Pedaling the Taco Bell diet? Really?

watch48win
watch48win Posts: 1,668 Member
edited September 20 in Food and Nutrition
Seriously, I just saw a commercial with a lady bragging about how she lost over 50 lbs eating Taco Bell! This kind of advertising makes my head explode. AND, to top if off there is an advertisement to the right for the DriveThruDiet.com.

Rant over.....

Replies

  • foxyforce
    foxyforce Posts: 3,078 Member
    drives me crazy too. commercialism in general has eaten my head.
  • BamaRose0107
    BamaRose0107 Posts: 635
    WOW! Even their so called "healthier choices" are horrible for you.
  • courtney_love2001
    courtney_love2001 Posts: 1,468 Member
    I just saw this!! Ridiculous....you could eat like 1 taco for lunch and be expected not to eat anything else until dinner. :p like that would ever happen!
  • jrbowers83
    jrbowers83 Posts: 282 Member
    I thought the commercials were ridiculous as well. Basically you're talking about 1 or 2 tacos as a MEAL!! Uh, yeah if we had that much restraint we'd all be skinny lol. But in reality is this any diff than the craze over the Subway diet, which by the way is packed with carbs and sodium so how healthy can THAT be? But so many ppl still eat Subway thinking it's a nice healthy way to eat... ugh. They love to teach us all about healthy eating, but so many of us have no clue. I'm still trying to balace it all out and educate myself as to what is healthy, but these big industries sure do make it hard
  • songbyrdsweet
    songbyrdsweet Posts: 5,691 Member
    Ok, I'm going to be honest...I have been watching my eating for about 3 years now. I went through almost my entire undergrad working out regularly and counting calories/macronutrient ratios. I have, on several occasions, eaten fast food. I've even eaten Taco Bell 3 times. And you know what? I got stuff from the 'healthy' menu, because even if it isn't as healthy as something I'd make, it's BETTER than a lot of stuff.

    These diets aren't aimed at people who are into clean eating or counting macro ratios or even looking at nutrition panels. They're aimed at people who LIVE on fast food. When you eat fast food 2-3 times a day, making the switch from 3 gorditas to 2 fresco tacos will make a huge difference.

    Yes, there is healthier food out there. But it's important to educate a larger variety of people with a larger variety of eating habits.
  • BamaRose0107
    BamaRose0107 Posts: 635
    Ok I was curious so I googled it. Apparently this lady named Christine is the new spokesperson for taco bell. She lost 54 pounds in two years eating off the fresco menu at taco bell. The article I read said that while the fresco menu has more salt than many of the regular items they are going to try to find a way to reduce sodium without reducing flavor. According to their menu's nutritional facts the fresco chicken taco contains over 1400milligrams of sodium. WOW!
  • Nikki_Z
    Nikki_Z Posts: 28
    Out of curiosity, did this "spokesperson" happen to also exercise while eating off the "healthy" menu??
  • Jenbabe402
    Jenbabe402 Posts: 36
    Ok, I'm going to be honest...I have been watching my eating for about 3 years now. I went through almost my entire undergrad working out regularly and counting calories/macronutrient ratios. I have, on several occasions, eaten fast food. I've even eaten Taco Bell 3 times. And you know what? I got stuff from the 'healthy' menu, because even if it isn't as healthy as something I'd make, it's BETTER than a lot of stuff.

    These diets aren't aimed at people who are into clean eating or counting macro ratios or even looking at nutrition panels. They're aimed at people who LIVE on fast food. When you eat fast food 2-3 times a day, making the switch from 3 gorditas to 2 fresco tacos will make a huge difference.

    Yes, there is healthier food out there. But it's important to educate a larger variety of people with a larger variety of eating habits.

    True, my fiance eats a ton of fast food (he never gains weight but moves around a lot) so I'm always getting sucked in. I used to eat a whole chicken chalupa meal to myself (it comes w/2 chicken chalupas, a taco and a giant soda), but the fresco menu, even though not as healthy as eating something at home, is helpful in that it's a better choice than the chalupa meal or something smothered in nacho cheese. I'm not saying that anyone should switch to eating only taco bell, though! The salt content is awful and it won't leave you satisfied.
  • BroiledNotFried
    BroiledNotFried Posts: 446 Member
    I LOVE Taco Bell! I love all Mexican food, for that matter, and wish I was Mexican. What a grand heritage of food they have. From the chef Rick Bayless's recipes...to the corporate chefs at Yum!/Pepsi that make the Taco Bell menu.

    As for Taco Bell, I eat it about once a month. When I do, I stick with a bean burrito and a tostada (just a weakness of superb flavors). I try to get them al fresco, and have for years. Salt, is not so bad for women, especialy if it is iodized (supports healthy thyroid...which is the master of our weight). Beans aren't bad for you! And, shouldn't cilantro be a super food? Even so, I can't say that I ever lost weight on Taco Bell. It's a treat.

    I saw on the Dallas Cowgirls tryout, that one of them eats Chick-Fil-A's chargrilled chicken sandwich with fresh fruit for lunch. Under 300 calories. So, since I want to look like a Dallas Cowgirl, I try to eat that. Successful advertising!
  • jaydeangel
    jaydeangel Posts: 31
    I honestly couldn't tell whether the commercial was a joke or not. LOL! I haven't had taco bell in a long time but we do make homemade turkey tacos about 2 times a months.
  • pannellkat
    pannellkat Posts: 709 Member
    Seriously, I just saw a commercial with a lady bragging about how she lost over 50 lbs eating Taco Bell! This kind of advertising makes my head explode. AND, to top if off there is an advertisement to the right for the DriveThruDiet.com.

    Rant over.....

    OMG I just saw this same commercial...my husband just pointed it out to me lol. Crazy!!
  • robbienjill
    robbienjill Posts: 456 Member
    the Fresco BEAN taco's are pretty yummy if you have to eat out...
  • courtney_love2001
    courtney_love2001 Posts: 1,468 Member
    Ok, I'm going to be honest...I have been watching my eating for about 3 years now. I went through almost my entire undergrad working out regularly and counting calories/macronutrient ratios. I have, on several occasions, eaten fast food. I've even eaten Taco Bell 3 times. And you know what? I got stuff from the 'healthy' menu, because even if it isn't as healthy as something I'd make, it's BETTER than a lot of stuff.

    These diets aren't aimed at people who are into clean eating or counting macro ratios or even looking at nutrition panels. They're aimed at people who LIVE on fast food. When you eat fast food 2-3 times a day, making the switch from 3 gorditas to 2 fresco tacos will make a huge difference.

    Yes, there is healthier food out there. But it's important to educate a larger variety of people with a larger variety of eating habits.

    Yeah this is totally true. At least the corporates are making an effort to offer better-for-you foods. Too bad people don't realize what tasty (and nutritious!) food they can make with minimal effort. I love to make my favorite "eat-out" foods at home, just using fresh and healthier ingredients. Yum!
  • weaklink109
    weaklink109 Posts: 2,831 Member
    I LOVE Taco Bell! I love all Mexican food, for that matter, and wish I was Mexican. What a grand heritage of food they have. From the chef Rick Bayless's recipes...to the corporate chefs at Yum!/Pepsi that make the Taco Bell menu.

    As for Taco Bell, I eat it about once a month. When I do, I stick with a bean burrito and a tostada (just a weakness of superb flavors). I try to get them al fresco, and have for years. Salt, is not so bad for women, especialy if it is iodized (supports healthy thyroid...which is the master of our weight). Beans aren't bad for you! And, shouldn't cilantro be a super food? Even so, I can't say that I ever lost weight on Taco Bell. It's a treat.
    ....

    SALT IS NOT SO BAD FOR WOMEN???? Hello?? Have you ever heard of HYPERTENSION ( AKA High Blood Pressure)? Yes it is true that iodized salt is better for your thyroid, BUT the fact remains that too much sodium is a BAD thing, even for those who don't have high BP. I do, so I watch it.


    Beans are a good thing, but they can be laced with sodium and in the case of refried beans, lots of fat.
    ******************
    They played that commercial on the Rose Bowl, just as I was leaving to watch the rest of it at my parents' place. If my pc hadn't already been shut down, I would have posted about it then, so I am glad the original poster did. I agree it is relative. The al fresco menu is a little better, BUT I still haven't eaten Taco bell in about 5 or 6 months because anything I can choose to get there--for the calories--won't fill me for very long, compared to other choices.
  • BroiledNotFried
    BroiledNotFried Posts: 446 Member
    Yes, you are right that salt is bad for hypertension. Sorry, I didn't think of that. I just don't have a hypertension issue..

    When I am watching my calories, I ditch the salty, packaged foods (fries, chips, bottled salad dressings, bread etc). and try to make most things at home and from scratch. I have to remember to routinely add iodine into my diet. Our bodies do not store iodine. Iodine deficiency is not a good thing, and has been linked to hypothyroidism, brain deficiencies, mental retardation, hair loss, fatigue, weight gain.... So, a pinch here while making my food is good for me. But, it may not be good for others.

    Beans? I looked at www.tacobell.com , and here's just their bowl of beans (both regular and al fresco)

    YOUR TRAY

    (1) Pintos 'n Cheese Beans, Cheddar Cheese, Red Sauce
    180 calories and 7 grams of fat (3.0 saturated)

    (2) Fresco Style:
    130 calories and 2.5 grams of fat (.5 saturated).
  • barbiecat
    barbiecat Posts: 17,265 Member
    :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: No one can convince me that there is anything good about eating at Taco Bell except entertainment. The food is yummy but has too much salt and not nearly enough stick to your ribs power for all the calories.
  • Iceprincessk25
    Iceprincessk25 Posts: 1,888 Member
    I LOVE Taco Bell! I love all Mexican food, for that matter, and wish I was Mexican. What a grand heritage of food they have. From the chef Rick Bayless's recipes...to the corporate chefs at Yum!/Pepsi that make the Taco Bell menu.

    As for Taco Bell, I eat it about once a month. When I do, I stick with a bean burrito and a tostada (just a weakness of superb flavors). I try to get them al fresco, and have for years. Salt, is not so bad for women, especialy if it is iodized (supports healthy thyroid...which is the master of our weight). Beans aren't bad for you! And, shouldn't cilantro be a super food? Even so, I can't say that I ever lost weight on Taco Bell. It's a treat.

    I saw on the Dallas Cowgirls tryout, that one of them eats Chick-Fil-A's chargrilled chicken sandwich with fresh fruit for lunch. Under 300 calories. So, since I want to look like a Dallas Cowgirl, I try to eat that. Successful advertising!

    tee hee! You're funny! I like it.:laugh:

    I feel the same way about Mexican food. It's just so freaking delicious. mmmmmm.......drooooooling.

    Taco Bell on the other hand goes straight through me so I dunno if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I rarely ever have it. Now.....Del Taco....is a whole other boat. :happy:
  • pannellkat
    pannellkat Posts: 709 Member
    Taco bell is gross!
  • sarahkatie28
    sarahkatie28 Posts: 58
    OMG! I saw the commercial and literally wanted to throw my tv out the window. Fast food is disgusting!
  • slightingscale
    slightingscale Posts: 1,209 Member
    ...Taco Bell on the other hand goes straight through me so I dunno if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I rarely ever have it....

    :laugh: I thought that's how the woman in the commercial lost weight....the intestinal effect! :laugh:
  • Iceprincessk25
    Iceprincessk25 Posts: 1,888 Member
    ...Taco Bell on the other hand goes straight through me so I dunno if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I rarely ever have it....

    :laugh: I thought that's how the woman in the commercial lost weight....the intestinal effect! :laugh:

    Exactly!!!!!
  • judy2010
    judy2010 Posts: 3
    oops, post in error
  • weaklink109
    weaklink109 Posts: 2,831 Member
    Yes, you are right that salt is bad for hypertension. Sorry, I didn't think of that. I just don't have a hypertension issue..

    When I am watching my calories, I ditch the salty, packaged foods (fries, chips, bottled salad dressings, bread etc). and try to make most things at home and from scratch. I have to remember to routinely add iodine into my diet. Our bodies do not store iodine. Iodine deficiency is not a good thing, and has been linked to hypothyroidism, brain deficiencies, mental retardation, hair loss, fatigue, weight gain.... So, a pinch here while making my food is good for me. But, it may not be good for others.

    Beans? I looked at www.tacobell.com , and here's just their bowl of beans (both regular and al fresco)

    YOUR TRAY

    (1) Pintos 'n Cheese Beans, Cheddar Cheese, Red Sauce
    180 calories and 7 grams of fat (3.0 saturated)

    (2) Fresco Style:
    130 calories and 2.5 grams of fat (.5 saturated).

    Thank you, Skating.....:flowerforyou:

    I learned something about the TB menu. I thought the only beans they had were refried. I will have to check their website to see if they have sodium info included for the al fresco beans. In a pinch, they might keep me from starvation, as their is a TB about 2 blocks from my office.
  • foxyforce
    foxyforce Posts: 3,078 Member
    I LOVE Taco Bell! I love all Mexican food, for that matter, and wish I was Mexican. What a grand heritage of food they have. From the chef Rick Bayless's recipes...to the corporate chefs at Yum!/Pepsi that make the Taco Bell menu.

    As for Taco Bell, I eat it about once a month. When I do, I stick with a bean burrito and a tostada (just a weakness of superb flavors). I try to get them al fresco, and have for years. Salt, is not so bad for women, especialy if it is iodized (supports healthy thyroid...which is the master of our weight). Beans aren't bad for you! And, shouldn't cilantro be a super food? Even so, I can't say that I ever lost weight on Taco Bell. It's a treat.
    ....

    SALT IS NOT SO BAD FOR WOMEN???? Hello?? Have you ever heard of HYPERTENSION ( AKA High Blood Pressure)? Yes it is true that iodized salt is better for your thyroid, BUT the fact remains that too much sodium is a BAD thing, even for those who don't have high BP. I do, so I watch it.


    Beans are a good thing, but they can be laced with sodium and in the case of refried beans, lots of fat.
    ******************
    They played that commercial on the Rose Bowl, just as I was leaving to watch the rest of it at my parents' place. If my pc hadn't already been shut down, I would have posted about it then, so I am glad the original poster did. I agree it is relative. The al fresco menu is a little better, BUT I still haven't eaten Taco bell in about 5 or 6 months because anything I can choose to get there--for the calories--won't fill me for very long, compared to other choices.
    \

    everyone needs sodium. look it up. over 2000 a day i believe. my doctor recommended more sodium to me because i have blood pressure drops throughout the day. so there are two sides.
  • mdale2
    mdale2 Posts: 79
    Yes, agreed, everyone does need sodium. Especially those who sweat a good deal exercising on a daily basis. Along with sodium, we also need iodine, which outside of natural sea salts, is consumed hand in hand with good 'ole table salt. Certainly those with hypertension may require a lower daily dose of sodium, but they need SOME in their diet.

    And honestly, I think the commercial is goofy and about the same level of stupidity as the Subway "Jared" diet - eat a whole sub and get twice your daily allowance of carbs YUMMMY!...but I digress... Like someone else posted it seems to be aimed at those who do consume food on the go on a daily basis. For those folks, the fresco menu is an improvement over the regular menu, believe it or not.

    Let's look at it this way - you're on a road trip and need some grub and FAST. Where do you go? Which chains effectively market "healthier" options on their menu? Well, I'm sure Subway comes to mind. Maybe a McD's chicken wrap or grilled salad? Possibly a Chick Fil 'A grilled chix salad? Or how about a bit of grilled KFC chicken (nevermind the sodium content)? These are all considerably BETTER choices than a bacon double cheeseburger, are they not? Taco Bell has simply begun to market to the health conscious consumer. I may not agree with their "fresco diet" campaign, but certainly increasing awareness that they have lower calorie menu options is a start. And mark my word, you'll see other chains following the trend in the coming months.
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