In case you missed the touching
Chipotle commercial during the Grammy’s promoting sustainable farming, it
captured America’s attention with cute animated farm characters and Willie Nelson singing Coldplay’s “The Scientist” in the background. I’ll share the commercial at the end of the post, but first I need to tell you a few things about
Chipotle before they have you wrapped around their little organic farm fed fingers.
My experience with Chipotle goes a little something like this:
1. I first discovered this Mexican grill in college when I worked at a Chipotle while attending Chico State.
2. It’s super clean which is a huge plus considering dirty stories you’ve heard about some fast food joints. You can’t miss the stainless steel everywhere and they had a special cleanser called “Dazzle.” It was my job as a cashier to keep everything sparkling. If I never hear, “Dale, we’re gonna need you to Dazzle here” or “Dale, don’t forget to Dazzle there,” it will be too soon.
3. I got laid off from Chipotle a few months later after a ‘lack of hours’ for my schedule and perhaps due to my Dazzling skills.
4. Problem: Employees were allowed 1 free meal per shift and I had become totally addicted to Chipotle!
5. I continued to go in every week, get my food to-go and smile at my ex-managers because I had no choice. I love Chipotle and eat it all the time, but there’s a misconception because it’s ‘organic’ and MSG free that it’s super healthy. Chipotle is a calorie killer if you’re not careful!
Here’s my Tricks to get the most Barbacoa for your buck & Never gain a pound eating Chipotle weekly:
1. Order 1 Single TACO instead of 3 (which is what the order comes with):
Sounds simple and small, but you’re getting more than you think. Plus, you can get whatever you want on it. Here’s a breakdown of calories for 1 single barbacoa taco which I got by dividing their
portions for the taco order by 3.
(It’s probably a little more though because they are pretty generous with portions)
Small Flour Tortilla- 90 cals
Black Beans – 40 cals
Cilantro Lime Rice- 43 cals
Barbacoa meat – 56 cals
Fajita Mix-1 oz- 10 cals
Fresh tomato Salsa – 10 cals
Corn Salsa- 26 cals
Sour Cream – 40 cals
Lettuce 2 cals
TOTAL -Approx. 317 Calories
2. Go Easy On the Chips & Guac
One Serving Size of Chips & Guac is over 700 calories. I took a handful of my friends (approx. 100 Cals) and about 1 oz of Guacamole (50 cals). Diet soda or Water with lemon - Zero Calories
3. Eat Happy & Avoid the Calorie Killers (aka the Burritos)
While working at Chipotle, I routinely saw people order burritos and get “double meat” & “extra guac.” The HUGE tortilla itself (290 Calories Each!) would often break, need to be re-wrapped or sometimes double wrapped. These monster burritos can easily be 2,000+ calories each and unless you have the metabolism of Michael Phelps, it can spell trouble after time. But I totally understand how boring the salad bowls are, which is why I like the single taco. If you’re going with a burrito, just eat half or be mindful of the “extras” you’re adding inside.
4. Who Knew Restaurant Food Could be this Affordable?
Minus the chips and guac I mooched off my friend, a single Barbacoa taco meal with a water is super cheap and under $3. Plus, you don’t waste food by ordering too much you can’t finish.
5. You can eat like this at any Mexican Restaurant
Mexican food is my favorite kind of food, and while there’s Chipotle’s nationwide, you can order like this at your favorite taco trucks or restaurants in your area if you don’t have a Chipotle in your city.
I hope these tips help. The entire meal with a small portion of chips and guac is about 500 calories which is perfect for a snack, lunch or light dinner when you’re having a serious Chipotle craving. Do you have any fast food calorie saving tips?
As promised, here’s that cute little Chipotle commercial
Have a great weekend!
xoDale
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Calorysaving tips? I don’t know…
Uhmm choose ketchup over mayonaise
The food looks really good!
xx
I LOVE Chipotle! I got hooked a few years ago when they built one at a shopping center nearby. I am LOVING your necklace and ring!
My husband loves Chipotle! I can’t believe how many calories are in the food. I should totally tell him so he can stop dragging me there. These are some great tips! I can’t believe your bill was so low. I’m def sending this article to my hubbs. : )
Vonae Deyshawn
http://www.myvirtueplace.com
Yea, and it was brought to my attention by some of my male readers that guys need more than one taco to get full..hehe, so if he had two it’s still pretty cheap. Thanks Vonae
so yummy
you look amazing
Great post! I love it there, but I did hear that it wasn’t as “healthy” as people thought it was just recently from one of my good friends. I was really surprised to hear that! Glad you were able to let us know what is healthy. I will let my friend know this and send her this post! xx
Pip
http://chicstayathome.blogspot.com
Yes, I used to think it was super healthy until I actually looked at one of the menus a few years ago and realized how many cals there are in everything
i love that place, so glad i live few minutes away
I love this post! My other tip would be that, if you can bear to do it, eat vegetarian! I always get a burrito with rice and beans but no meat, and it comes in at around 800 calories. Still not super diet friendly, but if it’s your biggest meal of the day it’s not bad at all!
Ooh that is true, I like Veggie burritos too. Thanks Anna and that’s definitely not too bad it it’s the big meal of the day
I never go there because when I do, my husband and I end up spending like $20.00 – $25.00. I am going there now and I canto wait!!! You are too cute sitting there w/ your mexi food!!!
great tips! I always skip the chips and use salsa instead of guac. and chicken over beef/pork. small differences but they add up!
Ahhh, so delicious!!! I love Chipotle!
I’m vegetarian, so I always just get a burrito with veggies and it is so fulfilling! Love it! 
Your jacket is super cute, by the way.
–Ashley
http://theleftfeelssoright.blogspot.com
Thanks Ashley! Fun seeing you last night and that jacket is by United Colors of Benetton. Definitely one of my faves.
om nom nom!
mexican food is one my weaknesses too!
regarding the previous post in San Francisco is amazing both the post and the city, I would go back there anytime.
xo DIa
http://www.peach-punch.com
Chipotle is one of my addictions also! I love the one taco idea and I need to try it. I just can’t get enough of the lemon rice! It’s addicting.
Rhe
rhestyle.com
Totally agree….the rice is one of my favorite parts of Chipotle
The tortilla is 290 itself! Oh no!
hello.. just discovered your blog.. spent an hour checking out all ur old posts. Fabulous style
love
megha
Stilettos Diary
Thanks Megha, can’t wait to check out your’s
Excellent advice! Now I am hungry for Mexican food.
Seattle Beauty and Fashion – Girlie Blog Seattle
That is so good mmmmm and thanks for the tips
Mmmm I’m hungry for Mexican food now…haha sadly there’s no Chipotle in my area but next time we’re on the road i’ll keep an eye out for them.
these are great tips for eating out!
And thanks for your kind comment on my blog, I am following you back
Http://www.trendyteal.blogspot.com
Definitely keep an eye out for it, you will love it.
yummy
oh thanks for the tips!! It looks sooo yummy, mmm..
)
Following you,
Much love, Gabriele. xx
Oh I love Chipotle, I didn’t know you could get a single taco, definitely will give this a try next time! Adorable jacket by the way.
Great tips, thanks! I love chipotle, ANY mexican restaurant but almost dread going because I eat so much! It’s great to know you can customize your order. Maybe now I wont overeat. Great post!
http://www.wayoutsidelookingin.blogspot.com
thanks for sharing,i have never heard of this before
sammie
from
fashionbarbecue.com
Wonderful tips and it’s amazing how quickly those calories add up. I love their chips – the salt and limey ring makes it tough to manage the portions. It’s a weekly stop of mine too
Thanks for sharing!
leslie
thanks for following me! and i followed yours too. i love chipotle! great post.
great tips! I’m starting to like Chipotle more. I’m kinda a mexican food snob. Growing up in New Mexico ruined me.
Chipotle is one of my favorite places. I avoid the corn tortillas just get the salad, without any rice and one scoop of rice and salsa. It’s seriously the best salad!
Thanks for this
I LOVE chipotle but it does seem like everything adds up quickly (calorie-wise)! I usually get the salad with chicken and salsa and go easy on the dressing!
so obsessed with chipotle, it’s kind of ridiculous.
great post!
p.s., that’s so cool that you visit newport a lot!
xx
I wish I lived near a Chipotle. I miss the amazing food! I usually get a burrito bowl and split it into two meals.
Wonderfull, love it.
great post!
i hardly ever have mexican food, and now i’m in the mood to have some
xxx
check out the international giveaway on my blog
thanks for the tips, I will use this in the future……love the blog….lets keep in touch……your newest follower…………xx
hushhushcloset.blogspot.com
Oh gosh, I should have had something to eat before I read this as I am so hungry now! We don’t get Chipotle here in the UK but Mexican food is becoming really popular. Good to know it can be low in calories!
Yea, Meghan, it’s sooo good so that’s cool it’s getting popular in the UK. I’m sure one of these days, they’ll get a Chipotle
what a great blog. Love Mexican. It is one of my favorites. I followed your blog on both GFC and Bloglovin. I hope that you will like my blog and follow back on both, if you are so inclined.
That’s such a great tip! I will definitely remember this. I’m quite the burrito girl and usually ask for extra rice!
I think portion control is a fantastic way to keep a diet under control.
xoxo
Rachel
This is so great because I am too addicted to Chipotle! While I lived in San Antonio, it was not only everywhere but like the go to place for lunch breaks and yummy quick pick-ups on the way home from work. I haven’t had it in a good while but OMGosh this post will surely come to good use. Gotta find one here in Chicago. Google Maps!!!
http://stylespotlighted.blogspot.com
haha Yea Chanel, it’s totally addicting. I’m sure you’ll find on in Chicago soon too.
Ahh that advert is so cute. And yes i agree that portion control helps so much when eating out! It’s easy to think of things as a treat and stuff your face when you shouldn’t be!
Sadie x
http://whatsadiedid.blogspot.com/
thanks for the awesome tips, the food looks amaazing
check out the international giveaway on my blog
aw seems like a nice place to be!!!!!
http://lustforgourmandise.blogspot.com/
http://lustforgourmandise.blogspot.com/
http://lustforgourmandise.blogspot.com/
xx
You have a great blog here. Can’t wait to read more! I’m following you now. Please follow back!
Love, Shoua
http://morningbelles.blogspot.com/
really nice tips! definitely following. hope you’ll come check out my blog too
sergeantfox.blogspot.com
xo
Nice post! Check my blog and follow me if you want!
Ioana
http://www.fashionspot.ro/
That looks so delicious! I love your jacket!
http://www.martasfashiondiary.com/
the food looks delicious
you are sooooo pretty! love your hair!<3
That looks so delicious! Great tips with the cutting it back to one so you can indulge a little more often
xx Mandi
http://www.findmeamuse.com
Chipotle has the BEST guacamole!
YouTube.com/ashleighjoan
I’d love to be there right now!
♥
Jasmin
http://www.my-berlin-fashion.com/
Ooh, thanks so much
But this is just my everyday routine, haha 
So cute ♥
I love your pictures! You remind me of somebody but I don’t know who that was.. Haha ♥
Oh man…I love Chipotle!! I never get the burrito and never get sour cream. Oh and I love the salad and use no dressing because I heard the calories on the dressing was insane. The fresh salsa serves as dressing to me.
Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings
They’re opening a Chipotle here soon, and we love mexican food. Thanks for the great tips!
Omg I Loooooove Chipotle BUT totally gained weight from eating it all the time ugh. Only have it about once every 4-6 months now
super cute commercial. Thanks for visiting my blog and following. Love your blog and following now too. xx
I love your pictures, looks really nice.
I like your blog, follow you now
maybe you want to take a look at mine?
XOXO
http://blondefashiontale.com
Great tips, and I love your necklace!! and jacket too!
ps: I’m having a problem with my GFC gadget, you can read about it in my latest post. If you’d still like to follow me could you please do this via the upper gadget? I’d really appreciate it!
Wow you look so pretty!!! beautiful post!!
Have a nice day!
Besos, desde España, Marcela♥
Wow amazing post! Great tips and I’m definitely going to have to check out Chipolte on my next visit to the States!!!
xoxo
daringcoco.blogspot.com
You just reminded me of that HUGE AMAZING burrito I had over the weekend at CHIPOTLE!
i am guilt free.