As the popularity of the ketogenic diet continues to grow, many fast-food chains are now offering low-carb options to cater to the increasing demand. El Pollo Loco, a popular West Coast-based fast-food chain, is no exception. In this article, we will explore the possibility of a keto burrito at El Pollo Loco and provide a comprehensive guide to their low-carb options.
Understanding the Ketogenic Diet
Before we dive into the world of El Pollo Loco’s keto options, it’s essential to understand the basics of the ketogenic diet. The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to put the body into a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. To achieve this, individuals following the keto diet typically consume:
- Fat: 70-80% of daily calories
- Protein: 15-20% of daily calories
- Carbohydrates: 5-10% of daily calories
Keto-Friendly Foods at El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco is known for its fire-grilled chicken, and fortunately, chicken is a keto-friendly food. However, not all menu items at El Pollo Loco are suitable for a keto diet. Here are some keto-friendly foods you can find at El Pollo Loco:
- Fire-Grilled Chicken Breast: A 3-piece chicken breast contains 0g of carbs, 26g of protein, and 6g of fat.
- Fire-Grilled Chicken Thigh: A 3-piece chicken thigh contains 0g of carbs, 20g of protein, and 14g of fat.
- Grilled Chicken Salad: A grilled chicken salad without the tortilla contains 5g of carbs, 30g of protein, and 14g of fat.
Can You Make a Keto Burrito at El Pollo Loco?
While El Pollo Loco does not offer a specific keto burrito, you can customize your meal to make it keto-friendly. Here’s a possible keto burrito option:
- Use a low-carb tortilla: El Pollo Loco offers a whole wheat tortilla that contains 10g of carbs. You can ask for a lettuce wrap instead, which contains 1g of carbs.
- Choose a protein source: Opt for the fire-grilled chicken breast or thigh, which are both keto-friendly.
- Add keto-friendly toppings: Choose from toppings like avocado, sour cream, cheese, and salsa. Avoid high-carb toppings like beans, rice, and corn.
Keto Burrito Macro Breakdown
Here’s a possible keto burrito macro breakdown:
- Protein: 30g (fire-grilled chicken breast)
- Fat: 20g (avocado, sour cream, cheese)
- Carbohydrates: 5g (lettuce wrap, salsa)
Total Calories: 420
Other Low-Carb Options at El Pollo Loco
If you’re not in the mood for a burrito, El Pollo Loco offers other low-carb options:
- Grilled Chicken Bowl: A grilled chicken bowl without the rice contains 5g of carbs, 30g of protein, and 14g of fat.
- Chicken Caesar Salad: A chicken Caesar salad without the croutons contains 5g of carbs, 30g of protein, and 20g of fat.
Low-Carb Meal Ideas
Here are some low-carb meal ideas you can try at El Pollo Loco:
- Grilled chicken breast with a side of avocado and salsa
- Grilled chicken thigh with a side of sour cream and cheese
- Chicken Caesar salad with a side of grilled chicken
Conclusion
While El Pollo Loco does not offer a specific keto burrito, you can customize your meal to make it keto-friendly. By choosing a low-carb tortilla, a protein source, and keto-friendly toppings, you can create a delicious and satisfying keto burrito. Additionally, El Pollo Loco offers other low-carb options like grilled chicken bowls and salads. With a little creativity, you can enjoy a keto meal at El Pollo Loco.
Final Thoughts
The ketogenic diet can be challenging, especially when eating out. However, with a little knowledge and creativity, you can enjoy a keto meal at El Pollo Loco. Remember to always check the nutrition information and customize your meal to fit your keto needs. Happy eating!
Does El Pollo Loco have a keto burrito option?
El Pollo Loco does not have a specific “keto burrito” on their menu. However, they do offer various low-carb options that can be customized to fit a ketogenic diet. By choosing the right protein, vegetables, and sauces, customers can create a keto-friendly meal that meets their dietary needs.
It’s essential to note that even with modifications, El Pollo Loco’s burritos may not be entirely keto-friendly due to the presence of some high-carb ingredients. Customers should be mindful of the ingredients and portion sizes to ensure they stay within their daily keto macros.
What low-carb options are available at El Pollo Loco?
El Pollo Loco offers several low-carb options, including their famous fire-grilled chicken, which can be ordered as a breast, thigh, or leg. They also have a variety of vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado, that can be added to meals. Additionally, customers can opt for a low-carb salad bowl or a protein-only plate.
When ordering, customers can customize their meals by asking for no tortilla, rice, or beans, which are high in carbs. They can also choose from a range of low-carb sauces and salsas to add flavor to their meals. By making these modifications, customers can enjoy a low-carb meal that fits their dietary needs.
Can I customize my meal at El Pollo Loco to make it keto-friendly?
Yes, El Pollo Loco allows customers to customize their meals to make them keto-friendly. By asking for modifications such as no tortilla, rice, or beans, customers can significantly reduce the carb content of their meal. They can also choose from a range of low-carb protein options, vegetables, and sauces to create a keto-friendly meal.
It’s essential to communicate with the staff at El Pollo Loco to ensure that your meal is prepared according to your dietary needs. Customers can ask for specific modifications, such as holding the tortilla or adding extra vegetables, to make their meal keto-friendly.
What are the keto-friendly protein options at El Pollo Loco?
El Pollo Loco offers several keto-friendly protein options, including their fire-grilled chicken breast, thigh, and leg. They also have a range of other protein options, such as carnitas and carne asada, that can be ordered without the tortilla or other high-carb ingredients.
When ordering protein at El Pollo Loco, customers should be mindful of the cooking methods and sauces used. Opting for grilled or baked proteins and asking for no sauce or a low-carb sauce can help keep the meal keto-friendly.
Can I get a low-carb salad bowl at El Pollo Loco?
Yes, El Pollo Loco offers a low-carb salad bowl option that can be customized with a range of keto-friendly ingredients. Customers can choose from a variety of proteins, including grilled chicken, carnitas, and carne asada, and add low-carb vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado.
When ordering a salad bowl at El Pollo Loco, customers should ask for no tortilla strips or croutons, which are high in carbs. They can also choose from a range of low-carb dressings and salsas to add flavor to their salad.
How do I order a keto-friendly meal at El Pollo Loco?
To order a keto-friendly meal at El Pollo Loco, customers should start by choosing a low-carb protein option, such as grilled chicken or carnitas. They can then ask for no tortilla, rice, or beans, and add low-carb vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado.
Customers should also be mindful of the sauces and salsas used, opting for low-carb options or asking for no sauce at all. By communicating with the staff at El Pollo Loco and making specific modifications, customers can enjoy a keto-friendly meal that meets their dietary needs.
Are El Pollo Loco’s sauces and salsas keto-friendly?
Some of El Pollo Loco’s sauces and salsas are keto-friendly, while others are high in carbs. Customers should be mindful of the ingredients and carb content of each sauce and salsa before adding it to their meal.
El Pollo Loco’s salsa roja and salsa verde are relatively low in carbs, making them a good option for keto dieters. However, their other sauces, such as the creamy cilantro sauce, are higher in carbs and should be avoided. Customers can ask for no sauce or a low-carb sauce to keep their meal keto-friendly.