Do you consider Chipotle healthy?

[Mac4life30]

I was wondering how many of you eat there and consider it healthy.

 

[Dancind]

I did. Then I asked one day, and the manager of our local store told me they use soy oil to cook their meat.

 

[dawnhaze]

Healthy in comparison to what? It's probably better for you than a Big Mac, but when you load a burrito up with cheese and sour cream, the calorie count gets ugly fast... Their salad bowl options are pretty decent, as fast food goes, if you leave those ingredients off.

 

[Mac4life30]

Compared to Taco Bell or McDonalds. Normally I get 3 chicken tacos with corn and light cheese.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

For me it is healthier than other places, but that is because I get a bowl of rice and chicken and call it a day!

 

[tvguy]

I did. Then I asked one day, and the manager of our local store told me they use soy oil to cook their meat.

But they use lard too. That's why it tastes good, it's bad for you.

http://www.chipotle.com/en-us/menu/ingredients_statement/ingredients_statement.aspx

 

[Mac4life30]

What do they use the Lard for? like which item.

 

[tvguy]

What do they use the Lard for? like which item.

Carnitas for one. Click on the link, it lists all the ingredients for all their menu items.

 

[Mac4life30]

yep there it is

Carnitas
Pork , Lard, Bay Leaf, Salt, Black Pepper, Thyme, Juniper Berries, Sunflower Oil

 

[wdw4rfam]

Ewwww, lard?? I consider it better than McDonalds, but not "healthy". Although McDonalds doesn't use lard.....so maybe I was wrong.

 

[wvjules]

Yes. I get a bowl with brown rice, black beans, mixed veggies, 1/2 steak 1/2 chicken, and tomatilo salsa and mild salsa, topped with lettuce.

I dont' see soy oil anywhere? And I only see lard in the carnitas.

 

[DopeyDame]

It totally depends on exactly what you order. That's why it's a better option than a lot of other fast food places.

 

[LilyWDW]

Depends on your definition of "healthy".

It can be perfectly alright in any healthy and balanced diet.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Of course there is lard in carnitas...it's pork fat. Plus that is how carnitas is made.

 

[Sparkleshine]

They have a nutrtition calculator on their website:
http://www.chipotle.com/en-us/menu/nutrition_calculator/nutrition_calculator.aspx

I always get a bowl with rice, fajita veg, fresh tomoato salsa, cheese, and guac. It's only 495 calories 28g fat (Guac has 16).

You really have to beware of the tortilla if you're trying to watch you calories. It alone is 300 calories and 10 grams of fat!

In the end it really ends up with how you build your meal as to how healthy it is!

 

[shortbun]

Compared to Taco Bell or McDonalds. Normally I get 3 chicken tacos with corn and light cheese.

This is what I get with some of their fresh salsa and guacamole. I often skip the corn because of the carbs. I'm a diabetic. Calorie count may be the same as a Whopper but I doubt it and the fat type is bad versus good.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

I consider it healthier than other options, especially compared to true fast foods (McD's, Wendy's, Taco Bell..). Plus, I like their "Food with Integrity" stance.

 

[drinkme]

They have a nutrtition calculator on their website: http://www.chipotle.com/en-us/menu/nutrition_calculator/nutrition_calculator.aspx I always get a bowl with rice, fajita veg, fresh tomoato salsa, cheese, and guac. It's only 495 calories 28g fat (Guac has 16). You really have to beware of the tortilla if you're trying to watch you calories. It alone is 300 calories and 10 grams of fat! In the end it really ends up with how you build your meal as to how healthy it is!

But it's also very high in sodium. A days worth of sodium in a taco.

I used to think Paneras was healthy too

 

[shortbun]

But it's also very high in sodium. A days worth of sodium in a taco.

I used to think Paneras was healthy too

Thanks for pointing out the sodium. I can cut the salsa, add chopped tomatoes at home and end up with only 1200mg. That leaves 800mg of sodium for the rest of the day. Easy peasy! The three taco meal with black beans and guacamole also provides a day's worth of fiber. Ya don't get that outta McDonalds!!!

 

[LilyWDW]

But it's also very high in sodium. A days worth of sodium in a taco.

I used to think Paneras was healthy too

It's not like one meal that is high in sodium is going to cause any issues unless you already have a medical reason to be watching it. I think people freak out WAY too much about an item here and there when they should be looking at a diet as a whole. Not just the parts.