What would a nutritionist really order at KFC? The healthiest menu items revealed!
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Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to find somewhat healthy options amidst KFC's cholesterol-laden menu. But which items actually get a nutritionist's seal of approval?
Susie Burrell is an accredited dietitian and nutritionist with over 15 years of experience helping clients improve their diets. While she admits 'nothing at KFC can truly be called health food', some choices are less bad than others.
'At KFC, nutritional value often comes down to limiting calories, fat and sodium,' Susie explains. One tactic is opting for smaller serves to control portions. The Original Supercharged Slider for example packs protein into under 300 calories - as long as you stop at one!
Salad additions can make a difference too. The Original Tender Crunch Bowl provides some fibre and vitamins from its garden greens. Susie's other tip: 'Ask for the salad on the side so you're not just eating limp lettuce hiding under a mountain of mayo!'
On the avoid list are the infamous Zinger Stacker and other 'Box' meals. 'When you see the word 'Box', just keep walking!' laughs Susie. 'These contain 1-2 days worth of calories, plus heaps of salt and saturated fat.'
Fun fact: the Zinger Stacker Box packs almost twice the daily sodium guideline. All that salt is not great for heart health!
However, you might want to hold onto your chicken buckets, folks, because we can't ignore the flock of health risks associated with high sodium and saturated fat consumption, often found in fast food indulgences like our friend KFC.
Sodium, that sneaky little mineral. It might make your Zinger burger taste zingier, but too much of it can cause your blood pressure to skyrocket - not exactly a secret ingredient you'd want. High blood pressure, or hypertension, stealthily creeps up on you without any noticeable symptoms but can lead to a whole host of problems like heart disease, stroke and congestive heart failure.
Now whisk your attention to saturated fats, the grand culprit often seen lounging in fried chicken buckets. They might make your meal taste finger lickin' good, but these fats can increase the total cholesterol levels in your body, putting you at risk for heart disease. So, in essence, too much of such fats might lead to health consequences.
Keep in mind, we're not saying you should strike off KFC from your menu completely – all things should be taken in moderation. Colonel Sanders himself probably wouldn't want you to overindulge on his renowned recipe. But it's useful to be aware of these potential health pitfalls while you're tucking into that tasty bucket. Remember the next time you're placing your order, it's not just about the calories, but also about the sodium and saturated fat content. Try to opt for smaller portions, add in that side salad, and enjoy your meal guilt-free!
So next time a KFC craving strikes, stick to smaller individual items and opt for foods lower in the nutritional danger zone of fat and salt. With some wise choices, even the Colonel's secret recipe can fit into a healthy diet. Just be sure to burn it off with a brisk walk afterwards! What do you think, members? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Susie Burrell is an accredited dietitian and nutritionist with over 15 years of experience helping clients improve their diets. While she admits 'nothing at KFC can truly be called health food', some choices are less bad than others.
KFC’s Supercharged Slider is not too unhealthy! Image: Facebook
'At KFC, nutritional value often comes down to limiting calories, fat and sodium,' Susie explains. One tactic is opting for smaller serves to control portions. The Original Supercharged Slider for example packs protein into under 300 calories - as long as you stop at one!
Salad additions can make a difference too. The Original Tender Crunch Bowl provides some fibre and vitamins from its garden greens. Susie's other tip: 'Ask for the salad on the side so you're not just eating limp lettuce hiding under a mountain of mayo!'
KFC’s Original Tenders Crunch Bowl, a much healthier option! Image: Facebook
On the avoid list are the infamous Zinger Stacker and other 'Box' meals. 'When you see the word 'Box', just keep walking!' laughs Susie. 'These contain 1-2 days worth of calories, plus heaps of salt and saturated fat.'
Fun fact: the Zinger Stacker Box packs almost twice the daily sodium guideline. All that salt is not great for heart health!
KFC’s Zinger Stacker Burger Box, packed with calories for 2 days! Image: Facebook
However, you might want to hold onto your chicken buckets, folks, because we can't ignore the flock of health risks associated with high sodium and saturated fat consumption, often found in fast food indulgences like our friend KFC.
Sodium, that sneaky little mineral. It might make your Zinger burger taste zingier, but too much of it can cause your blood pressure to skyrocket - not exactly a secret ingredient you'd want. High blood pressure, or hypertension, stealthily creeps up on you without any noticeable symptoms but can lead to a whole host of problems like heart disease, stroke and congestive heart failure.
Now whisk your attention to saturated fats, the grand culprit often seen lounging in fried chicken buckets. They might make your meal taste finger lickin' good, but these fats can increase the total cholesterol levels in your body, putting you at risk for heart disease. So, in essence, too much of such fats might lead to health consequences.
Keep in mind, we're not saying you should strike off KFC from your menu completely – all things should be taken in moderation. Colonel Sanders himself probably wouldn't want you to overindulge on his renowned recipe. But it's useful to be aware of these potential health pitfalls while you're tucking into that tasty bucket. Remember the next time you're placing your order, it's not just about the calories, but also about the sodium and saturated fat content. Try to opt for smaller portions, add in that side salad, and enjoy your meal guilt-free!
So next time a KFC craving strikes, stick to smaller individual items and opt for foods lower in the nutritional danger zone of fat and salt. With some wise choices, even the Colonel's secret recipe can fit into a healthy diet. Just be sure to burn it off with a brisk walk afterwards! What do you think, members? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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