Clean Fast Food: McDonalds & Taco Bell w/ Santi Aragon

M&S Team
Written By: M&S Team
April 20th, 2018
Updated: March 30th, 2021
Categories: Articles Nutrition
Tags: Video
29K Views
In this video, Santi Aragon takes us through the drive thru at Mcdonald's and Taco Bell to show us how you can eat out and still eat clean food sources.

In this video, MuscleTech athlete Santi Aragon takes us through the drive-thru at two popular fast food chains to show us what you can order that will help you stay on track with your goals.

Most people think that eating out is a death sentence when it comes to building muscle and losing fat.

However, as Santi shows us in this video, there are always healthier options you can opt for when eating on the go.

In fact, plenty of restaurants have several high protein and lower calorie meals you can order.

You simply have to do some investigating before you order and choose wisely.

The examples Santi provides for us in this video include options at Taco Bell and McDonald’s.

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Taco Bell

The first stop Santi makes in this Clean Fast Food episode is at Taco Bell. Santi doesn’t tend to go to Taco Bell very often even though he loves their quesadillas. But, Taco Bell has done an excellent job revamping their menu to meet the needs of those who are a little bit more health conscious.

For Santi’s order, he goes with a double chicken power bowl with the rice and beans on the side.

The macros of this meal are pretty solid coming in at about 550 calories, 20g of fat, 53g of carbs, and 40g of protein (if everything is measured correctly).

In this meal you get some micronutrients from the greens, pico, and guacamole. You get some protein from the chicken, cheese, and beans. Fats from the sour cream, guacamole, and cheese. And carbs from the rice, beans, and pico.

Double Chicken Power Bowl – 550 Cals, 20g of Fat, 53g of Carbs, 40g of Protein.

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McDonald’s

The second location Santi takes us to is his favorite cheat meal spot, The Golden Arches, aka McDonald’s.

Despite being his go-to cheat meal, there are actually a lot of healthier options you can go with at McDonald’s.

Santi’s healthy order here is 2 grilled artisan chicken sandwiches (no sauce) with a side salad. The dressing Santi gets for his side salad is a low-fat balsamic vinaigrette that is very low cal and an excellent option to drizzle over your salad.

Each sandwich has 360 calories, 4.5g of fat, 44g of carbs, and 37g of protein. With the amount of carbs in this meal, this is an awesome option for post workout to help boost your recovery by replenishing glycogen levels.

You also get plenty of micronutrients from this meal from the side salad.

If you need a lower carb option, you can always order the chicken sandwiches without the bun and add them to your side salad for a tasty high protein, low carb meal. Or if you need a lower calorie option, opt for just one sandwich with the side salad and you’ll be good to go.

Total Macros - 740 Cals, 9g of Fat, 88g of Carbs, 74g of Protein

4 Comments
Lee Yokum
Posted on: Tue, 05/08/2018 - 10:59

I'm curious as to why the diet coke...would it not be better to just get some unsweet tea? you keep the artificial sweeteners out of the picture and you get some antioxidants, you still get a light dose of caffeine as well.

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Tue, 05/08/2018 - 16:20

Hi Lee,

Most of what mainstream media has fed us about artificial sweeteners are myths. Check this article out: https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/4-myths-you-have-been-told-ab...

In terms of drink choice, I would've prob just gone with h2o myself :)

Phillip Hernandez
Posted on: Fri, 04/27/2018 - 16:40

Artisan Chicken Sandwich, no condiments for the win! Combine that with Southwestern Grilled Chicken Salad w/ low fat balsamic and you're solid for quick food.

My all time fav though - Chipotle Chicken Salad Bowl w/ black beans, brown rice, fajita veggies - no dressing and guac option if it fits your macros. niiiiiice low GL meal for 8 bucks and fast.

Mike Harge
Posted on: Sun, 09/23/2018 - 14:14

Phillip,
all from McD?