
- Carbs: 27 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Sodium: 1,000 mg
This bowl is filling but low in calories. Ask to go “easy” on the cheese, sour cream, sauce, and rice to shave off calories, as well as some saturated fat and sodium.
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated fat: 6 g
- Carbs: 26 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Sodium: 660 mg
“Crunchy” equals fried, but in this case, it’s a better choice than the “Soft” version on a white flour tortilla, which has more sodium, even though the other ingredients are the same.
Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the March 2022 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
