By now you’ve probably already seen the commercials or heard the story of Christine Dougherty, the woman who managed to shed 54 pounds by replacing her usual fast-food diet with items from Taco Bell’s Fresco menu.
Of course, if you watch the commercial, they’re careful to state that she reduced her calorie consumption, and the website disclaimer includes the statement, “for a healthier lifestyle, pay attention to total calorie and fat intake and regular exercise.” So, by that rationale, aren’t they pretty much advertising that the menu had absolutely nothing to do with her results? She could have been eating cheese quesadillas on a daily basis, and as long as the portions were modest and her other meals were reasonable, the results would have been the same.
It’s a cute story, but it seems like the role Taco Bell played in Christine’s transformation is minimal at best. Plus, 54 pounds over a 2-year time span is hardly a Fogle-like turnaround. The entire campaign has sort of a been there, done that feel to it that reeks of desperation. On the bright side though, as long as you order off the Fresco menu, you should be able to avoid the nasty after-effects of Taco Bell’s Blackjack Tacos.
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