Out of all the fast food restaurants out there, Taco Bell might have some of the healthiest options around. This is thanks to their protein-packed meals, plant-based options, and highly modifiable menu items. While eating fast food on a regular basis isn’t a good idea if you want to stay fit, there are definitely some ways to stay on the healthy side at Taco Bell.
To learn more about the healthiest things to order at this restaurant, we spoke to health experts Kimberly Duffy RDN, LD, CPT, Dana Ellis Hunnes, PhD, MPH, RD and author of Recipe For Survival, and Registered Dietitian Trista Best, who told us about two good options: Power Menu Bowls and “fresco style” meals.
Power Menu Bowl
First thing's first: Fast food is never the best option for those looking to lead a healthy lifestyle, especially if you're going to be eating it regularly. "Eating at Taco Bell on a regular basis most certainly puts the consumer at risk for cardiovascular health conditions and obesity," Best warns. That being said, no one is perfect, and even the most health-conscious people may make a sneaky trip to Taco Bell from time to time. When that time comes for you, Hunnes, Best, and Duffy all suggest opting for one of Taco Bell's signature Power Menu Bowls.
"If I were at Taco Bell, I'd get the Power Veggie Bowl," Hunnes says. She notes that this can be a good choice because it doesn't come wrapped in a tortilla, which means you can skip out on all that white flour that most Taco Bell menu items feature. Plus, the Veggie Power Bowl is loaded with veggies like black beans, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, making it a "good source of plant proteins and fiber."
"You can go light on the sauce or use salsas as dressing," Hunnes suggests, noting that this meal is "on the healthier side of 'fast food.'"
Duffy agrees that one of these bowls is likely the healthiest way to go at Taco Bell. "The Power Menu Bowls can be a nice alternative to the processed tortilla or taco shell," she says, echoing Hunnes thoughts. Duffy suggests opting for chicken in your bowl and skipping out on the extra sauce and cheese. "It's a nice high fiber (8 grams), high protein (26 grams), filling alternative," she says. Nice!
Best also agrees that, to stay as healthy as possible, you should order your Power Bowl sans cheese or sour cream. "But keep the guacamole," she recommends. "The guacamole offers healthy fats while also being loaded with other beneficial nutrients, unlike sour cream and cheese." We can definitely get behind that—pass the guac!
Fresco style items
In addition to Taco Bell's delicious Power Bowls, they offer another healthy alternative for a range of items on their menu; you can save tons of calories by ordering virtually any meal "fresco style," which means you'll get the item without cheese or sauces. Duffy says this is one fantastic option for those who want to go the healthier route, noting that it "can cut calories and fat quite a lot."
If you want to try this modification yourself, Duffy suggests ordering a Chicken Burrito Supreme fresco style, which will come down to just 340 calories. Even better, this meal packs in 20 grams of protein. Another option is a fresco style Bean Burrito, which comes in at 350 calories and 13 grams of protein. Not bad!
At the end of the day, of course, it's best to avoid all fast food when possible. However, Taco Bell does offer healthier options than many fast food restaurants do. "I like that Taco Bell is trying to cater to those who may not want to consume 1000 calories in one meal," Duffy praises. We would have to agree! And when you want to keep things on the lighter side, all of these suggestions are a great way to go.
