El Monterey burritos are a popular frozen food option that can be found in most grocery stores. With their convenience and affordable price point, these burritos are an easy meal for many busy people. However, with processed foods, an important question arises: are El Monterey burritos actually healthy?
Nutritional Content of El Monterey Burritos
To determine if El Monterey burritos are healthy, we need to look at their nutritional content. Here is an overview of the calories, fat, protein, carbs, and other nutrients found in some popular El Monterey burrito flavors:
| Burrito Flavor | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Protein | Carbs | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bean & Cheese | 290 | 9g | 3.5g | 12g | 38g | 4g | 830mg |
| Beef & Bean | 300 | 11g | 4g | 12g | 36g | 3g | 970mg |
| Chicken & Cheese | 280 | 9g | 3.5g | 12g | 36g | 3g | 860mg |
As you can see, a single El Monterey burrito contains around 300 calories, 11g of fat, 12g of protein, 36g of carbs, and 970mg of sodium. This breakdown can help us evaluate the nutritional pros and cons.
Pros of El Monterey Burritos
Here are some of the positives when it comes to the nutritional content of El Monterey burritos:
- Good source of protein – Each burrito provides around 12g of protein, which is helpful for maintaining muscle mass.
- Have fiber – With 3-4g of fiber per burrito, these can help with digestion and keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
- Contain beans – The bean and cheese and beef and bean options provide a healthy dose of beans, which are packed with nutrients.
- Reasonable calorie count – At around 300 calories, a burrito makes a filling meal without weighing in too high calorically.
Cons of El Monterey Burritos
However, there are also some nutritional downsides to consider with El Monterey burritos:
- High in sodium – Each burrito contains 830-970mg sodium, which is 35-40% of the daily recommended limit.
- High in saturated fat – With 3.5-4g saturated fat per burrito, these are high in unhealthy fats.
- Lack vitamins & minerals – There are no significant vitamin or mineral contents in these burritos.
- Processed ingredients – They contain processed meat, cheese, and dough rather than fresh whole food ingredients.
Are El Monterey Burritos Healthy Overall?
Given the nutritional pros and cons, are El Monterey burritos healthy overall?
The answer is – it depends! Here are some factors to consider:
- Your dietary needs – If you require high protein, El Monterey burritos can be a good option. But for low sodium or low fat diets, they may not align.
- Portion size – Sticking to a single burrito as a meal is reasonable. But overeating or having multiple burritos could lead to excess calories.
- Frequency – Occasionally enjoying El Monterey burritos is fine for most people. But making them a dietary staple could up your sodium and saturated fat intake.
- Other diet components – Balance is key. If the rest of your diet is rich in vitamins, minerals and healthy fats, an occasional El Monterey burrito may fit in.
Tips for Making El Monterey Burritos Healthier
If you want to enjoy El Monterey burritos as part of a healthy diet, here are some tips:
Choose lower sodium options
Opt for flavors with lower sodium counts, like the Bean & Cheese burrito, rather than higher sodium Beef & Bean.
Watch your portion sizes
Stick to a single burrito and pair it with healthier side dishes like a salad, vegetables, or fresh fruit.
Add extra vegetables
For more nutrients, add extras like lettuce, tomato, avocado or spinach into your burrito.
Boost nutrition with toppings
Top with sliced avocado, salsa, plain Greek yogurt, or other nutritious options to balance the meal.
Accompany with healthy drinks
Skip sugary sodas and opt for water or drinks like unsweetened iced tea.
Limit frequency
Enjoy El Monterey burritos in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet, rather than daily.
The Bottom Line
Overall, El Monterey burritos can be a healthy option when consumed mindfully. They provide protein, fiber and reasonable calories. However, the high sodium, saturated fat, and processed ingredients mean they should be enjoyed in moderation. Follow the tips above to get the benefits of these convenient burritos while limiting any downsides.
At around 300 calories per burrito, enjoying one occasionally can be part of a balanced diet for most people. Just beware of overdoing portion sizes or frequency. If you have specific dietary needs or restrictions, you may want to be more cautious. As with any processed or convenience food, moderation and balance are key for health.