Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad: A Healthy Review

The Cobb Salad at Chick-Fil-A is a delicious and healthy alternative to your usual fast food meal. I have enjoyed it so much that my husband now eats it as well. The cobb salad is made with Romaine and greens, not iceberg lettuce. It's additional veggies are cherry tomatoes, corn, cabbage, and carrots, which are a nice variety. The extra yummy toppings are cheese, bacon, and fried bell peppers. Another healthy addition is hard boiled eggs. And it comes with crispy chicken unless you prefer grilled. With this alone, I love it even without salad dressing. But if you need dressing, I most recommend the Avocado Lime Ranch. This salad is filling, tangy, textured, and colorful!

Because I enjoy the taste of salads, I usually try them wherever I dine. Some other good, fast salads are at Which Wich, McAlister's Deli, Moe's, and Zaxby's. But the fact that my husband eats this one at Chick-fil-A means that it is likeable even for meat-and-potato fans. Lastly, I like it too much to even try their other salads.

Reference: www.Chick-fil-A.com

Alternatives to fast food

If you learned from yesterday's post that you should decrease your fast food intake, then you need some good alternatives! So here are some ideas:

1. Soup (preferably one with vegetables) and salad (not too much dressing)
2. Salad with grilled chicken (My favorite is from Moe's)
3. Sandwich or sub with lean meat and lettuce/tomato (don't forget the whole grain bread)
4. Chicken or veggie quesadilla
5. Sushi
6. Teriyaki chicken with brown rice and sauteed vegetables
7. Peanut butter sandwich on wheat bread, yogurt, and a banana
8. Leftovers from your healthy supper last night
9. Gyro or chicken pita, served with a side of hummus
10. Grilled chicken sandwich and a side of mixed fruit
11. Regular chili or white chili with a cornbread muffin
12. Veggie burger
13. Chicken or turkey wrap with vegetables and light dressing

Do not use the excuse that your only options are fast food. Even fast food joints have healthy options nowadays. And there are other fast options (like a deli/sandwich shop). Please comment if you want to add to the list!

My take on FAST FOOD

There are two kinds of people in relation to fast food: those who can partake in small amounts and those who should quit cold turkey and never turn back. Which one are you? Do some soul searching and then read the one that applies to you.

1. If you are presently at a healthy weight, you can probably partake of fast food in small amounts (no more than 1x/week). Your cholesterol and blood pressure are at good levels. You can be content with a small burger and small fries. You can go to McDonald's and order 1 item without getting back in line. You eat healthy most of the time. You exercise regularly. You do not eat fast food multiple days out of the week.

2. You are addicted to fast food and junk food. You eat fast food more than 1x/day. You eat fast food more than 3x/week. Every time you go, you eat large or extra-large burgers and fries (and shakes). You cannot go to a fast food restaurant and order anything healthy. You are trying to lose weight. You are not trying but you need to lose weight. You can honestly say that you lack self-control in regards to fast food. You have uncontrolled cholesterol, blood pressure and/or heart disease. You have suffered a stroke or heart attack in the past and have not changed any bad habits as a result.


The reason for this breakdown is that I have learned the things I cannot eat in moderation. That is why I do not keep ice cream or Coconut Delights (girl scout cookies) in my house. We all have different weaknesses in regards to eating, so first figure out what yours are. Once you know your weakness, then you can take steps to avoid it.