Friday, July 5, 2013

Hour long sit down lunch? Ain't nobody got time for that.


Sometimes there’s nothing better than a big plate of Mexican food.  I mean, who doesn’t LOVE Mexican food?  I would travel solo all the time at my last job, and it was up to me when I ate and what I ate, but most of the time I was driving between cities or fitting in a meal in between a few meetings.  I usually needed something quick, NOT fast food, and somewhere with wi-fi to sit down and hammer out emails over my lunch. 
 
 

 

Moe’s became a staple for me when I had taken an early flight and had either skipped breakfast or had a tiny one, and I was a ravenous pig (what up WP) when I got off the plane (SIDE NOTE: Don’t skip breakfast. Ever).  This fantastic, quick, and usually wi-fi equipped little Tex-Mex chain can be found all across America, whether you are driving through Philadelphia or not sure where you are and wondering why this place exists somewhere outside Jackson, MS.  
 
 
 
Moe's can serve as both a calorie nightmare hotspot, OR a great spot for a healthy alternative.  The choice is yours.
 
 
 
Here is a classic “don’t,” as well as two “do” options if you happen to stop in at Moe’s or any similar Tex-Mex competitor on your next round of sales calls.   This also applies if you’re just running errands and need a filling and satisfying lunch that won’t require you to eat kale with a side of dust for dinner.
 
 

 

DON’T: The Homewrecker – with Steak

Steak, Rice, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Lettuce, Cheese, Pico de Gallo, and Onions (Flour Tortilla).

 
Let’s be honest, anything called the Homewrecker doesn’t sound like something you want to eat within three months of wearing a bikini.  It’s the size of your head and that high school kid behind the glass gets to ladle guacamole and sour cream onto your meal at his discretion.  The Joey Bag of Donuts is just as bad (939 calories) if you have sour cream on it (in the 800 calorie range without it).  Let’s look at the facts. 

 
Nutritional Info

Amount Per Serving
Calories 937 Calories From Fat 316 Total Fat 35g  Saturated Fat 15g  Trans Fatty Acids 0g  Monounsaturated Fat 0g Polyunsaturated Fat 3g   Cholesterol 100mg Sodium 1794mg  Total Carbohydrate 104g  Dietary Fiber 13g Sugars 2g Proteins 46g

 

 

This isn't even adding your chips. Turns out, the "standard" side of chips packs 375 calories on top of your meal. 
 
 
 
 
 
I’m not sure how you could eat that bad boy and be halfway productive for the rest of the day, but let’s just safely assume it goes into “splurge” category, and not something you want to eat at 1PM on a Wednesday. Here are two of my favorites at Moe’s that will absolutely fill you up, but not induce a coma.
 

 DO: Joey Junior Burrito on a Wheat Tortilla

Chicken, Black Beans, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cilantro, Onions, Pico de Gallo, Cucumbers and Tomatoes

 
I know this is meant for juniors, but I promise this will fill you up. It’s a 10 inch tortilla instead of a 12 inch, and you’ll be shocked at what skipping the cheese, rice and sour cream will save you. I love vegetables and hot sauce, so I don’t even notice their absence in this little Tex Mex wonder.

 
Calories 357 Calories From Fat 81 Total Fat 9g Saturated Fat 3g 13% Trans Fatty Acids 0g Monounsaturated Fat 0g Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Cholesterol 35mg  Sodium 1122mg 

Total Carbohydrate 45g  Dietary Fiber 10g  Sugars 4g Proteins 22g


 
This gives me a boost to get through the day and energy to go for a run later.  You can even add guacamole on the side for an extra 50 calories, and this way, they only give you two tablespoons and that high school kid can slow his roll on fattening you up for the winter.

 

 

“DO” Option #2: “Streaker” Burrito with Chicken (not a “junior”)

No tortilla, chicken, black beans, lettuce, jalapenos, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cilantro

 
Sometimes, you don’t need the tortilla.  Don't worry, if you turn him down every once in awhile, you can still be friends. Here’s an option for an appetite for a little more meat, less carbs and lots of flavor.

 
Calories 304 Calories From Fat 71 Total Fat 8g Saturated Fat 2g  Trans Fatty Acids 0g Monounsaturated Fat 0g Polyunsaturated Fat 0g Cholesterol 70mg Sodium 1074mg 

Total Carbohydrate 24g  Dietary Fiber 10g  Sugars 1g Proteins 33g

 

Additional Advice:

-          So while I wouldn’t eat these every day, they are good options for needing a good meal that will satisfy without blowing you up.  Make sure to drink water with any option to stay hydrated, as the sodium count is pretty high on all choices.

-          If you HAVE to have the chips (I try to turn them down all together because I’d rather have them over beers with my boyfriend Drew on the weekends) count out 8 and throw out the rest.  That’s about 150 calories, and that’s all you need on top of your entrée.

-          If you HAVE to have sour cream or guacamole, get it on the side and try not to use the whole thing. Moderation is key.

 

I hope this was helpful and that it will help you out next time you hear “Welcome to Moe’s!” 

 


Kaitlin

2 comments:

  1. Love, Love, love! Really cute.....but informative too! You are the bomb girlfriend!!

    ReplyDelete