Most of us would agree that a lot of fast food offers little nutritional benefit because menu items are often full of artificial ingredients and excess fat, sugar, and salt. However, there are restaurant chains that actually do give you the option of ordering a healthy and nutritious meal. Chipotle is a good example. This popular Mexican fast food restaurant uses meat without hormones or antibiotics, organic and local produce, and dairy from cows that weren’t given hormones whenever possible. You can also customize your order, which puts the responsibility of choosing a well-rounded meal in your hands. You can have a very nutritious meal, or an unhealthy meal depending on what choices you make.

So, what does a healthy fast food Mexican meal look like?

• Start out with a bowl with black beans to get some high-fiber carbs. Add some veggies and chicken to your fajita for a serving of vegetables and lean protein.
• Remember that although carbs aren’t bad, you can have too much of a good thing. (If you order a burrito for example, consider skipping the rice.)
• For toppings, go with corn and tomato salsa for added veggies and then finish it off with guacamole for your healthy dietary fat. The type of fat found in cheese and sour cream is nowhere near as healthy as the fat in guacamole. However, if you really love cheese or sour cream, consider asking for just a little. If not, just skip them altogether.

The good news is that more and more fast food chains are offering healthy options. So, the next time you order a meal at your favorite fast food place, examine the whole menu. Look for quality ingredients and be aware of how your food is prepared. Choose grilled meat instead of fried and add fresh veggies and fruit whenever possible. It’s fine to treat yourself to the tortilla chips or the fries every once in a while,  just remember the importance of keeping an overall balanced diet.

-Brooke, CYWH Summer Intern