It’s a fact of life: sometimes you just don’t feel like cooking. Happens to even the most enthusiast of home cooks. So what is a Slow Carb/Paleo dieter to do in these situations where the vast majority of restaurants do not offer many options to fit those diets, if any at all?
I won’t say this is the only option but in The 4-Hour Body one of Tim Ferriss‘ suggestions for eating out is Mexican and specifically he talks about the no-rice burrito bowl from Chipotle. While I have nothing against Chipotle and have enjoyed their food for many years (Slow Carb and Non Slow Carb) my heart has been stolen by another, and her name is Freebirds World Burrito.
While both of these fast casual burrito restaurants offer fresh ingredients, reasonable prices ($8-$9 w/ all options), and build your own meal style ordering where they differ is in options. At Chipotle here is my typical Slow Carb order: Steak, Black Beans, Pinto Beans, Fajita Veggies, Fresh Tomato Salsa (Pico de gallo), Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa, shredded Lettuce, and sometimes Guacamole. As you can see in the recipe below, Freebirds just has more ingredients available and for me that translates into a tastier and more complex meal.
And if the increased options weren’t already enough to bring me on the Freebirds team this picture on their soda dispenser was the final push.
Now for the bad news. Unfortunately at this time Freebirds can only found in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Kansas, Missouri, and California. However they do offer franchising, so if you are as impressed as I am (and have the dough) check out their franchising opportunities. I guess another option would be to build the same recipe at home
Serves 1
Ask the friendly person behind the counter for a burrito bowl with no rice and the ingredients above (you can combine however you want but I've listed them in my preferred order). Paleo dieters should skip the beans but everything else is kosher. Also I prefer Grass Fed Steak and Mild Hot Sauce but feel free to customize those to your liking.
Tell the friendly person behind the counter that you added Bacon and Avocado (which are extras) but that you didn't get any cheese. This trick should allow you to only be charged for 1 extra but your mileage may vary. Also sign up for the fanatics card and get a free meal after every 10 purchases!
