This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
If there's one fast food chain that you wish you could eat at every meal, it's Taco Bell. It's become everyone's go-to place for its delicious and inventive Mexican-inspired creations. Though its menu isn't filled with the healthiest food options, there are some healthy choices available that you can enjoy without worrying about your diet -- if you exercise regularly, of course! In fact, health experts say that Taco Bell's Fire-Grilled Chicken Power Bowl is the best thing you can order!
[Photos: Shutterstock]
The Fire-Grilled Chicken Power Bowl features Taco Bell's signature grilled chicken, lettuce, black beans, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, seasoned rice, reduced fat sour cream and the chain's avocado ranch sauce. When modified to exclude the rice and beans, nutritionist and CNN reporter Lisa Drayer says that it's the perfect meal for those who are being health-conscious when dining at Taco Bell.
[Photos: Taco Bell]
"If you are a carb counter, burritos won't be on your list at Taco Bell, as most of the burritos top 50 grams of carbs," Drayer says. "But if you are strictly limiting carbs, your best bet is to order the Fire-Grilled Chicken Power Bowl without the rice and beans." And as its name suggests, the Power Bowl is packed with protein (28 grams) that will help you stay full and focused all day.
Drayer also suggests skipping the sour cream so you can save 2 grams of carbs, 1 gram of saturated fat and 20 milligrams of sodium.
But if sodium is your main concern, you should also switch out the cheese or guacamole to stay within your recommended daily sodium intake. Another way to keep your meal light on the sodium without substituting all of its tasty ingredients is by ordering the Vegetarian version of the Power Bowl without the rice and beans, according to Drayer.
It's nice to see that there are healthy options available at places like Taco Bell. The next time you're in the mood for some TB, take a close look at the menu and see what other healthy swaps you can make to enjoy your favorite food without the guilt!
