No matter how dedicated you are to leading a healthy life, let’s face it: Sometimes we all crave a bit of fast food. But luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice all of your health goals to satisfy your cravings! Although it’s undeniable that most fast food choices are unhealthy due to the high amounts of saturated fats and additives, there are at least a few healthy-ish options out there. This is especially true when it comes to the beloved chicken chain Chick-fil-A.
When you pull up to the Chick-fil-A drive thru, you may find yourself wondering what the best possible thing you could order for your body is. To answer that question, we spoke to health expert Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD. She told us that the Market Salad should be your go-to option. Learn more about all of the health benefits of this salad—especially when it comes to weight loss—below.
Health benefits of Chick-fil-A Market Salad
A salad for weight loss? Shocking! But if you were looking for any confirmation to skip the fried chicken sandwich and go for the leafy green option instead, here it is. "I'm a fan of the Chick Fil A Market salad. It's a full meal providing 550 calories, 29 grams of protein, and 41 grams of carbs," Andrews raves. These numbers speak volumes about the salad's ability to satisfy hunger while offering a substantial amount of lean protein–a crucial component for building and repairing tissues in the body.
While the salad does contain 31 grams of fat, Andrews suggests a simple strategy to fix this issue, stating, "This can be reduced by using less of the dressing or leaving the cheese or granola off of the salad." Perfect! This flexibility allows diners to customize their meal to align with their dietary preferences or restrictions, ensuring a healthier meal.
One of the standout features of the Chick-fil-A Market Salad is the inclusion of lean meat and an array of other nutrient-rich ingredients. Andrews appreciates this combination: "What I love about it is that it provides lean chicken and a mix of fresh fruits, including blueberries, strawberries, and apples." Lean chicken serves as an excellent source of protein, while the vibrant fruits contribute a spectrum of vitamins and antioxidants. Berries, in particular, offer up fantastic benefits for your entire body.
Overall, this salad delivers a rich dose of essential nutrients. Andrews emphasizes, "On a big bed of leafy greens, you'll get plenty of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants to prevent cancer and heart disease."
Plus, to add a satisfying crunch to the mix, sliced almonds make an appearance in the Chick-fil-A Market Salad—a great addition for both your taste buds and your body! The health benefits of nuts are numerous. Andrews highlights their upsides, stating, "Sliced almonds add some crunch in addition to vitamin E and fiber." This small but impactful addition not only enhances the salad's texture but also contributes additional nutrients that promote heart health and digestive well-being.
All in all, Chick-fil-A's market salad is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a convenient, tasty, yet healthy meal. So next time your Chick-fil-A cravings hit, resist the urge to succumb to the pull of nuggets and go with this salad instead. Your body will thank you!
