When it comes to eating healthy, fast food chains are not known for their nutritious options. However, if you find yourself at a Mexican restaurant and craving a soft taco platter, there are ways to make a healthier choice. The chicken soft taco platter is one such option, with 726 calories per serving.
The chicken soft taco platter contains a variety of nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, and some vitamins and minerals. Let's take a closer look at the nutritional information of this menu item.
In this article, we'll also compare the chicken soft taco platter to other menu items, so you can make an informed decision next time you're out to eat.
Calories in Chicken Soft Taco Platter
As mentioned earlier, the chicken soft taco platter contains 726 calories per serving. This is a significant amount of calories for one meal and should be considered when planning your daily calorie intake. If you're looking to reduce the number of calories in this meal, consider removing some of the toppings such as cheese or sour cream. Alternatively, you could split the meal with a friend and each enjoy a smaller portion.
Fat Content in Chicken Soft Taco Platter
The chicken soft taco platter contains 32 grams of fat, which is 49% of the recommended daily intake for someone on a 2,000 calorie diet. This high fat content is largely due to the toppings such as cheese and sour cream. Consider removing these or asking for them on the side to reduce your fat intake. It's important to remember that not all fat is bad for our health. The chicken in this meal provides some healthy unsaturated fats.
Protein Amount in Chicken Soft Taco Platter
The chicken soft taco platter contains 29 grams of protein, which is important for maintaining and repairing our body's tissues. Consider choosing this meal if you're looking for a high protein option. This will help you feel full for longer and support muscle growth and repair. If you're vegetarian or vegan, consider swapping the chicken for beans to still get a good amount of protein.
Carbohydrate Level in Chicken Soft Taco Platter
The chicken soft taco platter contains 74 grams of carbohydrates, which is a significant amount for one meal. Most of these carbohydrates come from the tortilla and rice. Consider removing the rice or choosing a smaller portion of tortilla to reduce your carb intake. Carbohydrates are important for providing us with energy, but it's important to make sure we're eating the right amount for our individual needs.
Fiber Content in Chicken Soft Taco Platter
The chicken soft taco platter contains 6 grams of fiber, which is important for maintaining healthy digestion and reducing the risk of some chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Most of the fiber in this meal comes from the beans and vegetables. Consider adding extra vegetables or swapping the rice for more vegetables to increase your fiber intake. It's recommended that adults consume at least 25 grams of fiber per day.
Sodium Level in Chicken Soft Taco Platter
The chicken soft taco platter contains 1,442 milligrams of sodium, which is 62% of the recommended daily intake for an adult. This high sodium content is largely due to the seasoning on the chicken and the toppings such as cheese and sour cream. Consider removing these or asking for them on the side to reduce your sodium intake. High sodium intake can increase the risk of high blood pressure and other health problems, so it's important to pay attention to the amount of sodium in our meals.
Sugar Content in Chicken Soft Taco Platter
The chicken soft taco platter contains 5 grams of sugar, which is a relatively small amount. Most of the sugar in this meal comes from the sauces and toppings such as sour cream. Consider removing these or asking for them on the side to reduce your sugar intake. It's important to limit our added sugar intake to reduce the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.
Cholesterol Amount in Chicken Soft Taco Platter
The chicken soft taco platter contains 100 milligrams of cholesterol, which is 33% of the recommended daily intake. This cholesterol content is largely due to the chicken in the meal. Consider choosing grilled chicken instead of fried to reduce your cholesterol intake. High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease, so it's important to pay attention to our cholesterol intake.
Vitamin and Mineral Content in Chicken Soft Taco Platter
The chicken soft taco platter contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Most of these come from the vegetables in the meal such as lettuce and tomatoes. Consider adding extra vegetables to increase your vitamin and mineral intake. Vitamins and minerals are important for maintaining various body functions and reducing the risk of some chronic diseases.
When it comes to healthier options at a Mexican restaurant, the chicken soft taco platter is a relatively good choice. Compared to other menu items such as the beef burrito or the cheese enchiladas, the chicken soft taco platter has fewer calories and less fat. However, if you're looking for an even healthier option, consider choosing a salad with grilled chicken, or asking for the toppings and sauces on the side to control your intake.
Eating healthy at a Mexican restaurant can be a challenge, but with a little knowledge and planning, it's possible to make a nutritious and satisfying choice.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About the Chicken Soft Taco Platter
1. What is included in the Chicken Soft Taco Platter?
The Chicken Soft Taco Platter typically includes two soft shell tacos filled with grilled or shredded chicken, lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream. It may also come with a side of rice and beans.
2. How many calories are in a serving of the Chicken Soft Taco Platter?
A serving of the Chicken Soft Taco Platter contains 726 calories.
3. Is the Chicken Soft Taco Platter gluten-free?
The Chicken Soft Taco Platter may contain gluten due to the presence of flour tortillas, which typically contain wheat flour. However, some restaurants may offer gluten-free options such as corn tortillas or lettuce wraps.
4. Can the toppings be customized in the Chicken Soft Taco Platter?
Yes, most restaurants allow customers to customize the toppings in the Chicken Soft Taco Platter. This may include the choice of protein, type of cheese, or the addition of guacamole or salsa.
5. Is the Chicken Soft Taco Platter a healthy choice?
The Chicken Soft Taco Platter may not be the healthiest choice due to its high calorie content and the presence of cheese and sour cream. However, it can be made healthier by choosing grilled chicken instead of shredded and opting for whole grain or lettuce wraps instead of flour tortillas. It is also important to watch portion sizes and limit the amount of high-calorie toppings.