In stark contrast to the rise in awareness about the obesity epidemic and Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign, today KFC rolls out its latest menu offering: The Double Down. A true nutritional gamble, it sandwiches two pieces of bacon, cheese and creamy mystery sludge between two fried chicken patties (look, Mom, no bread!). No wonder it tops this list of Freaky Fast Food Items.
According to the posted nutritional data, the fried version (there's also a less sinful grilled option) has 540 calories (same as a Big Mac), and 32 grams of fat. The more disturbing stat is that it has 1380 milligrams of sodium--60 percent of the USDA's recommended daily dose. Numbers-wise, it's not the nastiest fast food offering available, but eaten regularly it will make you--and your cardiologist's wallet--fat.
Still, I had to try it...
So reluctantly-OK, a small part of me was excited-I found myself at the KFC drive-thru (The DD was released early in Charleston. Lucky me.) I knew this was serious biz when I noticed the line "cook" struggling to close the box. At home, I dug in. I must admit, that first bite was tasty. But by bite three my hands were completely coated in grease and I was nauseous. Game over, Colonel.
I know it's not realistic for most people to avoid fast food altogether, so here are 6 ways to make smart ordering decisions:
1. Lay off the soda. Even diet. The biggie sizes can pack up to 400 calories. Better picks: Water (duh) or unsweetened tea with lemon.
2. Assume dressings and sauces are packed with calories and salt. Don't worry about being that customer. Order the goo on the side-or, better-hold it altogether.
3. Order off the 99-cent or kids menu. Generally those portions are sane (a basic McDonalds cheeseburger, while not the leanest cut, is a not-so-evil 300 calories).
4. Be skeptical of nutritional info. As our Healthy Bites blogger has explained, the servings info can be misleading.
5. Consider a side dish. In an effort to draw healthy-minded folks, like you, fast food joints now offer everything from fruit cups to sliced apples. McDonald's Fruit 'n' Yogurt Parfait, for example, has 160 calories-and nutritional value.
6. Keep a few healthy snacks in your car. That way, you only need to hit the drive-thru if you're seriously starved. Check out this list of 30 Healthy Snacks that satisfy any craving, sweet or salty.
Curious: What are your fast food ordering strategies?
--Jenny Everett
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