How to Make Healthier Choices at El Pollo Loco: A Closer Look at Their Nutrition Information
El Pollo Loco is a popular fast-food chain that offers flavorful Mexican-style chicken dishes. While their menu may be tempting, it’s important to pay attention to the nutritional information of the food you order to make healthier choices.
Introduction
With an increasing emphasis on healthy living and eating, it’s crucial to pay attention to what you consume. Whether you’re on the go or looking for a quick bite, fast-food chains like El Pollo Loco offer a convenient option. However, the high calorie and fat content of typical fast-food items can have a harmful impact on your health. To combat this, we’ll take a closer look at the nutritional information provided by El Pollo Loco and suggest some healthier options to consider.
Menu Highlights
At El Pollo Loco, the menu offers a variety of options ranging from chicken bowls, salads, tostadas, and burritos. While all of these items can be tasty, some may contain more calories than others. Here are some healthier options to consider:
Chicken Bowls
Chicken bowls come with a base of rice or a salad mix with added grilled chicken, beans, and various toppings. For the healthiest option, try the Double Protein Avocado Chicken Bowl with a salad base. It contains just 490 calories, 18g of fat, and 32g of protein.
Salads
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try the Mango Grilled Chicken Salad. It has a mix of greens, avocado, mango salsa, and grilled chicken with a citrus vinaigrette, containing just 320 calories, 14g of fat, and 29g of protein.
Tostadas
While tostadas can be quite filling, they can also contain a lot of calories. For a healthier option, try the Chicken Tostada Salad, which includes juicy pieces of chicken, lettuce, beans, pico de gallo, and avocado slices, with a citrus vinaigrette. The tostada is replaced with a bed of salad mix, cutting the calories down to just 360, with 16g of fat and 23g of protein.
Reading the Nutritional Information
While the above healthier options may be tempting, it’s imperative to read the nutritional information of each menu item before ordering. If you can’t find it online or in the restaurant, ask for a hard copy. The nutritional information can be found on the El Pollo Loco website and includes nutrient values such as calories, fat, carbohydrates, and protein. Carefully review all nutritional information to make healthy and informed food choices.
Conclusion
Looking for healthier options at fast-food chains may seem like an uphill battle, but with some careful consideration, it’s possible to make informed and nutritious food choices. As we’ve seen, El Pollo Loco offers various healthier options, such as grilled chicken bowls, salads, and tostadas that can provide a satisfying meal without packing on extra calories. Along with that, always remember to read the nutritional information before placing your order. By doing this, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of El Pollo Loco while maintaining a healthy diet.
