Chipotle Build-Your-Own Salad
Mexican restaurants generally let you customize your order so they're great choices. Try a Chipotle salad with black beans, fajita veggies, tomato salsa, corn salsa and guacamole. For more protein, chicken or a second scoop of beans can be added.
Chipotle's food is made with integrity and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Plus, this meal is delicious, and the combo of ingredients leaves me feeling full and satisfied, but not stuffed or sluggish. And the nutrition facts are impressive: 400 calories, two grams of saturated fat, 23 grams of fiber and 15 grams of protein. The added chicken will boost protein content by 32 grams. An extra serving of beans adds 7 grams of protein.
-Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, author of S.A.S.S! Yourself Slim: Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds and Lose Inches
Taco Bell Bean Burrito
A traveling athlete can get more healthy calories for a low price with by choosing a Taco Bell bean burrito. Each bean burrito has 370 calories, 56 grams of carbohydrates and 13 grams of protein.
-Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSD, Sports Nutritionist
More: Beans Glorious Beans
Taco Bell Fresco Grilled Steak or Chicken Soft Tacos
The Taco Bell Fresco menu includes several options that are all 350 calories or less, and they have less than 10 grams of total fat. The Fresco Soft Tacos have 150 to 170 calories, 11 grams of protein and 18 to 19 grams of carbohydrates. You can make it even healthier by asking for extra fresh pico de gallo salsa.
-Ruth Carey, RD, CSSD, dietitian to Portland Timbers and Thorns professional soccer teams
Subway Turkey or Oven Roasted Chicken Sub Sandwiches
I recommend a 6-inch turkey or oven-roasted chicken Subway sandwich on nine-grain bread. Pile the sandwich high with veggies, mustard and avocado. The sandwich will have about 380 calories with 50 grams of carbs and 25 grams of protein. If you need more energy, add on low-fat milk and apple slices. Athletes with high-energy requirements can opt for a foot-long sandwich.
-Christina Strudwick, MS, RD, CSSD, Special Forces Performance Dietitian
Chipotle Mexican Grill Burritos or Burrito Bowls
Chipotle sources meats without hormones or antibiotics, and the company uses local ingredients whenever possible. Try a burrito with rice, beans, a protein source and lots of veggies and guacamole. For a lower-calorie option, go with a chicken or steak burrito bowl with brown rice, veggies, salsa and guacamole.
A burrito with chicken, veggies, salsa and guacamole has 630 calories, 41 grams of protein and 53 grams of carbohydrates. A steak burrito bowl with brown rice, veggies, salsa and guacamole comes in at 500 calories, 35 grams of protein and 41 grams of carbohydrates.
-Lisa McDowell, MS, RD, CNSD, Olympic and Detroit RedWings Sports Dietitian
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