Fast food has become a ubiquitous part of modern life, offering convenience and speed for on-the-go meals. While it’s true that many fast food options are high in calories, saturated fats, and sugars, there are also healthier choices available at these restaurants that can help you make more nutritious decisions. Despite being classified as a fast food restaurant, establishments like Taco Bell provide a range of healthy food choices that won’t negatively impact your overall well-being.
Maddie Macdonald, MS, RD, LDN, recently discussed in a TikTok video about the common question she gets as a dietitian: What to order at a fast food restaurant? She specifically chose Taco Bell’s menu as an example and picked her go-to options when it came to a balanced and nutritious meal. Macdonald revealed that the power menu bowl would be the best choice in this scenario.
@maddiemacrd Episode 6 | Taco Bell | Healthy fast food choices @tacobell #registereddieitian #healthytacobell #healthyfastfood #healthyfastfoodchoices #macrofriendlyfastfood #dietitiansoftiktok #dietitianapproved #balancedmeals ♬ original sound – Maddie Macdonald MS, RD, LDN
Taco Bell’s Healthiest Menu Option
According to Macdonald, what you want to look for in Taco Bell’s menu are options that contain protein, carbs, fiber, and fat. This ensures you are full and energized so you don’t go snacking too much after your meal, which can increase your calorie count.
Her number one choice is the power menu bowl. It consists of seasoned rice, guac, beans, and veggies such as tomatoes and lettuce. Without anything else, this meal can be considered as a vegetarian option. Macdonald also points out that “it’s got 11 grams of fiber,” and although the sodium count is higher than she prefers it to be (870 mg), it’s still lower than other options on their menu.
She also recommends to add some chicken for extra protein, which bumps the protein content to 32 grams, 11 grams of fiber, carbs from the rice, and healthy fat from the guacamole.
The Bottom Line
While typically associated with calorie-laden and unhealthy choices, it's worth noting that healthier alternatives can be found at fast food restaurants like Taco Bell. Maddie Macdonald's recommendations emphasize the importance of balanced meals rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Her insights demonstrate that even in the realm of fast food, one can make smart and nutritious selections, ensuring both convenience and health-conscious choices coexist on the menu.
A smart alternative would be to create homemade rice bowls once in a while as opposed to dining at Taco Bell. When you prepare rice bowls at home, you have control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose wholesome, fresh options like brown rice, lean proteins, and a variety of colorful vegetables. This means you can minimize unhealthy additives, excess sodium, and preservatives often found in fast-food versions.
