If you've turned on your television lately you have likely seen the Taco Bell Drive-Thru Diet commercial. If not, here you go:
Christine lost 54 lbs by "Replacing my usual fast food with Taco Bell's Drive Thru diet." Apparently Christine needed this solution because in her words, "I didn't want to cut out my fast food."
I decided to check out the Taco Bell Drive-Thru Diet Menu website and see what goodies were available. Unfortunately, the "diet" menu choices are high in fat and loaded with sodium.
A couple of examples include the Fresco Burrito Chicken Supreme which has tons of unhealthy fat (21%) and a whopping 1,140 mg of sodium. The lower calorie Fresco Ranchero Chicken Soft Taco (130 calories) had an even a higher percentage of fat (27%) and 740 mg of sodium.
I would really like to have said bravo Taco Bell, but the fact is that these items have been on their menu for years. The only change is that Taco Bell is now making them available through their drive-thru window.
The reality is that Christine lost 54 lbs over 2 years because she counted her calories. Yes, you can eat junk, um I mean fast food and lose weight.
From an advertising perspective, it was a genius move to launch this campaign around New Years when everyone is trying to stick to their resolution to lose weight. Over 70% of Taco Bell's business comes from Drive-Thru, so it will be interesting to see how this impacts their Q1 revenues.
As a side note, Taco Bell's last big advertising campaign was FourthMeal, where they encouraged consumers to grab Taco Bell late night, before heading off to bed.
What's your opinion on the Taco Bell Drive-Thru Diet campaign? Is this a small step in the right direction or irresponsible advertising?
Train hard; stay strong.
Peace.
Susan
Thursday, January 14, 2010
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8 Responses to "The Taco Bell Drive-Thru Diet"I saw this post first thing this morning and couldn't wait to comment! I saw the same add a few weeks ago (planned on a scathing post dripping of sarcasm) and missed out.
I popped in over at the TB site just to educate myself prior to spouting off (nowlidge is pauer) and found some pretty neat nutrition nuggets....
The Chicken Ranch Taco Salad (uses a low-fat dressing) has only 900 calories, 1660mg of Sodium, and 54g of fat!
The Chipotle, Chicken, and Fiesta Salads all come with a required "death by sodium" clause...1600-1700mg of salt.
I failed to mention the 50-70+ grams of useless carbs. Excessive sodium, carbs, calories, fat, saturated fat...and someone 'lost' 54lbs. The Biggest Loser shows America how to lose a hundred pounds by simply working out for 5 hours/day and Taco Bell one-ups them...go figure.
You cannot out-train a bad diet, even if you run for the border.
love and hugs
MikeZ
I was pretty late to the game too in regards to timing, but I couldn't resist!!
I WISH I came up with your tag line as my title posting -- You cannot out-train a bad diet, even if you run for the border.
HYSTERICAL! You're brilliant my friend :)
It's irresponsible in my opinion. But on the other hand, people shouldn't be soooo easy to fool! Everyone always wants a short-cut. Hello???? There are no short-cuts. Not at TacoBell; not at Subway. Make a plan ... stick to it ... pick yourself when you fall down ... repeat!
I think you hit the nail on the head Yarnball .... there are not short-cuts. Unfortunately, there are alot of folks still looking for that magic pill, and if they can eat junk food to boot ... well.
On a more positive note, and to give credit where credit is due ... Taco Bell is owned by Yum Brands. Today is was announced that Yum Brands is directing $500,000 from its program World Hunger Relief to provide food for earthquake victims in Haiti.
Rats. I think I gained 2 pounds just reading Mike's comment...
("finger snaps" for his tag line...you're right Suz, it IS brilliant)
Bottom line, IMHO, is this stuff is just plain unhealthy. It shouldn't just be about losing weight...especially not at the expense of your health. It's unfortunate that zillions of people will think this is really a good way to lose weight. Taco Bell will sell a 'sh*tload' (pun intended)of tacos and buritos, and a lot of people, including obese children will get pounded with saturated fat and tons of sodium.
I give this a big two thumbs down for irresponsible advertising.
Jeesch, didn't they have something called "El Gordo" on the menu at one time? Look it up folks...it means The Fat One. Enough said.
"Abrazo, mi amiga hermoso",
Frederico
LOL, they DID Fred! I have to admit - back in the day, as far as fast-food went, Taco Bell was my favorite. There, I admitted it. They say that's the first step towards recovery!
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