The idea for the Healthy Dining Series began at a blogging conference with friends.  We were at the convention center with limited food choices and one of my fellow blog buddies Kara, over at The Joys of Boys, looked at me and said, “I never know what the best options are for eating healthy.  What should I order?”

Confession time… I’ve mentioned this before, but I’ll say it again.  I really don’t enjoy being in the kitchen.  In fact, I sort of have to give myself a pep talk before I prepare a meal.  We asked the, “Would you rather have a personal chef or a housekeeper?” question on our Facebook page a while back.  I would without a doubt take a personal chef.  That being said, I eat out a little more than I would like to admit.  BUT I have learned that dining out doesn’t necessarily have to mean eating terrible.  Needless to say, if you’ve got a question about what you should order on a menu when you’re out to eat, throw it my way!  I’d love to help!

After receiving a request from a reader, we took our Healthy Dining Series into Chipotle!

Before our health and fitness guru’s go crazy on us, we are providing you with the following DISCLAIMER:  Yes, eating and prepping home-cooked healthy meals are your best option for weight loss and healthy living, BUT let’s be real… sometimes after a long week, dining out and coming home to a clean kitchen is just what mama needs!

Stay Fit Mom is bringing you The Healthy Dining Series.  We are heading into some of the most popular fast food joints and restaurants around the country to share with you menu choices we believe are your best options for maintaining your healthy lifestyle.

Before I give too much away, I have to admit that Chipotle is one of my favorite places to eat out.  I love me some Mexican food.  After all, it’s in my blood.

Tracy’s Healthy Menu Choice at Chipotle:

Burrito Bowl with

• Chicken
• Brown Rice
• Fajita Vegetables
• Fresh Tomato Salsa
• Guacamole
• Romaine Lettuce

When I walk into Chipotle I order the burrito bowl.  This meal is so tasty you won’t even miss the tortilla.  In case you haven’t been to Chipotle before, you pick your toppings as you walk through the line, so you’ve got a whole lot of control.  They can get VERY generous on the toppings, so if you’re watching your caloric intake, you may want to let the food server know ahead of time.  I always ask for a smaller portion of rice than they normally give and then let them go heavy on the fajitas and salsa!  I try to skip the cheese all together (you most likely won’t even miss it), and splurge on the guacamole.

Tracy’s Healthy Options Rating:  

Chipotle is a great place to go if you’re looking to stick to a paleo or low carb diet.  If you’re watching your calories, they have this great nutrition calculator that will allow you to punch in every topping of your choice.  Again, I almost feel a wee bit bias on this post because I have such a strong love for Mexican food… and guacamole.  All that being said, I’m giving Chipotle a 4 out of 5 stars!

Tracy’s Family Friendly Rating:

My boys like Chipotle just fine.  The line seems to move fairly quickly and they usually find a pretty open area to get up and move around in if need be.  They don’t do anything specific to cater to children, but we definitley feel comfortable there as a family.  I give Chipotle 3 out of 5 stars for a family friendly rating.

Let us know which fast food joints or restaurants you’d like to see in our Healthy Dining Series.

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Need to get a quick workout in?  Check out this great 12 Minute Workout for the busy mom on the go!  Stay Fit Mom offers a workout every Wednesday that you can do at home (with your kids) with little to no equipment!

Did you catch our last Healthy Dining post?