The Taco Bell Drive Thru Diet…For Real Weight Loss?

Have you seen this Taco Bell Diet commercial recently?

Sorry but this commercial actually made me laugh…Yeah the subway diet was a little more believable but an actual Taco Bell Drive Thru Diet? Is this for real?

Well let’s explore in more detail.

First, let’s take a look at our lovely array of Taco Bell Diet selections:

Ok, I don’t know about you, but fast food never looks that good once it’s sitting in your lap…

Anyhow, these Fresco items may be a bit healthier than other drive thru options, such as McDonald’s Double Quarter Pounder or Burger King’s Whopper but they are not necessarily HEALTHY for you.

If your goal really is weight loss and to lead a healthier lifestyle wouldn’t the best idea be to cut out fast food altogether? We all know it’s not good for us…

Yes, it’s great that they load it up with lots of veggies such as lettuce and tomatoes. That’s definitely a plus! But what else is really in these things?

Let’s check out the nutrition facts in a little more depth:

I don’t know about you but a 340 calorie burrito is a lot of calories, and not to mention the 50+ carbs in your white, processed tortilla and the fatty cheese that can really spike your blood sugar and clog your arteries. Keep in mind these aren’t giant burritos here. I’m not even sure one would really fill me up, I’d probably need at least two to avoid starving in about an hour.

Now calorie wise the soft taco selections aren’t all that bad, but they aren’t exactly packed with the amounts of protein and fiber you should be getting either, and once again I think just eating one would leave me wanting more.

In addition, these burritos and tacos are fast food so there will always be loaded with tons of salt and added chemicals!! MMM tasty!

So sorry, I’m going to have to say the Taco Bell Drive Thru diet is definitely not the way to go and I would not recommend it as a great way to lose weight or lead a healthy lifestyle. There are plenty of other restaurants in the area that are healthier and hey whatever happened to packing a lunch?

And really the best part is their disclaimer found at drivethrudiet.com:

“Drive-Thru-Diet® is not a weight-loss program. For a healthier lifestyle, pay attention to total calorie and fat intake and regular exercise. Taco Bell’s Fresco Menu can help with calorie reductions of 20 to 100 per item compared to corresponding products on our regular menu. Not a low calorie food. For complete nutritional information please visit TacoBell.com”

Yes, even Taco Bell admits this is not a low calorie food…Hmmm…yes high calorie food isn’t exactly the ideal diet now is it?

So what do you think? Would you eat the Taco Bell Diet?

Tags: drive thru diet, taco bell diet, Workout Motivation

by Becky | 9 Comments

Blair says:

March 9, 2010 at 9:18 am

We have to pick our battles. We live in a Fast Food Nation and the healthy options aren’t always there. But if a fast food restaurant can offer us a menu of items that will not destroy our diet I say kuddos to them. It may not be the healthiest but for some choosing one of these options over another could be a huge step for them. In my experience just telling this person that eats Taco Bell ro McDonalds every day to just quit will not work. If we can show them alternatives at the restaurant they like we could see improvement and eventually move them on to more healthy food. Its sad but to make true improvements that will last a life time you have to take it one step at a time.

Carolyn says:

March 9, 2010 at 9:57 am

Personally I just think it’s insane. You’re so right that it never looks that good once you have it and not to mention the tons of sodium! No one wants to work hard to achieve their goals and now Taco Bell is enforcing the “magic pill” we all look for. Sorry, but not even taco bell can help you lose weight in a nice healthy way. Stop looking for a quick fix and just eat more fruits and vegetables and get moving!!

Karl says:

March 9, 2010 at 10:31 am

No, I wouldn’t be taking meal plan advise from a company that is pushing a “fourth meal.” lol You are completely nuts if you eat all your meals at Taco Bell. Forget losing weight – where’s the nutrition? I go there in a pitch and have been getting the same items for years and didn’t need Taco Bell to tell me they were the best. I still think the bean burrito is one the better items despite the calories. Beans are a power food!

Kumi says:

March 10, 2010 at 1:33 pm

I loved fresco bean burrito. But I did not know how much calorie per serving. Well I will just need to go for a treat. I always thought bean is the most healthy food. I should suggest to Taco bell “Tofu Burrito” LOL

admin says:

March 10, 2010 at 2:09 pm

Yes, true Blair, I’m glad they are offering healthier choices and letting people know what they are, but I don’t think it’s good that they are misleading people in that it’s great for weight loss or a healthy diet. But if you are going to eat fast food, you’re best to stick with the lower calorie options that are out there! Some restaurants now have fruits and veggies for sides!! Those are great options.

Eat fast food only as a necessity, but try to plan ahead when you can by packing your lunch or having protein bars or shakes around as an alternative if you can’t eat a meal!

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March 17, 2010 at 3:00 pm

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Brett Desmore says:

May 13, 2010 at 2:02 pm

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May 14, 2010 at 12:56 pm

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