How to Eat Healthy as An Athlete at Chipotle

How to Eat Healthy as an Athlete at Chipotle:

You and I can both agree that Chipotle is one of the best things on this planet..

I mean, that’s why you’re reading this article, right?

I know that you’re also an athlete, so you most likely want to enjoy your Chipotle and have it be aligned with your athletic goals, so you can eat it more often 😉

Believe it or not, one of the most common questions I get from clients and athletes in the DM’s is “how can I eat healthy as an athlete at Chipotle?”

\The good thing is that Chipotle is one of the healthiest “fast-food” restaurants you can eat at as they “promise” to use only fresh ingredients and no processed or artificial additives.

Within this article, I will clearly break down how to eat healthy at Chipotle without completely “breaking your diet.”

9 Steps to Eat Healthy as an Athlete at Chipotle:

1. Order a Burrito Bowl or a Salad instead of a Burrito

-A large flour tortilla contains about 320-400 calories.

If you would like, go for the corn and tortilla flour shells as they are only around 200-250 calories.

Personally, I use these Siete Family Foods Tortilla, as it is grain free and half the calories of the Chipotle Burrito.

Some of you may be in a rush and on the road, but I take my Chipotle Order home after a workout session.

 

2. Brown or White Rice

-The Brown rice has a little bit less sodium and calories, but there’s no drastic difference.

-I go for the brown rice because I think it tastes better and “healthier.”

-You choose what tastes better for you. 

 

3. Pinto or Black Beans- Your Choice:

-If beans don’t hurt your stomach and if you’re not on a date, pick either pinto or black beans, as they both are nutritionally equal.

-If you’re on a date, I would opt out, as beans could produce some interesting smells 🙂

 

4. Double Up on the Fajita Veggies:

-Double up on these as they are very low calorie (about 20-50 calories) and they won’t charge you extra for hitting it twice.

-They’re also high in fiber and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).

 

5. Pick Your Favorite Protein:

-I love the Barbacoa, but pick the one that you love.

-They all are pretty similar in terms of calories and protein (except the Carnitas has about 210 calories).

Barbacoa:

170 Calories

24 Grams of Protein

Steak:

150 Calories

21 Grams of Protein

Chicken:

170 Calories

32 Grams of Protein (WOW)

Sofritas:

(for my Vegans and Vegetarians)

150 Calories

8 Grams of Protein (WOW)

6. Add Your Mild Salsa:

-Micros + it tastes quite good 🙂

 

7. Get Your Hot Sauce on the Side:

-I always ask for it on the side so my mouth doesn’t heat up.

 

8. Add Your Romaine Lettuce:

-Double up if you’re hungry.

-Remember, micros!

9. The Guac is Your Choice:

-Avocados are an excellent source of healthy fats and fiber.

-This is up to you if you feel you can afford the extra $$$ and calories (about 200-300 calories depending on portion size).

-If you’re looking to gain weight, go for it.

-If you’re looking to lose weight, you may want to cut back.

Extra Goodies You May Want to Stay Away From:

I don’t know your nutritional and body composition goal but I generally advise my clients to use these sparingly or stay away from these extras altogether:

1. Sour Cream

(100-300 Calories)

2. Cheese

(100-200 Calories) 

3. Queso

(100-300 Calories)

4. Salad Dressing

(200-300 Calories)

If you are looking to lose weight, these can definitely sky-rocket your calories. I’m not saying not to eat them, but the best choice might be to pick your favorite one, instead of all 4.

5. Chips

-A single serving contains between 500-600 calories.

-This could easily double the calories of your entire meal.

-You don’t need to skip out on them entirely if you want them, but maybe split them with a couple of friends.

Here are a Couple of My Favorite Bowl Suggestions:

1. The RicFit Bowl:

Rice: Brown

Beans: ½ and ½ of Pinto and Black

Protein: Barbacoa

Veggies: Double Fajita Veggies + Double Romaine Lettuce

Sauces: Tomato Salsa, Corn Salsa, Red Hot Sauce on the Side

Calories: About 500-700, Protein: About 15-40 Grams

2. The Protein Punch:

Rice: Brown

Beans: Black

Protein: ½ Chicken, ½ Steak

Veggies: Double Fajita Veggies + Double Romaine Lettuce

Sauces: Tomato Salsa, Corn Salsa, Red Hot Sauce on the Side

Calories: About 500-700, Protein: About 15-40 Grams

3. The Vegan:

Rice: White

Beans: ½ and ½ of Pinto and Black

Protein: Sofritas

Veggies: Double Fajita Veggies + Double Romaine Lettuce

Sauces: Tomato Salsa, Corn Salsa, Red Hot Sauce on the Side

Calories: About 500-700, Protein: About 15-30 Grams

 

4. Terrific Tacos:

Base: Crispy Corn Tortillas

Beans: ½ and ½ of Pinto and Black

Protein: Steak

Veggies: Fajita Veggies + Romaine Lettuce

Sauces: Tomato Salsa, Corn Salsa, Red Hot Sauce on the Side

Calories: About 400-600, Protein: About 15-35 Grams

Anyways, I hope this helped you out and gives you more of a reason to eat your healthiest at Chipotle as an athlete!

If these tips helped you, be sure to pass them along to a friend and make sure to tag me in your stories’ when you’re enjoying your Chipotle 🙂