What to order at Taco Bell, according to dietitians and nutritionists

If you have a craving for Mexican food, Taco Bell could be a better bet for your waistline than you think — as long as you know how to navigate the chain’s menu.

"Taco Bell has become a frontrunner in healthy fast-food restaurants," Jen Hernandez, a Kentucky-based registered dietitian nutritionist, who is the founder and CEO of Plant-Powered Kidneys Inc., told Fox News Digital.

"They focus on including more fresh plants, plant proteins and low-sodium options," she said. "In many ways, they help consumers eat healthier without even realizing it."

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That said, not everything on the menu is exactly a dietitian’s dream. 

For Ella Davar (NutritionistElla.com), a longevity dietitian and gut health nutritionist based in Miami and New York City, Taco Bell is not a top pick for healthy eating, although "it does not mean that we can not find healthy options there," she said.

If you are in the mood for Taco Bell, try to be conscientious about your health with these top tips for navigating the choices at the fast food chain. (iStock)

Read on for tips from Davar and Hernandez on how to order better-for-you meals at Taco Bell. 

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Fox News Digital reached out to Taco Bell for comment.

Black Bean Soft Taco

If you love your taco, this black bean soft taco might be for you, especially since you can get 20% of your daily fiber with just one order. (TacoBell.com)

Hernandez recommends that soft taco aficionados choose the Black Bean Soft Taco with cheese, tomatoes, onions and lettuce. 

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"It has just 390 milligrams of sodium but still packs five grams of fiber," she said, commenting that this amount is 20% of your daily fiber needs, from just one taco.

Black Bean Chalupa

The black bean Chalupa is a source of plant-based protein and fiber thanks to the bean's gut-friendly nutritional content. (TacoBell.com)

The Black Bean Chalupa is Davar’s personal favorite, as it’s "high in plant-based protein, fiber, antioxidants and polyphenols from vegetables." 

She called this dish a great alternative to other menu items and recommends it as a substitution for a classic taco, so everyone can "benefit from the bean's gut-friendly fiber content."

Breakfast California Crunchwrap

Get your protein and healthy fats with the Breakfast California Crunchwrap filled with eggs, avocado and plenty of tomatoes.? (TacoBell.com)

Davar said this breakfast order, which consists of fluffy eggs, bacon, tomatoes, guacamole, cheddar cheese and a hash brown wrapped inside a warm flour tortilla, is "high in complete protein," making it a filling way to start the day. 

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Plus, "as a dietitian, I love the generous addition of tomatoes and avocados for an extra nutrition boost," said Davar. 

Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme

This crispy, crunchy wrap is "high in fiber from beans" and comes with a generous portion of lettuce and tomatoes.? (TacoBell.com)

You may be seeing a theme with fiber- and protein-rich black beans.

Davar said she likes that this crispy, crunchy wrap is "high in fiber from beans" and comes with a generous portion of lettuce and tomatoes. 

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You can also add some jalape?o peppers for additional veggies. 

Overall, Davar said she thinks this wrap is an "excellent" lunch option.

Veggie Power Bowl

The veggie power bowl is an option if you want to customize your order. (TacoBell.com)

Hernandez said that for this order, you should feel free to make some changes to boost its nutrition specs. 

(Taco Bell makes it easy to customize orders at the store and online or through its app.) 

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"Go easy on the rice and cheese, but add extra beans, guacamole and lettuce," she said. 

"Add the Creamy Jalape?o Sauce for the flavor and lower sodium option if you like. All of this will get you 12 grams of protein and 16 grams of fiber, which will help fill you up," Hernandez added.

You can still enjoy Taco Bell in moderation even if you're watching your waistline. Dietitians reveal how to get the most nutrition in your fast food whenever you're looking to "live mas." (iStock/TacoBell.com)

Nachos BellGrande

Another Taco Bell menu offering that you can modify to enhance its health profile is the Nachos BellGrande, per Hernandez.

"Take the Nachos BellGrande and make it a filling plate. Swap the meat for black beans, which still provide some protein but also give you the added benefit of fiber," she said, noting that you shouldn't eat too much (if any) of the nacho cheese sauce, but you should add the guacamole for healthy fats and more fiber.

One more thing: "Be sure to pile on the veggies — lettuce, tomatoes, and onions all belong on nachos," Hernandez said.

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She pointed out that ordering the menu selection that way gives you 12 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber for under 650 calories.

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