Fast food healthy stop: Popeyes meal options are piping hot

Originating in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is not your typical burger and fries joint. The formidable competitor for Kentucky Fried Chicken specializes in slow marinating its chicken with special Louisiana seasonings. The chain is so popular it has grown to over 2,000 restaurants in its 40 year existence, according to the Popeyes website.

Locals (and visitors to the entertainment capital) have 10 Popeyes restaurants to choose from that are spread throughout the city. One restaurant is located in the heart of Nellis Air Force Base, a convenient location to serve military personnel and their families. Another location can be found in the Excalibur Hotel & Casino, near the south end of the world famous Las Vegas strip.

Customers can order their chicken to be cooked mild, spicy, or the popularly named ‘naked,’ depending on their preference for spicy foods. Naked chicken is grilled and is not battered or breaded like the other two options. It is an excellent option for people who try to limit their calorie or fat intake.

Popeyes also gives the option of a signature side with a combo meal. Two choices that are rarely seen in any fast food establishment is corn on the cob and green beans. These make great choices for consumers as many people struggle to include vegetables in their diet (French fries do not count).

As with any dining establishment, it is wise to take care with consuming meals too high in sodium. This is especially important for people with medical conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure). A general rule of thumb to remember is the smaller the serving size of a food item, the lower the sodium content will be.

Is it always necessary to order smaller sizes of foods? Not exactly. It is ok to indulge on occasion. Just understand that consuming large portions on a regular basis will most likely cause unwanted weight gain. Consider sharing a large portion with a family member or companion. Sharing means caring.

Popeyes food items are piping hot off the grill, so careful before taking that first bite. The corn on the cob is served on a stick, which makes it easier to handle. The southern style of cooking will satisfy hunger on the spot and encourage future visits to Popeyes.

Reference:

http://popeyes.com/

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, Las Vegas Nutrition Examiner

Passionate about nutrition since he was a boy, John DeAvila Jr graduated from UNLV with a bachelors in Nutrition Science. He completed his MBA through UOP in January 2013 while employed as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. A member of the U.S. Air Force since 2000, John believes a healthy lifestyle...

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