The Ultimate Guide To Healthy Options At Chick-Fil-A
For some people when they hear the word “healthy” they cringe. That’s understandable considering most diets today are restricting of calories and flavor. Well not anymore! You can still eat at your favorite chain restaurants while avoiding the Freshman Fifteen. Here is your healthy girl’s guide to eating at Chick-Fil-A. Keep reading for all of the healthy options at Chick-Fil-A!
1. Make sure to weigh all of your healthy options at Chick-Fil-A.
No pun intended. It is easy to order your usual number one combo without a second thought, but have you looked and studied the menu of your favorite restaurant in a while? Popular chain restaurants are constantly switching things up to cater to their customers. So, next time give the menu a quick glance before ordering, and you just might find a healthier option that you wouldn’t have noticed before.
2. Swap out the fried chicken for grilled.
An age old question: fried chicken, or grilled? Why not both? At Chick-Fil-A, both options are offered! Grilled is the healthier option as compared to fried, but everything in moderation is okay. If you want to go for a grilled option, try the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. If you’re wanting a fried option, swap out the fries for a fruit cup instead. Swapping side items and making simple changes will result in a big difference with your health!
3. Make sure you are using serious portion control.
It’s the little things that count. I’m not talking counting calories here. I’m talking about portions. In America, we like our meals, hair, and lifestyle BIG! This is not necessarily a good thing when wanting to make healthier food choices at Chick-Fil-A. However, the great thing about Chick-Fil-A is that they offer free refills. The next time you go to order a large sweet tea, consider changing it to a smaller size. Also, you don’t have to buy the meal combo. Often what I like to do to make a healthier choice is to order the entree. That consists of the sandwich or whatever meal I choose without a drink or fries. It’s just something to think about.
4. Avoid ordering a soft drink or soda with your meal.
When it comes to drinks at Chick-Fil-A, it is easy to go for the soda or pop, but don’t! There are so many other options available! A healthier option would be an iced tea. Try a half and half iced tea that cures your sweet tooth while keeping it on the healthier side. Better yet, try a diet lemonade that Chick-Fil-A is infamous for! And of course, the healthiest, and cheapest, option would be to order some refreshing H2O!
5. Order a yogurt parfait instead of a milkshake to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Chick-Fil-A milkshakes are arguably the best milkshakes around, but did you know they have other, healthier, options to cure your sweet tooth? The next time you are craving something sweet try a yogurt parfait!
6. Be wary of the toppings you choose.
Oh, toppings galore. Did you know that a single packet of Chick-Fil-A sauce has 140 calories? It is easy to pile on the ketchup, Chick-Fil-A sauce, and other condiments, but you might want to reconsider. Condiments are filled with sugars, sodium, and empty calories. Chick-Fil-A works hard to make their foods flavorful, and by adding extra sauces it makes your healthier meal unhealthy quickly.
Healthy Options at Chick-Fil-A:
Finally, when it comes to making healthy options at Chick-Fil-A, I have five favorite go-to meals that are delicious, flavorful, and healthy!
1. If you’re still craving something fried:
ORDER: Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets
At only 270 calories, you still get all the flavor of your favorite chicken sandwich with half the calories!
AVOID: Chick-Fil-A Sandwich
The chicken sandwich has 440 calories.
2. If you’d like to order a side option:
ORDER: Fruit Cup or Side Salad
The fruit cup is only 50 calories and the salad is 80 calories as compared to the whopping 400 calorie waffle fries!
AVOID: Waffle Fries
I know they’re delicious, but there are healthier options to choose from. Order this only in moderation.
3. If you’re in the mood for Breakfast:
ORDER: Chicken Minis
These small bites have big flavor and few calories!
AVOID: Chicken Biscuit
It is made of 440 calories that could be put toward a healthier meal.
4. If you need something to quench your thirst:
ORDER: Diet Lemonade
It’s still the same great taste of the classic lemonade, but it is a much healthier option at 20 calories!
AVOID: Classic Lemonade
230 calories compared to 20 sounds like a no-brainer healthier option to me!
5. If you absolutely NEED something sweet:
ORDER: A yogurt parfait or even a chocolate chip cookie
Although a cookie has 330 calories, it is a much better option compared to a chocolate milkshake at 550!
AVOID: Milkshakes!
What are your favorite healthy options at Chick-Fil-A? Comment below and share this article with friends!
Featured image source: spoonuniversity.com, foodieratatouille.wordpress.com
