Burritos, oh how we love them! They are a delicious and satisfying meal that we can’t resist. But this Mexican delicacy has often been labeled as the devil in disguise when it comes to lose weight. So, are burritos good for weight loss? The answer is YES, but it comes with a catch!
Burritos can be healthy and good for weight loss if you choose the right ingredients and keep the portion size in check. They can be packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamins if you load them up with vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Let’s find out if we can eat burritos on a diet, or if they are too fattening!
Also, read if chicken sausage is good for weight loss.
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Are Burritos Good for Weight Loss?
The truth is, it depends on how you make and eat them. Burritos can be a healthy meal option that can aid weight loss if you choose the right ingredients and portion sizes.
Here’s what you need to know:
Choose the Right Tortilla
Burritos are traditionally made with a flour tortilla, which can be high in calories and carbs. However, you can make your burrito healthier by opting for a whole-grain tortilla. Whole-grain tortillas are high in fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce your overall calorie intake.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own tortillas at home. Homemade tortillas are lower in calories and preservatives than store-bought versions, and they taste fresher too!
You can even opt for burrito bowls instead of the regular burrito, as they have fewer tortillas and more filling. A breakfast burrito bowl with boiled eggs and avocado is an excellent choice for a weight loss diet.
Choose a Healthy Filling
The filling is the heart of your burrito, so it’s essential to choose wisely. When you are trying to lose weight, opt for a filling that’s high in protein and low in calories. Good options include black beans, chicken, fish, and veggies like bell peppers and onions.
Avoid high-calorie fillings like beef and pork, and skip rice if you are trying to reduce your carb intake. To add flavors without adding calories and boost metabolism, sprinkle Tajin seasoning.
Add Flavorful Toppings
Toppings can make or break your burrito when it comes to weight loss. High-calorie toppings like cheese, sour cream, and queso can add unnecessary calories and fat. Instead, opt for flavorful toppings that are low in calories, like salsa, guacamole, and hot sauce.
Cheese lovers find it hard to bite a burrito without the cheese. Try using a small amount of low-fat cheese or sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top of your burrito for a cheesy flavor without the extra calories.
Control Your Portions
Portion control is crucial when it comes to burritos. These delicious flavorful bites can be calorie-dense, and eating a large one can derail your weight loss goals. To keep your portion sizes in check, resist the urge to supersize it and choose a smaller-sized burrito or ask for a half portion.
You can also try ordering a burrito bowl instead of a traditional burrito. Burrito bowls contain all the same ingredients as a burrito, but without the tortilla. This can significantly reduce your overall calorie intake while still allowing you to enjoy all the flavors and textures of a burrito.
How Many Calories Are in a Burrito?
Burrito is a delicious, handheld meal that’s perfect for when you are on the go or just feeling a bit lazy. But just how many calories are lurking inside that tortilla wrapper?
A typical burrito can contain anywhere from 400 to 1,000 calories, depending on its size and ingredients. The tortilla itself is around 250 calories, but it’s the fillings that really pack on the pounds.
When loading up on meat, expect to add around 200-300 calories per serving, while cheese and sour cream can add another 100-200 calories each. Guacamole, while delicious, is also a calorie bomb, with around 100-150 calories per serving.
However, a small burrito bowl with a healthy filling and toppings can be as little as 300-400 calories. A burrito bowl with grilled chicken, beans, vegetables, and salsa has around 500-600 calories, making it a healthier option.
So, if you are looking to keep things on the lighter side, try filling up your burrito with plenty of veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers, and skip the calorie-heavy extras. Or, if you really want to indulge, just accept that you’ll be burning some serious calories at the gym later.
Are Breakfast Burritos Good for Weight Loss?
Breakfast burritos can be a delicious and satisfying way to start your day, especially if you are loading them up with healthy ingredients like veggies, eggs, and beans. But on the other hand, they can also be a sneaky source of calories and fat if you are not careful.
A breakfast burrito filled with bacon, cheese, and potatoes is not exactly going to do your waistline any favors. However, if you are opting for a smaller burrito filled with scrambled eggs, spinach, and salsa, you are likely to stay fuller for longer and avoid snacking on unhealthy treats throughout the morning.
And let’s be real, who stops at just one breakfast burrito? Before you know it, you’ve inhaled enough calories to feed a small army.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to banish breakfast burritos from your life forever. If you are looking to lose weight, just be mindful of your portion sizes and the ingredients you are using. Opt for a smaller tortilla, load up on veggies instead of cheese and meat, and go easy on the sour cream.
Read chicken and rice help with weight loss.
Are Burritos Bad For You? Are They Fattening?
Burritos are not necessarily bad for you, but some ingredients like fried meat, sour cream, cheese, and excess oil can make them fattening.
Whether or not burritos are fattening is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, burritos can be a tasty and convenient meal option that’s perfect for those on the go. However, they can also be loaded with calories and fat, depending on how they’re prepared and what ingredients are used.
A typical burrito can pack in anywhere from 300 to 1,000 calories or more, depending on its size and ingredients. And they can be fattening if they’re made with high-calorie fillings, toppings, and oversized tortillas.
To keep things in check, try opting for a smaller burrito and fill it up with healthy, lower-calorie options like veggies, beans, and grilled chicken or fish. And if you are really looking to cut back on calories, skip the cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, which can add up fast.
Are Burritos Healthy?
Well, it depends on what you mean by “healthy.” If you are looking for a meal that’s going to give you the strength of a superhero and the energy of a toddler on a sugar high, then bean burritos might just be the answer.
Beans are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, which means they’ll keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours. And if you are opting for a bean burrito instead of a meaty one, you are likely cutting down on saturated fat and cholesterol, which can do wonders for your heart health.
Of course, just like with any food, the health factor really depends on how it’s prepared. If your bean burrito is loaded with cheese, sour cream, and other high-calorie extras, then you might be better off just eating a slice of pizza. But if you are keeping things simple with beans, veggies, and a bit of salsa, then you can feel pretty darn good about your burrito choice.
Final Words
And that, my hungry friends, is the lowdown on whether burritos are good for weight loss. As with most things in life, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no – it’s all about balance and moderation.
While some burritos can be packed with calories and fat, others can be a delicious and nutritious way to fuel your body and keep you feeling full and satisfied. Opt for healthier fillings like veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains, and go easy on the high-calorie extras like cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
And of course, portion size is key – if your burrito is big enough to double as a sleeping bag, it’s probably not the best choice for your waistline.
Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)
Can you lose weight eating burritos?
Yes, you can lose weight by eating burritos! Just make sure to choose healthier fillings and watch your portion size.
Are burritos high in fat?
Some can be, depending on the ingredients used. Choose fillings like veggies, lean protein, and whole grains to keep things on the healthier side.
What is the healthiest burrito?
A burrito filled with veggies, lean protein, and whole grains, without high-calorie extras like cheese and sour cream.
Is a burrito or pizza healthier?
It really depends on the ingredients used in each. Opt for healthier toppings like veggies and lean protein, and watch your portion size for both options. Both can be healthy or unhealthy, depending on the ingredients and preparation. But hey, why not have both?
