Panchero's - Healthiest Options

Photo Courtesy of Yelp.com

Quick, tasty and fresh, Panchero's is a great place to go for a treat every few weeks. Like many restaurants, though, sometimes it's hard to pick out the healthiest options while standing in line. Here's some guidance.

Best beans to choose? Black or Pinto?
Pinto. This is a close one.  Pinto beans have about 11 calories more than black beans (152 calories vs. 141 calories per serving), but they have 2 more grams of fiber (7 grams) and 3 more grams of protein (11 grams). Definitely worth those 11 extra calories.

Best meat to choose for protein and calorie content?
Chicken. The single serving of chicken has 121 calories and 18 grams of protein. A great amount of protein for only 121 calories.

Best option for lowest calories?
Veggies.  The veggie option only has 23 calories total. If you're looking for the lowest calories possible, this is the way to go.

Best choice for lowest amount of carbs?
Burrito Bowl or Salad. Here's Why:
Cilantro Lime Rice - 196 calories, 5 grams fat, 35 grams carbs
Tortilla (Burrito) - 315 calories, 9 grams fat, 50 grams carbs
Tortilla (2 Tacos) - 134 calories, 4 grams of fat, 22 grams carbs

Load It Up With These Toppers: 
Pico De Gallo - 12 calories, 0 grams fat 
Ancho Salsa (the mild one) - 2 calories, 0 grams fat 
Tomatillo Salsa (the hot one) - 21 calories, 1 gram fat 
Cheese - 77 calories, 6 grams of fat  
Lettuce - 1 calorie, 0 fat 

What to Skip: 
Chips (1 bag) - 560 calories, 32 grams of fat 
Sour Cream - 113 calories, 9 grams of fat 
Queso Sauce - 175 calories, 14 grams of fat