03/19/2019
If we had it our way, here at Best Food Facts, we’d live every day like it’s Taco Tuesday. But when it comes to consuming them, can there be too much of a good thing? Are tacos considered junk food or health food? To find out more, we reached out to Michelle Jaelin, a Registered Dietitian based in Toronto.
What should tacos be considered — Junk food or health food?
Jaelin: “Tacos could be considered as either a junk food or health food, depending on the ingredients used in the taco dish or how it was prepared. For example, if the taco was prepared in a fast food restaurant where it was fried in lots of oil and prepared with a high amount of salt, seasonings, cheese and sauce with no vegetable toppings – it would be considered junk food.”
While the origins of the taco are relatively unknown, it has been theorized that tacos were first developed by miners in Mexico. As tacos gained popularity, different regions throughout Mexico began creating their own versions that were unique to the region. The first documented taco in the United States was in a newspaper article in 1905. Over time, the original taco recipe (thin slices of meat, salsa, onions, guacamole and lime in a corn tortilla) was altered and has been altered to many different versions to fit individual tastes.
What are the healthy components? Not so healthy parts?
Jaelin: “If prepared with lean protein (beef, chicken, fish) or vegan protein (tofu, beans), those would be healthier componentsthan high-fat beef. Whole grain taco shells are healthier than the ones made with white flour. Vegetables on top, such as lettuce and tomatoes are healthy. In terms of toppings, salsa is your healthiest bet, while sour cream and cheese would be considered not so healthy. Guacamole can be healthy, however, most guacamole prepared in restaurants usually is made with full-fat sour cream to give it that rich flavour.”
What are some ways to make tacos healthier?
Jaelin: “Make your own! Create your own taco party and have guests assemble their own. Be sure to include lots of lean protein options, vegetables and healthier toppings such as homemade guacamole, and salsa. Have the heavier toppings (sour cream, cheese) as well, but try to encourage eating a variety and trying new and different topping combinations.”
If you’re looking for additional healthy taco ideas, Health has put together a list.
So, we have seen celebrities talk about the taco cleanse – is it actually considered to be healthy?
Jaelin: “Raved about by Jennifer Aniston, the taco cleanse is real, you can check out this journalist’s experience with ithere. To me, the taco cleanse is like any other diet: eat “good foods” (ie. tacos, vegan foods, everything consumed has to be in a taco shell). ‘Bad foods’ are animal-based products and anything that cannot be consumed in a taco. The good thing about this diet is it does encourage mindful eating – eating with attention and intention. However, it still limits some types of food which promotes diet culture. My other theory is because everything is to be consumed in a taco, you will eat less, which would result in weight loss.
“Whether healthy or not, by the end of it you would be so sick of tacos, that you wouldn’t stick to it. That isn’t very healthy to me!”
Do you have any favorite taco recipes?
Jaelin: “I personally love fish tacos. If it has fish in it, I will eat it! I don’t have a particular favourite one, but I would love to try this one.”
The simplicity of tacos makes them a staple that almost anyone can make. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they also allow for personalization and can serve a crowd. Choosing ingredients such as lean protein and vegetables can make tacos a healthy part of any eating plan.
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FAQs
Tacos can be healthy when these made with healthy ingredients. When made from scratch, tacos can be lower in salt and a rich source of the vitamins and minerals needed for both physical and mental well-being. Depending on the taco shell used, tacos may be gluten-free.
What is the healthiest type of taco? ›
One of the healthiest versions of an authentic Mexican taco is the tacos de carnitas. The meat for this taco is prepared by seasoning it with a little spice and then slowly cooking it in its own fat until it literally falls apart, making this the ultimately pulled pork taco.
Is taco a junk food? ›
To find out more, we reached out to Michelle Jaelin, a Registered Dietitian based in Toronto. What should tacos be considered — Junk food or health food? Jaelin: “Tacos could be considered as either a junk food or health food, depending on the ingredients used in the taco dish or how it was prepared.
How many tacos can you eat on a diet? ›
Example 1: A person with a small appetite eating small tacos with light filling and no toppings can consume around 3-4 tacos. Example 2: A person with a healthy appetite eating large tacos with heavy meat filling and toppings can consume around 2-3 tacos.
Is it okay to eat tacos every day? ›
All the different textures and flavors make tacos a popular food. But, tacos are best consumed in moderation. Especially if you are eating tacos that have a combination of cheese and meat, which could be high in saturated fat. Your body obtains all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from a diverse diet.
Why tacos are the perfect food? ›
They are quick, tasty, and available anywhere and everywhere. Tacos can be both a comfort food and an elevated epicurean delight.
Is taco meat fake? ›
In summary, the advertisem*nts made it transparent that Taco Bell's meat does not include “extenders” to add volume and that the in- gredients added to the USDA-inspected ground beef are typical of any cooking process. Taco Bell also stated that its seasoned beef is made up of 88 percent inspected beef.
Are tacos better than burgers? ›
While it may look healthy, if it comes smothered in mayonnaise or some other sauce, the hamburger isn't as good for you as a taco. However, prepare a taco with the same lean meat and you're going to come out with less fat and fewer calories. That is until you douse the whole thing in melted cheese and call it a day.
Are tacos healthier than bread? ›
A one-ounce slice of bread typically contains 75 to 100 calories. Corn tortillas, the traditional choice for tacos and enchiladas, generally have 60 to 65 calories in each small six-inch piece. Flour tortillas are slightly higher in calories because they contain added fat to make them softer and easier to roll.
How many tacos is normal to eat? ›
How many tacos do you serve per person? Our taco algorithms show that people will eat approximately 4-5 tacos. Keep in mind that some will eat less, and some will eat more, but it will average out to approximately 4-5 tacos per person.
Tortillas can have roughly the same calories, carbohydrates, and fiber as bread, ounce for ounce—but that doesn't make them unhealthy. And at the same time, not all of the healthier-sounding variations are as nutritious as they appear to be.
Is taco meat good for a week? ›
Leftover taco meat will last in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days.
Are taco shells good or bad for you? ›
#1: The outer shell
Flour tortillas are often full of refined carbohydrates. Whole-wheat or corn options are higher in dietary fiber, which helps to keep your blood sugar levels from spiking. While these healthy soft taco shells won't increase your taco fat, they're not great for low-carb diets.
Are tacos good for muscle? ›
Good Source of Protein
Incorporate Mexican meals, such as enchiladas and tacos which contain meat (e.g., pork, fish, beef, chicken, and shrimp) to increase your protein intake. As a result, you keep your muscles and tissues in good condition.
Are tacos healthier than burgers? ›
The Verdict: A Delicious Tie
So, are tacos healthier than burgers? Well, it's a tie! Both tacos and burgers can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. It all comes down to the ingredients and portion sizes.
Is hard or soft tacos healthier? ›
If you're trying to limit your calorie intake or want to make a healthier taco, softshell is the option.
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