Mmmm, Chipotle! The healthiest fast food around, right? Chipotle fanatics scoff at those ordering greasy burgers and fries, but is their food superiority really justified?
On one hand, sure. The food has integrity, it’s all fresh, grilled and chock full of veggies. But on the other hand, it is really, really high in calories (and in sodium too!) according to a new study published in the New York Times.
According to their research—which is based on 3,000 meals from 1,800 Grubhub orders in late 2012—the typical order at Chipotle has 1,070 calories. Ouch! For those needing a nutrition class refresher, the recommended daily caloric intake range for adults is between 1,600 and 2,400 cals.
And what is a ‘typical’ Chipotle order? That delicious meat-based burrito with cheese, salsa, lettuce, sour cream, rice and beans.
Unfortunately, that mouth-watering order isn’t just calorie-high—it’s also high in sodium (most orders give you nearly a full day’s worth of salt) and 75 percent of your daily saturated fat allowance.
We’re not saying you should give up Chipotle—that’d be crazy—but this new information is definitely something to think about when you’re loading up on high-cal extras like cheese and sour cream, or tricking yourself into thinking you’re making healthy choices. That fresh tomato salsa that's only 20 calories? It boasts more sodium than a 1 oz. bag of Lay’s potato chips!
What'll you be having on your next Chipotle burrito, collegiettes?