Losing weight by eating Taco Bell may seem like a tall order, but two dietitians believe otherwise.
Jen Hernandez and Ella Davar made that case Thursday to Fox News, revealing the best items from the Mexican food franchise that might be able to trim your waistline.
Ranging from tacos, chalupas, and even Cruchwraps, the meals each provide a daily dose of nutrition – while also satisfying even the most insatiable of fast food fixes.
Five in total, the menu items are a food lover’s dream, and taste pretty darn good to boot. Take a look.
Losing weight by eating Taco Bell may seem like a tall order, but two dietitians believe otherwise
Jen Hernandez and Ella Davar shared their thoughts on Thursday to Fox News, revealing the best items from the franchise that may trim your waistline
Black Bean Soft Taco (170 calories)
For fans of the soft taco, Hernandez recommends the Black Bean Soft Taco with cheese, tomatoes, onions and lettuce.
The Kentucky-based dietitian nutritionist told Fox: ‘It has just 390 milligrams of sodium but still packs five grams of fiber.’
That’s about 20 percent of your daily recommended fiber intake, she said – all from one taco.
For fans of the soft taco, Hernandez recommends the Black Bean Soft Taco with cheese, tomatoes, onions and lettuce.
And at only 170 calories, it won’t lengthen your waistline either.
Black Bean Chalupa (340 calories)
Meanwhile, the Black Bean Chalupa is Davar’s go-to – due to it being ‘high in plant-based protein, fiber, antioxidants and polyphenols from vegetables,’ she said of the menu item that’s only 340 calories.
Way healthier than a range of other menu items, she said, the fried masa prepared like a taco is even healthier than its classic counterpart.
People can ‘benefit from the bean’s gut-friendly fiber content,’ she said, while touting Taco Bell as a potential place to start your weight loss journey.
The Black Bean Chalupa is Davar’s go-to – and it’s only 340 calories
While not necessarily the best place for healthy eating, she said, Taco Bells still sport ‘some healthy options.’
Breakfast California Crunchwrap (630 cal.)
The only breakfast order to make the duo’s list, the Breakfast California Crunchwrap is a great way to start you day, Davar said.
Consisting of eggs, bacon, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, guacamole and a hash brown wrapped inside a flour tortilla, the dish is ‘high in complete protein,’ she said – while also being not too fattening.
‘As a dietitian, I love the generous addition of tomatoes and avocados for an extra nutrition boost,’ the founder and CEO of Plant-Powered Kidneys Inc added.
The only breakfast order to make the duo’s list, the Breakfast California Crunchwrap is a great way to start you day, Davar said
Taco Bell is not a top pick for healthy eating, she said, before adding: ‘[But that] does not mean that we can not find healthy options there.’
Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme (510 cal.)
Another bean-filled treat to make the list was the Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme, which Davar praised for its fiber content.
She credited the crunchy wrap for being ‘high in fiber from [those] beans,’ and praised its hefty portion of lettuce and tomatoes.
That keeps the filling meal’s caloric count down to 510 – about a fifth of a man’s recommended intake.
Another bean-filled treat to make the list was the Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme, which Davar praised for its fiber
For women, it’s about a fourth – still small enough to enjoy multiple other meals throughout the day.
For those who want a little more, Davar suggested adding some jalapeño peppers as additional veggies. Overall, she said the crispy, crunch wrap is an ‘excellent’ lunch choice.
Nachos BellGrande (740 calories)
By far the most burly of the recommended Taco Bell items, the Nachos BellGrande has a relatively large 740 caloric count, but still manages to be healthy due to the presence of protein, Hernandez said.
‘Take the Nachos BellGrande and make it a filling plate,’ she said, suggesting some slight modifications.
‘Swap the meat for black beans, which still provide some protein but also give you the added benefit of fiber,’ she advised.
By far the most burly of the recommended Taco Bell items, the Nachos BellGrande has a relatively large 740 caloric count, but still manages to be healthy due to the presence of protein, Hernandez said
She went on to warn to avoid indulging too much in the nacho cheese sauce, and instead opt for guacamole for healthy fats and even more fiber.
Another word of advice? ‘Pile on the veggies.’
‘Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions all belong on nachos,’ she said, revealing how her modified version of the meal will only clock in at 650 calories.
Moreover, it will also provide you with 12 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber – two very healthy doses of important nutrients.
The New York and Miami-based longevity dietician went on to add, ‘Taco Bell has become a frontrunner in healthy fast-food restaurants.’
‘They focus on including more fresh plants, plant proteins and low-sodium options.’
‘In many ways, they help consumers eat healthier without even realizing it.’