Archive for the tag - chipotle

Chipotle Is Full of Shit.

screen-shot-2015-05-08-at-3-49-09-pmLet’s be clear: I enjoy eating Chipotle burritos as much as anyone. Hell, I even spring for the added guacamole. But I think Chipotle needs to be called out on its recent pseudoscience shenanigans.

Most of these shenanigans revolve around genetically modified organisms, often called GMOs. GMOs are plants or animals that have undergone a process wherein scientists alter their genes with DNA from different species of living organisms, bacteria, or viruses to get desired traits.

In an announcement titled “G-M-Over It”, Chipotle announced that it was eliminating genetically modified ingredients because:

  1. Scientists are still studying the long term health impacts
  2. The cultivation of GMOs can hurt the environment
  3. Chipotle should be a place where people can eat food with non-GMO ingredients

It’s bullshit and here’s why.

If Chipotle is concerned about the scientifically-proven health impacts of it’s ingredients, look no further than sugar, simple carbohydrates or salt. Unlike GMOs, the science on these ingredients is very, very clear. From heart disease to reproductive issues to weight gain and obesity, these ingredients have very real and very negative consequences on overall health; when it comes to health, GMOs are the least of Chipotle’s concerns.

In terms of the environment, GMOs can have a negative impact in that they can result in herbicide-resistant superweeds. While this may be true, proponents of GMOs note that they’ve allowed farmers to grow more food with fewer resources. GMOs have resulted in drought and cold-resistant plants that have become essential for feeding the planet’s growing population.

Chipotle’s third and final reason to eliminate GMOs isn’t a reason at all. It’s just circular logic. Why should Chipotle eliminate GMO ingredients? Because Chipotle should be a place where people can eat food with non-GMO ingredients, of course. And in the effort to eliminate GMOs, Chipotle has failed. As Chipotle notes on their website, “Many of the beverages sold in our restaurants contain genetically modified ingredients, including those containing corn syrup, which is almost always made from GMO corn.” Oops. And then there’s the meat. Because it’s harder and more difficult to find meat raised from non-GMO feed, Chipotle isn’t doing it.

While it’s totally reasonable to have a discussion about GMOs and their place in our food supply, Chipotle’s recent announcement is nothing more than a distraction from the more obvious truth. And that is, of course, that Chipotle’s menu is mostly unhealthy and over portioned.

P.S. If you are actually interested in transforming the way you look and feel through the foods you eat, download Davey Wavey’s Insanely Easy Guide to Eating Smarter and get started today!

Is Chipotle Healthy? 6 Tips To Upgrade Your Order.

Hey Davey,

I know that you’re not a fan of fast food but I love eating at Chipotle. To me, it is a step above McDonald’s or Burger King and the food seems to be more nutritious. I was wondering if Chipotle is actually healthy?

From,
Beth

chipotle-burritoHey Beth,

Like any restaurant, it really depends on what you order.

Last week, The New York Times did a great feature on Chipotle and how many calories most people actually consume.

As it turns out, many burritos and burrito bowls end up being calorie bombs that are loaded with sodium. After reviewing data from 3,000 Chipotle orders, researchers determined that the typical Chipotle order has about 1,070 calories, nearly 2,400 mg of sodium and 15 grams of saturated fat. For many adults, that’s more than half a day’s worth of calories, a full day’s worth of sodium and about 75% of your daily recommended saturated fat.

Screen Shot 2015-02-24 at 10.54.04 AMSo how can you upgrade your order at Chipotle? Use these tips:

  1. Ditch the tortilla. Eliminating the tortilla (and opting for a burrito bowl) cuts 300 calories.
  2. No sour cream. By cutting sour cream, you eliminate 115 calories and 7 grams of saturated fat.
  3. Light on the cheese. Cheese adds another 100 calories and 5 grams of saturated fat to your meal. Go light.
  4. Pass on the chips and guacamole. Be strong! Chips and guacamole add a staggering 770 calories to your meal. While guacamole is nutrient dense and may be worth the calorie splurge, the chips have no redemptive qualities.
  5. Get brown rice. While switching from white rice to brown rice won’t cut calories, it will add fiber to your meal and slow down digestion. You won’t get the same spike in blood sugar that you might otherwise get from white rice.
  6. Drink water. A 20-ounce can of coke adds 240 calories to your meal - and heaps of sugar. Ask for a cup of water. It’s also free.

Do you have any tips for eating healthy at Chipotle? Share them in the comments below!

P.S. If you want to burn off your burrito, give my professionally-filmed bootcamp workout a try.