Taco Bell is renowned for its variety of tacos, burritos, and other Tex-Mex offerings at budget–friendly prices. While many of its menu items are considered rich and high in calories, there are ways to choose healthier options that can support weight loss goals. With that said, we compiled two nutritious orders recommended by personal trainers and health professionals on social media. They might surprise you!
The first order idea was shared in an enlightening TikTok video from health expert and content creator Josh New, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS. He revealed his top choice for the “best tasting” meal at Taco Bell, designed to aid in healthy weight loss during your next drive-thru visit. Discover his clever tip for ordering the popular Cantina Chicken Bowl and making it even healthier.
New started his clip by noting: “I’m a weight loss dietitian and this is my go to order for Taco Bell.” He went on to say that it is “probably one of the simplest orders from a fast food restaurant.” The dietitian also explained that he grew up eating Taco Bell and “could easily eat two or three Mexican pizzas, or beefy five layer burritos, or Doritos Locos tacos, but now I would rather spend my calories elsewhere and maximize how much food I can eat, mainly because I’m always hungry.”
Personal Trainers & Health Experts Share 2 Taco Bell Ordering Hacks To Promote Healthy Weight Loss
1. Cantina Chicken Bowl Without Rice Or Beans, And Extra Chicken & Triple Cheese Blend
He continued: “what I like to get is a Cantina Chicken Bowl and ask for no rice and no beans, and then extra chicken and extra of the triple cheese blend.” New also advised looking into “nutrition calculators online” for those who want to lose weight while enjoying an occasional fast food treat. “Taking out the beans and rice from this takes off 220 calories without really sacrificing the flavor because the added flavor is gonna come from the avocado ranch sauce that’s already in this,” New explained.
To “boost the food volume more,” he also said he likes to add on “pintos and cheese for 9 grams of protein.” The TikToker went on: “I’ll just take the pintos and cheese and add it into the overall bowl.” New concluded his video by telling viewers: “Shaking the bowl is shown in research to increase the flavor by 1,000%. In this entire bowl is 40 grams of protein and 550 calories.” He recommended “adding this to your list of fast food places you can stop at when you’re short on time and just need something quick without breaking the calorie bank.”
2. 3 Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt
In another TikTok video, health and fitness expert and weight loss coach Kelly Story recommended a Taco Bell meal option that supports weight loss goals. In her below clip, the creator noted that the "Three Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt is only 330 calories" and it keeps her "full and it is pretty high volume."
She noted that it's a "better option than the quesadilla but it still tastes so similar." Story continued: "because I'm a girl who likes to eat multiple things at once for a meal, I pair this with a nacho cheese Doritos Locos Taco for 170 calories, so those two added together gives you a total of 500 calories."
Replying to @nicholle neff My favorite fast food orders @tacobell in a calorie deficit for weight loss! #lowcaloriemeals #highproteinmeals #weightlosshacks #greenscreen ♬ original sound - KELLY STORY | weightloss coach
The regular quesadilla at Taco Bell, she explained, is "over 500 calories" and "you can get both of these for the same exact calorie intake and obviously have more to eat and be more satisfied."
As described on Taco Bell's official website, the 3 Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt features a tender flatbread stuffed with grilled, marinated, all-white meat chicken, drizzled with Creamy Chipotle sauce, and topped with a blend of three melted cheeses.
Additionally, the Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco that Story recommended boasts a crunchy taco shell made from Doritos nacho cheese chips, packed with seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, and shredded cheese.
The Bottom Line
Overall, fast food has seamlessly integrated into contemporary living, providing quick and convenient meal options for those with busy schedules.
Though many selections at Taco Bell are rich in calories, unhealthy fats, and sugars, there are also more nutritious alternatives available. Even as a fast food chain, Taco Bell offers a variety of healthier items that can contribute positively to your diet.
