If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, you've probably heard of chimichangas. These deep-fried burritos are known for their crispy exterior and flavorful fillings. However, they're also notorious for being high in calories and fat. The 1 chimichanga (142 g) Beef & Cheese Chimichanga, for example, contains a whopping 390 calories.

Despite their unhealthy reputation, chimichangas can still fit into a balanced diet if eaten in moderation. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the nutritional profile of the 1 chimichanga (142 g) Beef & Cheese Chimichanga, including its protein, carbohydrate, fat, sodium, fiber, aspartame, trans fatty acid, cholesterol, and sugar content.

We'll also provide tips for making healthier choices when ordering or making chimichangas, so you can enjoy this tantalizing treat without compromising your health goals.

Calories

As previously mentioned, the 1 chimichanga (142 g) Beef & Cheese Chimichanga contains 390 calories. This is about 20% of the recommended daily caloric intake for the average adult. While it's okay to indulge in this treat from time to time, it's important to keep portion sizes in check and balance out your meals accordingly.

Protein

Despite being high in calories, the 1 chimichanga (142 g) Beef & Cheese Chimichanga also contains a decent amount of protein. With 13 grams per serving, it can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Protein is also essential for building and repairing muscles, so it's important to include it in your diet.

Carbohydrates

The 1 chimichanga (142 g) Beef & Cheese Chimichanga contains 31 grams of carbohydrates. Most of these come from the tortilla and rice used as ingredients. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body, and they should be a part of a healthy diet. However, it's important to choose carbs that are high in fiber and other nutrients, rather than simple sugars and refined grains.

Fat

As expected, the 1 chimichanga (142 g) Beef & Cheese Chimichanga is high in fat. It contains 18 grams of fat per serving, with 7 grams of saturated fat. While some fat is necessary for optimal health, too much saturated fat can increase your risk of heart disease. It's important to limit your intake of high-fat foods and choose healthier sources of fat, such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil.

Sodium

The 1 chimichanga (142 g) Beef & Cheese Chimichanga is also high in sodium, with 840 milligrams per serving. Excess sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems, so it's important to keep your sodium intake in check. When eating out, try to choose lower-sodium options or ask for the dish to be prepared with less salt.

Fiber

The 1 chimichanga (142 g) Beef & Cheese Chimichanga contains only 2 grams of fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health and can also help you feel full and satisfied. To increase your fiber intake, try adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to your diet.

Aspartame

The 1 chimichanga (142 g) Beef & Cheese Chimichanga does not contain aspartame. Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener that is used in some foods and beverages. While it's generally recognized as safe by the FDA, some people may experience adverse effects from consuming aspartame.

Trans Fatty Acids

The 1 chimichanga (142 g) Beef & Cheese Chimichanga contains 0.5 grams of trans fat. Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that have been shown to increase your risk of heart disease. They're often found in processed foods, fried foods, and baked goods. To reduce your intake of trans fats, it's important to read food labels carefully and choose foods that are low in these harmful fats.

Cholesterol

The 1 chimichanga (142 g) Beef & Cheese Chimichanga contains 20 milligrams of cholesterol. Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in animal products, such as meat, eggs, and dairy. While some cholesterol is necessary for the body, too much can raise your risk of heart disease. It's recommended that adults consume no more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day.

Sugar Content

The 1 chimichanga (142 g) Beef & Cheese Chimichanga contains 2 grams of sugar. While sugar itself isn't necessarily harmful in moderation, many processed foods and beverages contain added sugars that can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. It's important to read food labels carefully and choose foods that are low in added sugars.