The Healthiest Foods At Chipotle, According To Nutritionists

I love that sustainability is part of Chipotle's values and how they aim to provide high-quality ingredients for fast food. These dishes can get super high in sodium, though, so if you are doing a Chipotle run, then double up your water intake and have a banana for a snack, as the potassium will help flush out some of that excess salt. And then aim to have a homemade dinner (read: no salt added). If you're thinking premade, their new Paleo Salad Bowl (part of their new Lifestyle Bowls lineup, which also includes keto, Whole30, and double-protein bowls) is a good grain-free option that's high in veggies and low in carbs and sugar. Or you can make your own, which is what I do. I go with a salad so the base is romaine, then I add in double portions of the fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, and black beans or the chicken with guac on the side.

At Chipotle, I order the Chicken Burrito Bowl with brown rice and black beans. My toppings include lettuce, fresh tomato salsa, and guacamole. This combination provides healthy fat, lean protein, and whole grains. It's a pretty large serving, though, so I try to eat half and save the rest for tomorrow's lunch! Chipotle also has a new Whole30 Salad Bowl, which is a healthier menu option as well. It is lower in carbohydrates for those who are seeking that. For a leaner protein source, I would suggest substituting the carnitas in it with chicken. 

I love Chipotle's menu because it's super customizable. You can go light, normal, or extra on their ingredients and can order the toppings on the side. My go-to is a burrito bowl with a light filling of cilantro-lime brown rice, black beans, guacamole, and a light topping of roasted chili-corn salsa. This adds up to a filling (but not overstuffed) 505 calories, 27 g fat, 13.5 g protein, and 840 mg sodium. Chipotle uses really great ingredients, but it's easy to overdo it there purely on the size of most of the dishes, so pace yourself and save some for leftovers.

Because the menu is so customizable, Chipotle is a great option when you're trying to stay on track with healthy habits. I would go for a bowl with either chicken, steak, or black beans as the protein source, then load up on the fajita veggies and lettuce, and add some fresh tomato salsa and guacamole.

—Jess Cording, R.D., mbg Collective member

I had a patient who worked at Chipotle, so I became very well versed in their menu options because they provide their staff with meals. I really appreciate the customizable nature of their offerings. My top pick would be a salad with guacamole, pinto beans, fajita vegetables, salsa as a veggie option. This one will provide a nice dose of fiber coming from the beans and fajita vegetables, and a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the guacamole. The salsa as a dressing provides extra flavor and pop. If you want to make this a meat-eater version, add a half portion of barbacoa.