Healthier Version of Your Favorite Takeout Foods
Burrito vs. burger? This nutritionist's advice will help you make better choices—plus show you how to order healthier.
By Corrie Pikul
Original Content | February 07, 2012 
Photo: Thinkstock
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These entrées come in all sizes, so let's compare the standard Chipotle beef burrito with the basic McDonald's Big Mac: The burrito has 1,130 calories and 20 grams of saturated fat, and the burger has 540 calories and 10 grams of saturated fat. What makes the burrito so much worse? The tortilla, says Jibrin: 290 calories before you add anything else. Healthier Burrito: Toss the tortilla and order your burrito "naked," or in a bowl. Scoop on heart-healthy guacamole and skip the sour cream and cheese to bring the total saturated fat down to around 5 grams. If you also substitute lettuce for half the rice, you'll turn your burrito bomb into a meal that's practically good for you. Healthier Burger: Go with the puny-size patty (a regular burger from the drive-thru is 3.5 ounces, a Big Mac is 7.5 ounces, and classic burgers from family restaurants are even bigger). Add lettuce for bulk and tomato for antioxidants. Ketchup and mustard are negligible in terms of calories, but mayo has 90 calories per packet, so use sparingly. Hold the fries (but you already knew that). |
