Chick-fil-A is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the United States, known for its chicken sandwiches, waffle fries, and sweet tea. While many people enjoy eating here, it’s essential to know what happens to your body when you consume their food. Here are some things to consider before taking a bite.
High in Calories and Fat
Chick-fil-A’s menu items are notoriously high in calories and fat. For example, their classic chicken sandwich contains 440 calories and 19 grams of fat, with that number jumping to 32 grams of fat if you include a sauce1. Eating these foods regularly can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of heart disease.
Processed Ingredients
Many ingredients used in Chick-fil-A’s food are highly processed, including the chicken itself. The chicken is flavourful but relies on “neon pickle, sugar, and peanut oil” just to make things work. Paired with the extremely greasy, described as “soggy” waffle fries, you’re just asking for trouble. The use of processed ingredients is a cause for concern as they are linked to various health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and cancer2.
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Sodium Content
Another thing to consider when eating at Chick-fil-A is the high sodium content in their food. It’s reported that fast-food eaters underestimate their sedum intake by about 650%. And while CFA isn’t the only fast-food game in town, their sodium content is second to none. For example, their classic chicken sandwich contains 1,350 milligrams of sodium. In comparison, a McChicken has 590, and a Wendy’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich has 600 – less than half of CFA’s sandwiches.
The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, and ideally, no more than 1,500 milligrams per day for most adults. Consuming high levels of sodium can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. It’s essential to be mindful of your sodium intake when eating at Chick-fil-A.
What You Can Do
If you enjoy eating at Chick-fil-A, there are some things you can do to make healthier choices:
- Choose Grilled Chicken: grilled chicken serves as an alternative to their classic fried chicken. Grilled chicken is lower in calories and fat and is a healthier option.
- Skip the Sauce: As previously mentioned, their sauces are high in calories, fat and sodium. Skipping the sauce or opting for a lighter option, such as their honey mustard sauce, can help reduce your calorie and sodium intake.
- Go for a Side Salad: Instead of ordering waffle fries, opt for a side salad. Not only will this cut sodium and fat but it will also increase vegetable consumption – something fast food goers generally are deficient in.
In conclusion, while Chick-fil-A is a popular fast-food chain, it’s essential to be mindful of what you’re putting into your body when eating fast food in general. Their menu items are high in calories, fat, and sodium, and many of the ingredients used are highly processed. Making healthier choices when eating out can help reduce your risk of health problems and keep you feeling your best.
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