The Healthiest Chipotle Orders for Weight Loss

Let’s be real – when you’re trying to lose weight, fast food isn’t usually your first choice. But Chipotle isn’t your average fast food joint.

With its fresh ingredients and customizable options, Chipotle can absolutely be part of your weight loss journey.

As a nutrition coach who’s helped hundreds of clients navigate restaurant menus, I can tell you that Chipotle offers some genuinely healthy options. The key is knowing exactly what to order and which calorie bombs to avoid.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the healthiest Chipotle order options that will satisfy your cravings without derailing your weight loss goals.

You’ll discover how to build meals that are not only delicious but also align with your nutrition targets.

Weight Loss Nutrition Basics

Before diving into specific meal recommendations, let’s quickly cover some fundamental nutrition principles for weight loss:

Calorie deficit is key – To lose weight, you need to consume fewer calories than you burn
Protein is your friend – It keeps you full longer and helps preserve muscle mass
Fiber fills you up – Beans, veggies, and salsa provide fiber that helps control hunger
Healthy fats in moderation – Items like guacamole provide satisfaction but are calorie-dense
Watch hidden calories – Sour cream, cheese, and queso can add hundreds of calories

To easily plan a low-calorie meal, you can use the Chipotle Nutrition Calculator to mix and match ingredients based on your goals. This tool takes the guesswork out of building the healthiest Chipotle order for your specific needs.

Now let’s break down how to make smarter choices at Chipotle, category by category.

Start With the Right Base

Your first decision – and one of the most important – is what will serve as the foundation of your meal.

Best Base Options (Lowest to Highest Calories)

Salad with lettuce (15 calories) – The absolute best choice for weight loss
Burrito bowl (0 calories for the bowl itself) – A versatile option that lets you control portions
Tacos with corn tortillas (60 calories each) – Better than flour tortillas if you crave that taco experience
Crispy corn taco shells (60 calories each) – Same calories as soft corn tortillas
Soft flour tacos (90 calories each) – Higher calorie but still better than a burrito
Burrito with flour tortilla (320 calories) – The highest calorie base option

Pro tip: Choosing a salad or bowl instead of a burrito instantly saves you 320 calories! That’s equivalent to running for about 30 minutes.

Choose Leaner Proteins

Protein is essential for weight loss, as it helps maintain muscle mass and keeps hunger at bay. Some protein options at Chipotle are significantly lower in calories than others.

Protein Options (Lowest to Highest Calories)

Sofritas (tofu) (150 calories) – Plant-based protein that’s surprisingly satisfying
Steak (150 calories) – Lean and flavorful
Chicken (180 calories) – A classic choice that’s relatively lean
Barbacoa (170 calories) – Tender and flavorful with reasonable calories
Carnitas (210 calories) – Highest in calories among protein options

Pro tip: If you’re extra hungry, you can ask for half portions of two different proteins instead of doubling up on one. This gives you variety without excessive calories.

Be Smart About Carbs

Carbs aren’t the enemy, but choosing the right ones and watching portions is crucial for weight loss.

Carb Options (Lowest to Highest Calories)

Cauliflower Rice (40 calories) – Newest and lowest-calorie option
Black Beans (130 calories) – High in fiber and protein
Pinto Beans (130 calories) – Similar nutritional profile to black beans
White Rice (210 calories) – Classic option but higher in calories
Brown Rice (210 calories) – Same calories as white rice but more fiber

Pro tip: Ask for “light rice” to cut the calories nearly in half while still getting that satisfying rice component.

Load Up on Veggies and Low-Calorie Toppings

This is where you can add volume to your meal without adding many calories.

Veggie and Topping Options (Lowest to Highest Calories)

Romaine Lettuce (5 calories) – Nearly calorie-free volume
Fajita Vegetables (20 calories) – Flavorful peppers and onions
Fresh Tomato Salsa (25 calories) – Adds flavor with minimal calories
Tomatillo Green-Chili Salsa (15 calories) – Tangy with a kick
Tomatillo Red-Chili Salsa (30 calories) – Spicy option for few calories
Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa (80 calories) – Higher in calories but adds sweetness and texture

Pro tip: Don’t be shy about asking for extra fajita veggies – they’re low in calories but high in nutrients and help make your meal more filling.

Use High-Calorie Toppings Sparingly

These are the items that can make or break your calorie budget.

Higher-Calorie Toppings

Cheese (110 calories) – Adds significant calories
Sour Cream (110 calories) – Similar to cheese calorie-wise
Queso Blanco (120 calories) – Delicious but calorie-dense
Guacamole (230 calories) – Highest in calories but contains healthy fats

Pro tip: If you absolutely can’t live without one of these higher-calorie toppings, ask for a “light” portion, or choose just one instead of multiple.

Healthiest Chipotle Orders by Calorie Range

Now let’s put everything together with some specific meal examples:

Under 500 Calories

Lean Green Salad (approximately 400 calories)

Salad base with lettuce
Chicken
Black beans
Fajita veggies
Fresh tomato salsa
Tomatillo green-chili salsa
Light portion of guacamole

This meal provides plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy fats while keeping calories low.

Simple Steak Bowl (approximately 475 calories)

Bowl base (no tortilla)
Steak
Light portion of brown rice
Fajita veggies
Fresh tomato salsa
Tomatillo red-chili salsa

A perfectly balanced meal with protein, complex carbs, and veggies.

Under 600 Calories

Veggie Power Bowl (approximately 550 calories)

Bowl base
Sofritas
Black beans
Cauliflower rice
Fajita veggies
Fresh tomato salsa
Corn salsa
Light portion of guacamole

This plant-based option is filling and nutritionally complete.

Three-Taco Delight (approximately 570 calories)

Three crispy corn taco shells
Chicken
Fajita veggies
Fresh tomato salsa
Lettuce
Small portion of cheese

For when you really want the taco experience but need to keep calories in check.

Under 700 Calories

Balanced Bowl (approximately 650 calories)

Bowl base
Chicken
Black beans
Light portion of brown rice
Fajita veggies
Fresh tomato salsa
Roasted chili-corn salsa
Guacamole

This option gives you a bit more room to include favorite toppings while still supporting weight loss.

Satisfying Salad (approximately 680 calories)

Salad base with lettuce
Double chicken
Black beans
Fajita veggies
Fresh tomato salsa
Corn salsa
Light portion of cheese
Light portion of guacamole

Higher in protein for those with more active lifestyles.

How to Make Your Order More Filling While Keeping Calories Low?

The key to successful weight loss is finding meals that keep you satisfied while maintaining a calorie deficit. Here are some strategies:

Focus on Volume

Ask for extra lettuce or fajita veggies to bulk up your meal
Get both types of beans for more fiber and protein
Try multiple types of salsa for flavor variety without many calories

Prioritize Protein and Fiber

Consider double protein if you’re very active (but account for the calories)
Always include beans for their fiber content
Choose brown rice over white for slightly more fiber

Handle Cravings Smartly

If you crave cheese, get a light portion rather than eliminating it completely
If you love guacamole, include it but be mindful of the portion
If you really want a burrito, get it occasionally but compensate with a lighter dinner

Special Diet Considerations

Keto-Friendly Options

Salad base
Double meat (steak, chicken, or carnitas)
Fajita veggies
Fresh tomato salsa
Cheese
Sour cream
Guacamole

Skip the rice and beans to keep carbs low.

Vegetarian/Vegan Options

Bowl or salad base
Sofritas (or beans as protein)
Cauliflower rice or regular rice
Black and/or pinto beans
Fajita veggies
Any salsa
Guacamole

For a full breakdown of how to accurately calculate your meal’s calories, check out our [Chipotle calories guide](INSERT URL of Cluster 2 post here once it’s published).

FAQ: Your Burning Chipotle Weight Loss Questions

What is the healthiest meal at Chipotle?

The absolute healthiest Chipotle order is a salad with lettuce, chicken or sofritas, black beans, fajita veggies, and fresh tomato salsa. This combination provides protein, fiber, and nutrients while keeping calories around 350-400, depending on portions.

Can I lose weight eating Chipotle?

Absolutely! You can lose weight while enjoying Chipotle regularly as long as you choose lower-calorie options and maintain an overall calorie deficit in your diet. Many of my clients have successfully included weekly Chipotle meals in their weight loss plans.

How do I keep my Chipotle calories low?

The biggest calorie savers are: choosing a bowl or salad instead of a burrito, asking for light rice or skipping it entirely, loading up on fajita veggies and lettuce, choosing leaner proteins, and being selective about high-calorie toppings like cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.

What’s the lowest calorie protein at Chipotle?

Sofritas (tofu) and steak tie for the lowest calorie protein options at 150 calories per serving. Chicken follows closely at 180 calories, then barbacoa at 170 calories, and carnitas at 210 calories.

Is guacamole worth the calories on a diet?

Guacamole adds 230 calories but provides healthy fats that help with satiety and nutrient absorption. If you’re on a strict calorie budget, ask for a “light” portion or save it for days when you have more calories to spare. The nutritional benefits often make it worth including in moderation.

The Bottom Line on Healthy Chipotle Orders

Chipotle can absolutely be part of a successful weight loss plan. By making smart choices – focusing on lean proteins, loading up on veggies, and being mindful of high-calorie add-ons – you can create a delicious, satisfying meal that aligns with your goals.

The beauty of Chipotle is its flexibility. You can easily adjust your order based on your hunger level, activity level, or specific nutritional needs on any given day.

And with the information in this guide, you now have the knowledge to build the healthiest Chipotle order for your personal weight loss journey.

Remember, sustainable weight loss isn’t about perfection – it’s about making better choices most of the time.

So go ahead and enjoy your modified Chipotle favorites, knowing you’re supporting your health and weight loss goals in the process.

What’s your go-to healthy Chipotle order? Share your favorite combinations in the comments below!

More Supporting Guides for You:

How to Count Calories at Chipotle

Note: Nutritional information is based on Chipotle’s published data as of May 2025. Actual calorie content may vary slightly based on portion sizes.

The Healthiest Chipotle Orders for Weight Loss