Eating Healthy at El Pollo Loco: A Breakdown of Nutritional Information
If you’re someone who loves to eat healthy but still desires to indulge in fast food every now and then, El Pollo Loco may be a go-to option for you. The fast-food chain prides itself on serving flame-grilled chicken cooked fresh every day. However, with long menus and multiple options to choose from, it can be challenging to pick a healthy meal that meets your nutritional requirements. In this article, we’ll provide you with a breakdown of El Pollo Loco’s menu items’ nutritional information and tips on making healthier choices.
El Pollo Loco’s Menu
El Pollo Loco has a wide variety of choices on its menu, including chicken meals, burritos, salads, tacos, and bowls, among others. The chain restaurant prioritizes its healthy eating options, as seen in its menu section that features under 500 calorie meals. Let’s review the nutritional value for some of the most popular items on the menu.
Chicken Meals
El Pollo Loco’s signature dish is chicken. The grilled chicken breast is an excellent source of protein but may come with unhealthy additives like sodium, which you should keep in mind when ordering. For instance, while the Classic Chicken Breast has 190 calories, 540 milligrams of sodium, and 33 grams of protein, the Double Chicken Avocado Salad has 540 calories, 930 milligrams of sodium, and 41 grams of protein.
If you need a boost of healthy fats, you can order the Chicken Avocado Bowl. It has 600 calories, 975 milligrams of sodium, and 40 grams of protein. If you’re vegan, you can opt for the Veggie Chicken Bowl, which has 320 calories, 48 grams of carbohydrate, and 22 grams of protein.
Burritos & Tacos
Burritos and tacos at El Pollo Loco can be tempting, but they can also pack a considerable number of calories. For example, the Chicken Bacon Avocado Burrito has 1020 calories, 1930 milligrams of sodium, 50 grams of fat, and 72 grams of protein. In contrast, the Tostada Salad has only 240 calories, 260 milligrams of sodium, 7 grams of fat, and 19 grams of protein. Therefore, it’s better to opt for salads or bowls with a smaller portion size instead of burritos.
Salads
El Pollo Loco offers a vast selection of salads with different ingredients and dressings. The Double Chicken Avocado Salad is undoubtedly high in calories and sodium, as we mentioned earlier. Still, the Baja Shrimp Avocado Salad has only 320 calories, 520 milligrams of sodium, and 20 grams of protein. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can try the Classic Tostada Salad or Caesar Salad with either chicken or shrimp.
Tips for Eating Healthy at El Pollo Loco
If you’re looking to make healthy choices at El Pollo Loco, here are some tips that can help:
1. Choose grilled over fried chicken
2. Look for items under 500 calories
3. Opt for salads or bowls instead of burritos and tacos
4. Customize your order by removing unhealthy add-ons like sauces or cheese
5. If you’re counting sodium intake, ask for meals with low-sodium options.
Conclusion
El Pollo Loco can be a great alternative for healthy fast food. Although some of its menu items can be high in calories, researching the nutritional value of different items and customizing your orders can allow you to make informed choices. Choose wisely, and you can enjoy a tasty and healthy meal from El Pollo Loco.
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