If you’re a fan of Mexican food, you’ve probably heard of Mad Mex, a popular chain of restaurants serving up delicious burritos, tacos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. One of their most popular menu items is the Naked Chicken Burrito, a mouth-watering bundle of flavors that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. But have you ever wondered how many calories are in a Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito? In this article, we’ll delve into the nutritional details of this popular dish and explore what makes it so tasty.
What’s in a Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito?
Before we dive into the calorie count, let’s take a closer look at what’s inside a Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito. According to the Mad Mex website, the Naked Chicken Burrito contains:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Mexican rice
- Black beans
- Roasted vegetables (including bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes)
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Shredded cheese (a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- Fresh cilantro
All of these ingredients are wrapped up in a large flour tortilla, making for a filling and flavorful meal.
The Calorie Count: A Breakdown
So, how many calories are in a Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito? According to the Mad Mex nutrition information, a Naked Chicken Burrito contains approximately 1040 calories. Here’s a breakdown of the calorie count:
- Grilled chicken breast: 260 calories
- Mexican rice: 150 calories
- Black beans: 120 calories
- Roasted vegetables: 50 calories
- Guacamole: 100 calories
- Sour cream: 50 calories
- Salsa: 25 calories
- Shredded cheese: 100 calories
- Fresh cilantro: negligible calories
- Flour tortilla: 200 calories
Total calories: 1040
Macronutrient Breakdown
In addition to the calorie count, it’s also interesting to look at the macronutrient breakdown of a Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito. Here’s a rough estimate of the macronutrient breakdown:
- Protein: 60g (from chicken breast, black beans, and cheese)
- Fat: 30g (from guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and tortilla)
- Carbohydrates: 80g (from Mexican rice, black beans, tortilla, and vegetables)
Is a Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito a Healthy Option?
While a Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito is certainly a tasty and filling meal, the question remains: is it a healthy option? The answer is a resounding “maybe.” On the one hand, the burrito contains a good amount of protein, fiber, and healthy fats from the guacamole and avocado. On the other hand, the burrito is also high in calories, fat, and sodium.
To put this in perspective, the recommended daily intake of calories is around 2000-2500 calories per day. A Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito accounts for approximately 40-50% of this daily intake. Additionally, the burrito contains around 2000mg of sodium, which is roughly 80% of the recommended daily intake.
Tips for Making a Healthier Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito
If you’re looking to make a healthier version of the Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito, here are a few tips:
- Opt for brown rice instead of Mexican rice to increase the fiber content.
- Choose a whole wheat tortilla instead of a flour tortilla to increase the fiber content.
- Load up on extra vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, to increase the nutrient density.
- Go easy on the guacamole and sour cream, which are high in calories and fat.
- Consider swapping out the shredded cheese for a lower-fat alternative, such as part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat cheddar.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito is a tasty and filling meal that contains a good amount of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. However, it is also high in calories, fat, and sodium, making it a less-than-ideal option for those looking for a healthy meal. By making a few simple tweaks, such as opting for brown rice and whole wheat tortilla, loading up on extra vegetables, and going easy on the guacamole and sour cream, you can make a healthier version of this popular dish.
So the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious and satisfying meal, consider unwrapping the truth about the Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito. With a little creativity and some simple tweaks, you can enjoy this tasty dish while still keeping your diet on track.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the key to a healthy diet is balance and moderation. While it’s okay to indulge in a Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito every now and then, it’s also important to keep in mind the nutritional content and make adjustments as needed. By being mindful of the calorie count, macronutrient breakdown, and ingredient list, you can make informed choices and enjoy your favorite foods while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
So go ahead, unwrap the truth about the Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito, and enjoy this tasty dish in moderation. Your taste buds – and your diet – will thank you.
What is a Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito?
A Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito is a popular menu item from the Australian fast-food chain Mad Mex. It is a burrito without the tortilla wrap, consisting of grilled chicken, rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, and cheese. This dish is ideal for those looking for a low-carb or low-calorie alternative to traditional burritos.
The Naked Chicken Burrito is also customizable, allowing customers to choose from various toppings and sauces to suit their taste preferences. This flexibility makes it a favorite among health-conscious individuals and those with specific dietary requirements.
How many calories are in a Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito?
The exact number of calories in a Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito may vary depending on the specific ingredients and toppings chosen. However, according to Mad Mex’s nutrition information, a standard Naked Chicken Burrito contains approximately 370 calories.
It’s worth noting that this calorie count can increase significantly if additional toppings or sauces are added. For example, adding sour cream or extra cheese can add an extra 100-200 calories to the dish. Therefore, it’s essential to be mindful of the toppings and portion sizes to maintain a balanced calorie intake.
Is the Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito a healthy option?
The Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito can be a relatively healthy option, depending on the ingredients and toppings chosen. The dish is high in protein from the grilled chicken and contains complex carbohydrates from the rice and beans. Additionally, the salsa and guacamole provide a boost of vitamins and antioxidants.
However, it’s essential to be mindful of the calorie and fat content, particularly if additional toppings or sauces are added. A balanced and nutritious meal can be achieved by opting for brown rice, black beans, and plenty of vegetables, while limiting the amount of cheese and sour cream.
Can I customize the Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito to suit my dietary needs?
Yes, the Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito can be customized to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Customers can choose from a range of toppings and sauces, including vegetarian and vegan options. For example, those with gluten intolerance can opt for gluten-free salsa, while vegans can choose to replace the cheese with a plant-based alternative.
Additionally, customers can also request modifications to the dish, such as holding the cheese or sour cream, or adding extra vegetables. Mad Mex staff are generally accommodating and happy to assist with customizing the dish to meet individual dietary requirements.
How does the Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito compare to other menu items in terms of calories?
The Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito is one of the lower-calorie options on the Mad Mex menu. Compared to other burritos and bowls, the Naked Chicken Burrito contains significantly fewer calories due to the absence of the tortilla wrap.
However, it’s essential to note that adding extra toppings or sauces can increase the calorie count. In comparison, other menu items such as the Chicken Quesadilla or the Beef Burrito can contain upwards of 700-1000 calories. Therefore, the Naked Chicken Burrito is a relatively healthier option for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
Can I eat the Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito if I’m on a low-carb diet?
Yes, the Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito can be a suitable option for those on a low-carb diet. Without the tortilla wrap, the dish is relatively low in carbohydrates. The grilled chicken, rice, and beans provide a moderate amount of carbs, but the overall carb content is significantly lower than traditional burritos.
However, it’s essential to be mindful of the portion sizes and toppings. Adding extra rice or beans can increase the carb content, while opting for low-carb vegetables such as lettuce and tomatoes can help maintain a balanced meal.
Is the Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
The Mad Mex Naked Chicken Burrito is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans in its standard form, as it contains grilled chicken. However, Mad Mex offers vegetarian and vegan alternatives, such as the Vegan Burrito Bowl or the Vegetarian Quesadilla.
Customers can also customize the Naked Chicken Burrito by replacing the chicken with a plant-based protein source, such as beans or tofu. Additionally, Mad Mex staff can assist with modifying the dish to meet individual dietary requirements and preferences.