Many of us are aware that not-so-nutritious choices can masquerade as “health foods”. Like our sugar-laden Special K cereals, 100-calorie packs of Oreos, and particularly those “whole wheat” Pop-Tarts.
But sometimes making a healthy decision can be less clear. We’ve had a surge of interest in Chick-fil-a’s new Superfood Side as a healthy alternative to those tempting waffle fries. You will be saving yourself the 400 calories and 48g of carbohydrates found in a medium fry, but be weary of the “sweet and tangy” salad that many people have been enjoying this spring.
The first ingredient in the Superfood Side’s dressing is maple syrup, followed by oil, water, and then more sugar. The smaller option has 11 grams of sugar, while the large salad will cost you 16 grams of sugar and a surprising 23 grams carbohydrate. Remember, sugar is often hidden in dried fruit and dressings.
The Grilled Market Salad may be a better choice with 25 grams of protein, or the regular side salad with just 6 grams of carbohydrate. Pair it with their grilled chicken nuggets that won’t ruin your carb count.
Your best bet? Know before you go. There’s a great “Healthy Options” menu online that will calculate the nutritional value of your order for you.
I bet you didn’t know you could order your favorite sandwiches “protein style”: Chick-fil-A® Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich-protein style (Chargrilled filet, 1 slice bacon, 1 slice provolone cheese, 2 tomato slices, wrapped in green leaf lettuce) = 7g Carbohydrates.
Contributed by Allison Ernst, FNP-BC
