Is Chipotle Bad For You?
Also Known As: Chipotle Mexican Grill
Short answer
Eating at Chipotle frequently and without regard for sensible menu selections is a bad choice. However, armed with knowledge about the nutritional and caloric value of food, it is possible to eat a healthy meal here.
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A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
The Mexican-style food chain Chipotle is well-known for promoting “food with integrity”, offering menu items which contain no Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), meats which are free of antibiotics, and locally sourced ingredients. However, it is important to recognize that “food with integrity” does not necessarily translate into healthy eating.
Although Chipotle is not considered fast food, its’ casual style dining provides the opportunity for overdoing it. Sidling up to the buffet and eating with complete abandon can push your lunch well over the 1,000 calorie mark – higher than a burger combo at a fast food chain. This same meal will also contain a full day’s worth of sodium, and three-quarters of your daily saturated fat allowance. The good news is that this same buffet style allows diners to have control over the content of their meal, and with some advance planning it is possible to eat a healthy meal at Chipotle.
Restaurants post a nutritional calculator for all food items, and the same calculator is available on the company website. It is worth noting that a tortilla boasts 300 calories, and is also the only item at Chipotle which contains hydrogenated oils. However, if you choose to avoid them completely and head for the most popular menu item at Chipotle – which is the burrito bowl – you will still be over 1,000 calories if you choose cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole add-ins.
Healthy meals at Chipotle begin with a bowl or salad. Crispy taco shells are a good alternative to tortillas and chips; they are salt-free and low in calories and saturated fats. To inject some protein into the meal without the inclusion of unhealthy fats and preservatives, sensible sides include chicken and guacamole. Veggies such as peppers and onion - free with the purchase of a protein - are also a healthful addition. Finally, salsa is a sensible topping choice. Unlike cheese and sour cream, it is low in calories and high in both Vitamin A and Capsaicin – a compound known to speed up the metabolism, amongst other things. The spicy addition of salsa will also satisfy taste requirements – making it less likely that you will overeat!
Possible short-term side effects
- water retention
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dehydration
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increased blood pressure
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nausea
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bloating
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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hypertension
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high cholesterol
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heart disease
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- gmo-free
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antibiotic-free
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msg-free
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locally sourced ingredients
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create your own meal
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Amy's Vegetable Pot Pie
- Organic ingredients
- Convenient microwave meal
- Contains vegetables
- Non-GMO
- 7.5 oz serving
Learn More!
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Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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