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McDonalds Vs. Chipotle: Who Has Healthier Options?

Courtesy of Chipotle
Courtesy of Chipotle

Sarah-Jane Bedwell, SELF magazine

As a part of Google's Zeitgeist 2012, the site revealed the most searched calorie counts--and McDonald's nabbed the top spot. Right behind, though, was Mexican fast food eatery Chipotle. But if you're counting calories, which drive-through should you head to? Here's the low down on which place you should go to chow down.

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While McDonald's does have several items on their "Favorites for Under 400" menu that may be helpful if you are counting calories, calories only tell part of the story when it comes to finding healthy options, as we know. Chipotle, on the other hand, allows you to customize your meal, choosing what you want in your burrito, taco or salad bowl, thus making it is easier to stay within a calorie budget. Plus, they have a bevvy of proteins, whole grains and veggies to pack your plate with. Yum.

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When I compared the ingredient lists of several of the menu items, Chipotle's quality was consistently higher. Their ingredient lists are simple, and they focus on using sustainable, local foods whenever possible. So, if I had to choose between the two, I would head to Chipotle for a quick dinner. Here are a few meals that I would recommend ordering there:

Burrito bowl with steak, brown rice, romaine lettuce, fajita veggies and guacamole.
The Skinny: 545 calories, 24 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 50 g carb, 37 g protein and 11 g fiber.

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Tacos (3 come in an order) made with soft corn tortillas, black beans, cheese, roasted chili-corn salsa and romaine lettuce.
The Skinny: 485 calories, 12.5 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 78 g carb, 22.5 g protein and 18 g fiber.

Salad with romaine lettuce, chicken, cheese, fajita veggies, green tomatillo salsa and half a single-serving container of the vinaigrette dressing.
The Skinny: 465 calories, 28 g fat (9 g saturated fat), 16 g carb, 43 g protein and 4 g fiber.



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