Dining Smart At...Taco Bell

So, you've got a hankering to 'Think Outside the Bun' so to speak and you are destined to make a run for the border. If you're one of the over 2 billion customers per year to visit Taco Bell, then you know that nothing quite satisfies an urge for a crunchy taco or bean burrito in the late hours of the night (or anytime else for that matter) quite like Taco Bell. While it may not be the most fancy of dining options, Taco Bell has established itself as one of leading fast-food chains, and for a speedy taste of Mexican food it can't be beat.

But, between all those chalupas, gorditas, tacos, and nachos, one is left to question just how healthy all that can be. When hitting the drive-through or dining-in, what do you need to know about those nutritional stats to keep fitting into your pants without sacrificing your cravings for the 'Fourth Meal'?

Thankfully, following the latest trend of most restaurants (thank you!) Taco Bell has introduced it's Fresco Menu which is filled with healthier options of the most common picks off their regular menu. You can order the Fresco Crunchy Taco and only take in 150 calories and 8 grams of fat and still enjoy that crunchy, beefy goodness! If you're in the mood to go soft shell, pick the Fresco Ranchero Chicken Soft Taco, which comes in at 170 calories and just 4 grams of fat. Still want your beef? Well the Fresco Grilled Steak Soft Taco is only 160 calories and 4.5 grams of fat.

There are also the Fresco Chicken or Steak Baja Gorditas which are both 230 calories and under 8 grams of fat each. The burritos ring up higher on the caloric barometer, but your best bests are the Fresco Steak Burrito Supreme (330 calories and 8 grams of fat) Fresco Chicken Burrito Supreme (340 calories and 8 grams of fat) or the Fresco Bean Burrito (340 calories and 8 grams of fat).

Paired with your taco or burrito, opt for a serving of the Mexican Rice with only 130 calories and 3.5 grams of fat or a side of Pintos 'n Cheese for 170 calories and 6 grams of fat. As for a nice treat you can have an ordering of the Cinnamon Twists with 170 calories and 7 grams of fat. Pick one of these sides and your sure to not only quiet your grumbling stomach but still stay on track with your diet!

Whatever you do, avoid that Fiesta Taco Salad masquerading around as a 'healthy' choice, as it actually contains a whopping 840 calories and 45 grams of greasy fat all packed into one gigantic fried shell! Similarly, with all the latest additions to the menu, steer clear of the Volcano Burrito packed with 800 calories and 42 grams of fat! Eater beware, the more sauces, cheeses, and extras the item boasts, the more damage it can cause to your waistline!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taco_Bell
http://www.tacobell.com/nutrition/information/