{"id":6127,"date":"2025-06-03T11:00:46","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T11:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/burn-the-priest.com\/?p=6127"},"modified":"2025-06-03T11:46:12","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T11:46:12","slug":"experts-compare-nutritional-benefits-of-tacos-and-sliders-and-offer-healthy-prep-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/burn-the-priest.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/03\/experts-compare-nutritional-benefits-of-tacos-and-sliders-and-offer-healthy-prep-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Experts compare nutritional benefits of tacos and sliders and offer healthy prep tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
At game-day gatherings, casual backyard hangs and happy hours alike, tacos and sliders<\/a> are often front and center on summer menus.<\/p>\n But when you’re trying to eat healthily<\/a>, which is the smarter choice?<\/p>\n “Tacos and sliders are fun, handheld meal options, but their nutritional content can vary significantly depending on the ingredients, portion sizes, preparation methods and cooking techniques<\/a>, such as high-heat grilling or frying,” Michelle Routhenstein, a New York-based cardiology dietitian at\u00a0Entirely Nourished, told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n TOP 5 FAST-FOOD BURGERS FOR YOUR HEALTH, SAYS NEW STUDY<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Tacos and sliders are convenient, versatile and rich in flavor, added Trista K. Best, a registered dietitian in Georgia \u2014 but when it comes to nutrition, they can vary greatly.<\/p>\n “To keep either option on the healthier side, opt for lean proteins, whole-grain buns and shells, and nutrient-dense fresh toppings,” Best told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n A typical taco at a restaurant<\/a> contains about 150 calories, 3 grams of saturated fat, 250 milligrams of sodium and 6 grams of protein, according to Routhenstein.<\/p>\n These numbers can vary widely based on whether you’re eating at a fast-food joint<\/a> or a more formal restaurant, or if you’re making them at home or picking up pre-made frozen tacos to heat in the microwave.\u00a0<\/p>\n 10 BEST DIETS OF 2025 AS CHOSEN BY NUTRITION EXPERTS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n To make tacos healthier, use soft-corn tortillas, said Best, which offer more fiber with fewer refined carbohydrates than flour tortillas<\/a>.<\/p>\n She also suggested replacing fried meats with lean cuts of chicken, fish or beans to reduce the saturated fat content.<\/p>\n Using fresh, healthy toppings \u2014 such as avocado, salsa and vegetables \u2014 increases the nutrient density of tacos, Best added.<\/p>\n If ordering prepared or prepackaged tacos, opt for those with minimal amounts of sodium, preservatives and artificial ingredients, the experts advised.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “Tacos can be a balanced meal when using a whole-wheat or high-fiber tortilla filled with lean proteins like grilled chicken, beans and fish, loaded with fresh veggies, and topped with avocado,” Routhenstein said.<\/p>\n She cautioned that tacos can slide into less healthy territory if they’re filled with high-fat options like fried meat, cheese or refined flour tortillas.<\/p>\n A typical slider contains about 160 calories, 4 grams of saturated fat, 250 milligrams of sodium and 9 grams of protein, according to Routhenstein.<\/p>\n “Sliders are often high in calories, fats and sodium, especially when cooked with fatty meats or topped with sauces and cheese,” she told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n As with tacos, to make them healthier,<\/a> she suggested choosing lean proteins like grilled chicken and being mindful of portion sizes and high-fat condiments.<\/p>\n For more Lifestyle articles, visit <\/u><\/strong><\/i><\/a>www.foxnews.com\/lifestyle<\/u><\/strong><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n Since traditional sliders are made with white bread, which is high in refined carbohydrates, Best said choosing whole-grain buns or lettuce wraps makes for a more nutritious alternative.\u00a0<\/p>\n Both tacos and sliders have the potential for containing excessive calories and saturated fats.\u00a0<\/p>\n With some thoughtful planning and portion control, however, the two dishes have the potential to fit into a healthy diet<\/a>.<\/p>\n “While tacos and sliders at a restaurant may have similar nutrition facts<\/a>, tacos have great potential to be nutrient-dense and healthy when you select the right ingredients,” Routhenstein said.\u00a0<\/p>\n