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Many of us are faced with situations where we have to eat at fast food chains, even when we’re trying to watch our weight. Whether it be on a long road trip, or when we’re trying to be social with our co-workers or friends, there can be times when it’s just unavoidable.
Staying healthy is typically synonymous with making smart choses, so you might think that you’re in the clear by ordering a salad bowl over say, a burrito, when dining at places like Chiptole. Not so fast–health experts warn that you should proceed with caution when ordering that “healthier” option.
“We often convince ourselves that passing on rice and opting for a lettuce base at Chipotle is a healthier option, this is most often not the case. Ordering a salad bowl at Chipotle typically leads to the wrong assumption that extra toppings are better and even justified because you are skipping rice or a tortilla. This excess of toppings adds on calories to your otherwise healthy meal, quickly,” warns nutritionist Lisa Richards of the Candida Diet.
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Other health experts agree. "Don’t think that just because it’s a salad, it is low in calories," nutritionist and portion size expert Lisa R. Young, PhD, RDN, tells us. "This salad contains around 500 calories." Wow
"For the good news, it’s high in fiber," she reveals. For an even healthier version, Young suggests skipping the steak and choosing chicken instead. Good tip!
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Fellow health experts agree that moderation is key for even those "healthier" menu options. "I eat those salad bowls, but I eat it in two sittings because of the calories," nutrition expert Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN tells us.
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"Bottom line, it is dangerous to assume a Chipotle Salad Bowl is the healthiest option on the menu," Lisa Richards asserts. "Consider your toppings in terms of nutrients and calories while also remembering things like dressings, cheese, and guacamole add to the calorie count quickly." So true!
