It's Actually Not Impossible To Eat Keto At Taco Bell
It's Actually Not Impossible To Eat Keto At Taco Bell
You may think that practically eliminating carbs and eating all the fat is impossible to do in the world of drive-thru tacos and tortillas—but hold onto your guacamole, people, because keto Taco Bell is totally doable.
Actually, it's almost (dare I say) easy. I mean, Taco Bell is so all over the keto trend that they're even coming out with seasoned, packaged Taco Bell Cheddar Crisps.
As long as you're willing to make a few substitutions (adios, wheat tortillas), you can roll out of your favorite Mexican fast food joint with a completely keto-friendly meal, whether for breakfast, a late-night snack, or anything in between.
Here's how to do it: First, skip taco shells, tortillas, rice, and beans. Then, pile on extra protein, plus cheese, sour cream, and guacamole for fats, says nutritionist Gabrielle Mancella RD, LDN.
You could call it a day right then and there, but don't. "It's always best to add toppings that maximize nutrient intake," Mancella says. Basically, don't skimp on the veggies, guys.
"Romaine lettuce and tomatoes are wonderful because they add texture and flavor without any additional sugars," Mancella says. Whatever your order, make sure to top it off with some color (and not just the color of cheese).
Otherwise, just beware that your keto Taco Bell order will likely rack up the sodium. (The steak power bowl contains a whopping 1,190 milligrams of the stuff.) Not ideal, but not a huge biggie if you watch the salt throughout the rest of the day and don't hit up the drive-thru on the reg.
Next time you do get a hankering, though, go with one of these nutritionist-approved keto Taco Bell orders and soak up the spice.
1) Steak Power Menu Bowl
Taco Bell's Power Menu Bowl is easy to tweak, making it a good option for keto dieters.
“This would be my personal go-to," says Mancella. "I would add double protein (steak or chicken) as well as cheese and lettuce for flavor and crunch.” Just skip the rice and beans, of course.
Per serving (pre-substitutions): 480 calories, 20 g fat, 50 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 26 g protein
2) Mini Skillet Bowl
Swap out the potatoes and this breakfast bowl is totally keto. Mancella recommends doubling up on eggs if having this as your morning meal. Otherwise, it makes for a great high-protein snack that's keto-friendly and meat-free.
Per serving (pre-substitutions): 180 calories, 11 g fat, 16 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 5 g protein, 5 g sugar
3) Beef Burrito Supreme
Ditch the wrap (ask for a bowl) and refried beans, and this classic burrito is another top keto pick for Mancella.
“As with the Power Menu Bowl, add as much lean meat as possible," she says. "Ask for extra lettuce and tomato for volume."
If you're missing the refried beans' flavor, go a little heavier on the hot sauce (and don't forget the cheese and guac).
Per serving (pre-substitutions): 370 calories, 14 g fat, 51 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 16 g protein
4) Bacon Grande Scrambler Burrito
“Though potatoes traditionally add some texture and heartiness to this meal, we can double the egg portion and add some sour cream and guacamole for healthy fat instead to keep it keto," says Mancella.
Otherwise, order your Grande Scrambler in a bowl, not a wrap, and ask for pico de Gallo on the side to sprinkle on for a little color.
Per serving (pre-substitutions): 370 calories, 33 g fat, 65 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 21 g protein
5) Beef Fiesta Taco Salad
The optional taco bowl is an obvious no-go for this one, and from there you'll just need to nix the rice, beans, and tortilla strips.
Up the fats by opting for extra sour cream and guac, and add extra pico de gallo and peppers for color.
Per serving (pre-substitutions): 740 calories, 38 g fat, 75 g carbs, 12 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 25 g protein
6) Sausage Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito
“The cheese in this breakfast burrito adds a little bit of fat but a ton of flavor, so you don’t miss the tortilla too much," says Mancella.
You know the drill by now: You'll have to skip the actual wrap for this one (perhaps scoop it with a spoon?) but otherwise, it's a keto eater's dream.
Per serving (pre-substitutions): 340 calories, 17 g fat, 36 g carbs, 12 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 1 g protein
7) Naked Egg Taco
To make this morning order work, opt for no potatoes, grab a spoon, and get scooping, people. (Are they going to figure out keto taco shells soon, or what?)
To up the fat content of this basic egg breakfast, add a little cheese, guacamole, or steak (or all three), Mancella suggests.
Nutrition information not available.
The refried beans will have to go, though...