If you want to eat healthy at Chipotle, where most people go overboard with their calories, you don't have to deprive yourself. Just order like a registered dietitian. Most of them go for bowls over burritos but use creative tactics to fill up in healthy ways. Here are the combos that healthy eating experts swear by:
1. Vegetarian Burrito Bowl
Double fajita veggies, double black beans, guacamole, romaine lettuce, tomatillo green-chili salsa, no rice
"I get a burrito bowl because I don't want to waste my calories on tortilla. I don't eat meat, so I usually get double beans (instead of rice) for protein. And I always get double veggies for extra fiber. The guac is a healthy fat that keeps my taste buds happy because it's creamy. I top it off with romaine lettuce because it's fresh and gives you a little crunch without wasting calories on chips. As for tomatillo? It's my favorite salsa. It's all about the flavor." —Danielle Omar, a registered dietitian based in Washington, D.C.
2. Barbacoa Burrito Bowl
White rice, double fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, and guacamole
"I go with rice and skip beans to limit my starches, and choose white rice because I don't love the taste of brown rice. I prefer barbacoa over other meats because it's the most flavorful without being the fattiest. That said, it does have more sodium than other options, so I eat lower sodium foods throughout the rest of the day." —Rachel Berman, a registered dietitian based in New York and the director of health content at About.com
3. Vegetarian Salad Bowl
Black beans, fajita vegetables, tomatillo green-chili salsa, and guacamole
" I choose the salad bowl with black beans for protein, iron, and fiber. I opt for the tomatillo green-chili salsa because I love a little spicy kick — especially because it speeds up the metabolism. And who can go to Chipotle without getting guac? It's a fantastic healthy fat that sustains me until my next meal." —Miranda Hammer, a registered dietitian based in New York, and the founder of the healthy lifestyle blog Crunchy Radish
4. Chicken Salad Bowl
Double fajita vegetables, cheese, and guacamole, white rice, fresh tomato salsa, sometimes with a side of chips to scoop the salad (no dressing)
"I load on the cheese and guacamole because they both contain healthy fats that promote nutrient absorption. I also go for white rice instead of brown rice or beans because I believe that the fiber in those foods could interfere with nutrient absorption.
With all my toppings and salsa, I can skip salad dressing. And I get the chips because they're delicious — even though they aren't the healthiest thing on the menu." —Cassie Bjork, a registered dietitian and founder of the nutrition coaching company Healthy Simple Life based in Shoreview, Minnesota
5. Sofritas Burrito Bowl
Brown rice, black beans, fajita veggies, tomato salsa, romaine lettuce, and guacamole with chips and salsa
"I always order the sofritas (tofu) bowl because I don't eat meat. Even though the meal is so filling with fibrous beans, veggies, rice, protein-packed tofu, and guacamole, I can't resist a side of chips and salsa." —Janel Funk, a registered dietitian based in Boston
6. Vegetarian Burrito Bowl
Half-portion of brown rice, black beans, pinto beans, fajita veggies, pico de gallo, corn salsa, and a double portion of lettuce, topped with crushed tortilla chips and a side of guacamole
"I ask for black and pinto beans instead of a full serving of rice because it gives me more protein and fiber. I get the guac in a cup on the side because sometimes they just give you way too much, and it overpowers the meal. But I don't stress too much about the calories or fat because overall, the whole bowl is super healthy." —Karen Ansel, a registered dietitian based in Long Island, New York
7. Chicken/Steak/Carnitas Salad Bowl
Small scoop of brown rice, fajita veggies, black beans, fresh tomato salsa, and guacamole
"I choose the salad bowl so that I have a base of leafy greens, and bulk it up with the fajita veggies and whatever protein I'm in the mood for. I get brown rice for the extra fiber, but ask for a small scoop to keep the carb portion in check. I also ask for a small-ish scoop of guacamole for the healthy fats. With the extra protein and fiber in the black beans, this keeps me full for hours." —Alissa Rumsey, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
8. Build-Your-Own Kids' Meal With Two Soft Shell Chicken Tacos
Salsa, romaine lettuce, tomatilla red-chili salsa, guacamole, and chips
"The kids' meal only comes with two tacos plus an apple or chips. I honestly choose the chips (especially after a workout when I want the extra calories). Then I wash it down with water (instead of the juice or milk included in the kids' meal) to wash down the salty meal." —Brooke Schantz, a registered dietitian and founder of the Illinois-based nutrition counseling company, Bitchin' Nutrition
RELATED:
Guess How Many Calories Are in Your Favorite Chipotle Order?
The Behavior That Drives Chipotle Employees Crazy
Follow Elizabeth on Twitter.
