Healthier Burrito Night in 10 Minutes or Less

Who doesn’t love a burrito? Beans, rice, veggies, meat, cheese...plus all those amazing sauces--pico de gallo, verde sauce, hot sauce. The array of flavors you can wrap up in one tortilla seems endless!

But burritos aren’t terribly weight-loss friendly. Which can be frustrating, especially to a Mexican food junkie like me. 

That’s why I was instantly hooked the first time I ate a burrito bowl at Chipotle. All of my favorite ingredients mixed together in one bowl!

Best of all? I didn’t miss the tortilla at all. In fact, I found I like the bowl better, because I get more of my favorite ingredients instead of just tortilla and cheese.

It wasn’t long before I started using this brilliant concept at home. And it has become a staple in our house because it’s so tasty. It’s also one of the most convenient suppers I can throw together in less than 10 minutes. 

That’s faster than a trip to Taco Bell!

Why A Burrito Bowl Is A Great Weight Loss Meal

How to Make Your Own Quick and Easy Burrito Bowl

The burrito bowl is a perfect way to serve leftovers, especially if you have some extra chicken or turkey on hand. If you don’t, purchase already grilled chicken in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. All you have to do is heat it in the microwave before serving. If you don’t eat chicken, simply increase the black beans to ½ cup.

Take it to the next level: Add a bit of creamy fullness to your meal by using avocado instead of cheese. Studies show that people who consume avocado weigh less and have less belly fat. Avocados also help you feel full for five hours after eating-- so you’ll be less likely to munch between meals.

Burrito Bowl Recipe

Print shopping list and recipe here

Ingredients

• ½ cup brown rice
• ½ cup black beans
• ¼ cup diced chicken
• ½ cup corn
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
• juice from ½ lime
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Microwave frozen brown rice for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, or according to package directions.
2. Rinse and drain beans. Thaw corn by rinsing under hot water for 30 seconds.
3. Microwave chicken for 1 minute, or according to package directions. 
4. Slice tomatoes, avocado, and lime.
5. In serving bowl, combine rice, black beans, diced chicken, corn and sliced cherry tomatoes. Squeeze half the lime over the mixture. Mix well and enjoy. Salt and pepper to taste.

 

Makes 1 serving

Calories: 435 ● Fat: 12g ● Sodium: 432mg ● Carbohydrate: 59g ● Fiber: 17g ● Protein: 24g