If you’re craving Mexican food, Taco Bell may be a better option for your health and waistline than you think, as long as you know your way around the fast food chain’s menu.
“Taco Bell has become a frontrunner among healthy fast food restaurants,” said Jen Hernandez, a Kentucky-based registered dietitian and founder and CEO of Plant Powered Kidneys. He told FOX News Digital.
“They’re focused on including more fresh plants, plant protein and low-sodium options,” she said. “In many ways, it helps consumers eat healthier without even realizing it.”
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But not everything on the menu is exactly a nutritionist’s dream.
For Ella Davar, a longevity dietitian and gut health dietitian based in Miami and New York City (NutritionistElla.com), Taco Bell is not her first choice for healthy eating, but “there are a lot of healthy options. “It’s not that you can’t find it,” she said.
With these tips for navigating your options at fast food chains, you can enjoy Taco Bell and still be mindful of your eating habits. (St. Petersburg)
Read on for tips from Davar and Hernandez on how to order better-for-you meals at Taco Bell.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Taco Bell for comment.
black bean soft tacos

If you like tacos, these black bean soft tacos might be for you. Especially since just one order will get him 20% of his daily fiber intake. (Tacobell.com)
Hernandez recommends soft taco lovers opt for the black bean soft taco, which comes with cheese, tomato, onion and lettuce.
“It’s only 390 milligrams of sodium, but it has 5 grams of fiber,” she says, noting that one taco provides 20 percent of your daily fiber needs.
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black bean chalupa

Black bean chalupa is a plant-based source of protein and fiber due to its gut-friendly nutritional content. (Tacobell.com)
Black bean chalupa is Dabur’s personal favorite because it is “rich in plant-based protein, fiber, antioxidants, and vegetable-based polyphenols.”
She calls the dish a great alternative to other menu items and recommends it as an alternative to classic tacos so everyone can “benefit from the gut-friendly fiber content of beans.” Masu.
Breakfast California Crunchwrap

Breakfast California Crunchwrap is rich in fiber. Davar suggests adding jalapenos for more veggies. (Tacobell.com)
The theme may be black beans, which are rich in fiber and protein.
Davar said she likes that the crispy, chewy wraps are “rich in bean fiber” and loaded with lettuce and tomato.
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You can also add jalapenos as an additional vegetable.
Overall, Davar said she thought the wrap was a “great” lunch option.
Breakfast California Crunchwrap

Get your protein and healthy fats in with this Breakfast California Crunchwrap packed with eggs, avocado, and tomatoes. (Tacobell.com)
Davar says this breakfast order, which consists of fluffy eggs, bacon, tomato, guacamole, cheddar cheese and hash browns wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, is a “complete protein-rich” way to start the day. He said that it gives a feeling of fullness.
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Additionally, “As a nutritionist, I love adding lots of tomatoes and avocado for an extra nutritional boost,” Davar said.
veggie power bowl

If you want to customize your order, the Veggie Power Bowl is an option. (Tacobell.com)
Hernandez said the order is open to changes to improve nutritional specifications.
(Taco Bell makes it easy to customize your order in-store, online, or through our app.)
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“Add less rice and cheese, but more beans, guacamole, and lettuce,” she says.
“If you like, add creamy jalapeño sauce for extra flavor and a low-sodium option. This alone provides 12 grams of protein and 16 grams of fiber to keep you feeling full,” says Hernandez. added.

With these tips from nutritionists, Taco Bell’s menu items can become a healthy breakfast or lunch option. (iStock/TacoBell.com)
nachos belgrande
Another Taco Bell menu item that can be modified to enhance its health profile is Nachos Belgrande, Hernandez said.
“Make Nachos Belgrande a satisfying plate. Substitute black beans for meat to get the protein, but also the added benefit of fiber (if you have it),” she says. I was careful not to eat too much. ) nachos with her cheese sauce, but you should add guacamole to increase the healthy fats and fiber.
Another thing: “Make sure to pile on the vegetables. Lettuce, tomatoes and onions all count in nachos,” Hernandez said.
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She pointed out that ordering the menu this way gives you 12 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber for less than 650 calories.
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