Grilled chicken sandwiches or wraps provide a great source of protein which in turn help stabilize sugar levels and keep you feeling good post-meal. For example, Dina Totosegis, RD, a registered dietitian and founder of Sprouting Foodies suggests sticking with the grilled options over fried: "When you're being mindful of eating healthfully, choosing entrees that include grilled chicken is always best. But there are some general guidelines to keep in mind when dining at this popular chicken chain. If the concept of eating healthily at a fast-food restaurant like Chick-fil-A is daunting to you, you're not alone. What's more? Chick-fil-A's healthy choices span different menu categories, including breakfast, sandwiches, and yes, even dessert. And while fried chicken is in no way synonymous with "healthy," if you are trying to eat healthier while dining out, this fast-food chain actually has several different options to choose from. You can use these tips to make healthy decisions at the drive-through, but be sure to talk to your provider to see what foods are best for you.Chick-fil-A is perhaps best known for its tasty fried chicken sandwiches and dippable chicken fingers. If you know where you’ll be eating ahead of time, cut down on ordering time by checking out the restaurant’s menu online to make your healthy choice in advance. Be vigilant, be mindful, and always give yourself grace. As you start learning what works for you, this process will begin to quicken. Learning to make healthy decisions takes time, so be patient with yourself and do not be afraid to ask questions. When there is a line of cars behind you, you might feel pressured to order quickly so the person behind you can place their order, but they can wait. Thoroughly scanning through the menu takes time. These days, there isn’t just diet soda, there’s unsweetened tea, diet lemonade, and if you really want to get fancy, you can order a half and half iced unsweetened tea and diet lemonade (also called an unsweetened Arnold Palmer). Water and diet drinks probably aren’t the most appealing drinks for quenching your thirst, but they are the best and healthiest options when managing diabetes. Swap those sides when you can! Rethink Your Drink A small fruit cup contains 100 to 150 calories and almost half the carbs compared to a small fry. On average, a small fry contains 45+ grams of carbs and 200 to 300 calories, which is roughly a tenth of the daily recommended caloric intake for an average adult and a seventh of the daily recommended caloric intake for a child. Rather than fries or tots, see if you can swap for a side salad or fruit cup. While both of those options are tasty, they are not the healthiest. Grilled chicken salads are simple but always yummy and a great go-to if you are unsure what to order.ĭid you know that you can ask to swap your sides? Typically, drive-through meals come with a side of fries or tater tots. And, if sandwiches aren't your thing, you can't go wrong with a salad. For example, rather than a fried chicken sandwich, try switching to a grilled chicken sandwich-you might even have the option to swap the bun with whole grain bread or opt to use lettuce as the bun. When ordering fast-food, remember you might have the choice to swap fatty, crispy, and fried foods with healthier alternatives. If you’re used to eating things like double cheeseburgers, order a single-patty burger. When ordering, opt for a small size, including the side and the beverage. Most fast-food restaurants automatically give you a medium-sized meal, but others may default to a large size. It’s a great way to cut calories, carbs, fat, and sodium. If you’re not interested in giving up your favorites at the drive-thru, that’s okay! Instead, try downsizing your meals. Plus, this will be helpful as you learn more about what fast food restaurants are a "go" and which might be a "no." Healthier options listed on menus typically include low-carb, low-fat, or steamed foods. Keep an eye out for the healthy choices section of the menu, and if you do not see one listed, it never hurts to ask if they have friendly options for people with diabetes, or healthier alternatives in general.Īsking for information and recommendations is a great way to practice advocating for yourself. Many restaurants and fast-food chains are now more accommodating to different dietary needs. Look For the Healthy Choice Section of the Menu While this may vary depending on where you choose to eat, it is an excellent rule of thumb while placing your order. Use our five tips on making healthier choices at a fast-food restaurant so you can enjoy without the guilt.Īccording to the Diabetes Plate Method, a healthy meal should include a balance of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates. And making these choices doesn’t need to be hard. Still, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to make healthier choices at the drive thru.
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