The Ultimate Guide to Keto at Chipotle: 2022 Expert Tips

The ketogenic diet, more commonly known as keto, has recently been recognized as a powerful weight loss strategy that assists in improving various health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment. Chipotle Mexican Grill, a popular chain of fast food restaurants in the United States known for its mission towards real foods, provides an appealing variety of tasty options for those on this low-carb diet.

Understanding the Basics of a Keto Diet

The ketogenic diet is named as such for it promotes the production of ketones, small fuel molecules that provide energy when glucose—primary source of energy—is on short supply. Normally, carbohydrates found in sugary foods, starch, and bread are converted into glucose in our body. But with a low-carb, high-fat intake just as keto suggests, your body is coerced into a state of ketosis, where it efficiently burns fat for energy.

Eating Keto at Chipotle

The rich menu at Chipotle gives keto dieters a plethora of choices to enjoy Mexican food flavors without tipping over their daily carb limit. Here are some of their popular, keto-friendly offers:

1. Chipotle Bowls

Designing your own bowl is an effective way of keeping your meal within the keto guidelines. Start with a solid base of romaine lettuce instead of rice or beans, which are high in carbohydrates.

2. Meat Options

Choose high-fat, high-protein meats – Chipotle offers chicken, steak, carnitas (pulled pork), or barbacoa (braised beef). Each of these goes perfectly with your keto bowl.

3. Cheese and Veggies

Top your bowl with a healthy portion of cheese and a mix of fajita veggies – bell peppers and onions. While these vegetables do have some carbs, they are acceptable in moderation on a ketogenic diet.

4. Salsas and Toppings

Chipotle’s salsas are a great addition to your keto bowl. The Fresh Tomato Salsa and Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa are particularly good choices with 1 and 4 net carbs respectively. For toppings, you can opt for sour cream and guacamole, both high in fat and low in carbs.

Avoid at Chipotle on a Keto Diet

Avoid rice, beans, tortillas, and chips, which are high in carbohydrates. Similarly, the Corn Salsa and Honey Vinaigrette are not low-carb friendly due to added sugars.

Ready-to-Order Keto Options

Chipotle has also introduced pre-built bowls catering specifically to keto dieters.

1. Keto Salad Bowl

This bowl includes carnitas, romaine lettuce, tomatillo-red chili salsa, cheese, and guacamole. Loaded with proteins and fats, it contains 16 net carbs.

Swap and Customize

Always remember, the flexibility of their menu enables you to tweak any dish to its keto version. Swap out high-carb ingredients with low-carb alternatives and you should be able to enjoy most of your Chipotle favorites.

Insider tip: ask for extra lettuce. Not only is it keto-friendly and filling, but it’s also free of charge.

Enjoying Chipotle on a Keto Diet

Chipotle is one of the few fast foods where you can truly enjoy a meal without the guilt of cheating on your diet. With quality meats, fresh veggies, and a generous selection of low-carb toppings, keeping keto at Chipotle becomes both delicious and satisfying.

Remember, dining out on a keto diet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction. With careful planning and smart choices, you can enjoy a satisfying, delicious meal at Chipotle while staying within your ketogenic diet.

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