If you find yourself at Taco Bell for any reason—whether you’re a busy mom just trying to feed the kids at the drive-thru, or its Saturday night and you’re satisfying those midnight cravings, it might not be a bad idea to have some healthy orders saved in the notes on your phone so that you can indulge without totally blowing up your healthy eating for the week. A few small swaps can bring down the calories and fat, and majorly boost the protein and fiber content—so why not make them? You can even make a meal that’s healthy enough for a workday lunch (and hopefully you won’t get served a burrito that resembles ‘a soggy toilet paper roll’).
Registered dietitian Jaclyn London, MS, RD, recently shared a video on her YouTube channel about her “top picks” from the Taco Bell menu, that our editors think are perfect for saving on your device and pulling up later if and when you need them in a pinch. London’s top four choices from the fast food stop—the Black Bean Chalupa Supreme, Crunchy Taco, Crunchwrap Supreme andPower Menu Veggie Bowl (all with modifications)—sound delicious and will definitely satisfy your T-Bell cravings. One is even a “luxury lunch option,” according to London. When have you ever heard “luxury” and “Taco Bell” in the same sentence? Read on for a full rundown of London’s go-to healthy orders at the chain:
Health Taco Bell Orders
Swapping out a Taco Bell order for a healthier, high-protein, high-fiber option only works if it tastes good and you are likely to order it again. Jaclyn London, RD, a practicing registered dietitian, tells her followers that her picks at the fast food chain are still “crunchy,” “amazing,” “delicious” and “filled with flavor.” London really makes a case for how a healthy diet for weight management doesn’t have to cut out any food group in its entirety. Her recommendations scream “everything in moderation.”
1. Black Bean Chalupa Supreme (with modifications)
London likes this order because it's a "naturally meatless" option, but you're still getting a substantial amount of protein from the black beans. Here's how to order it to her dietitian-approved standards:
Step 1: Remove the sour cream.
Step 2: Add cheese.
Step 3: Add White Hot Ranch sauce.
2. Crunchy Taco (with modifications)
London likes how this taco is made with whole grain corn (versus other menu items which are made with "enriched grains"). "Whole grain is always a great option," she advises. Plus, this is a great crunchy option if that's what you're going for there. Here's how to cut the unnecessary fat and calories from this order, while bumping up the fiber and protein:
Step 1: Remove the seasoned beef.
Step 2: Add "whole food ingredients:" black beans, chicken, guacamole, jalapeño peppers, three-cheese blend and tomatoes.
WHAT NOT TO ORDER: The Worst Taco Bell Menu Items Health Experts Say You Should Never Order—#3 Is Over 1,500 Calories!
3. Crunchwrap Supreme (with modifications)
London likes how you can "trade up" the meat options at Taco Bell, in this case, swapping out the high-fat ground beef for the much more "luxury" steak option.
Step 1: Remove the seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce and sour cream.
Step 2: Add "whole food ingredients:" black beans, chicken, guacamole, jalapeño peppers, three-cheese blend and tomatoes.
4. Power Menu Veggie Bowl (with modifications)
London also suggests the veggie bowl in the comment for her video, calling it the perfect "blank canvas" for customizing your own healthy order. Her personal suggestion:
Step 1: Remove the sour cream.
Step 2: Add the protein of your choice (chicken or steak is best) as well as healthy veggie options like jalapeño peppers and tomatoes.
READ MORE: Taco Bell Brings Back 5 Nostalgic Items To The Menu—Our Mouths Are Watering!
Bottom line: To make pretty much any Taco Bell order healthy, registered dietitians suggests simply removing the toppings that don't deliver much flavor (things like sour cream), or that add too much fat (seasoned beef). Then add in the whole food ingredients on the menu that that boost flavor, texture and taste without wracking up the calories and fat (such as guacamole and cheese). You can add so much protein and fiber to a dish with these tasty, healthy alternatives. We're definitely flagging this for future trips. And don't forget to follow Jaclyn for more healthy fast food ordering and lifestyle tips!
