Keto Dieters: Is Kfc Food Your Friend Or Foe?

KFC may not seem like the most keto-friendly place, but there are some options for those on a ketogenic diet. The grilled chicken options are low in carbs, and there are a few other items that can be just as delicious as the non-keto picks. For example, the whole wing, drumstick, breast, and thigh have zero net carbs. The original recipe chicken is also keto-friendly, but it will have some net carbs. It's best to avoid the breast and thigh pieces, as they will have more breading and carbs.

KFC's grilled chicken is keto-friendly

The keto diet is a low-carb, moderate protein, and high-fat diet. The goal is to reach a metabolic state called ketosis, where your body uses fat as its primary energy source. KFC's grilled chicken is grilled, not fried, and has zero net carbs. The clean grilling technique means that each piece of chicken has less than 1 gram of carbs. For example, a whole wing has 0g carbs, 9g protein, and 3g fat, while a drumstick has 0g carbs, 11g protein, and 4g fat.

When ordering keto at KFC, it's best to avoid items with inevitable carbs, such as bread, grains, and fried foods. This includes KFC's classic fried chicken, biscuits, macaroni salad, and mashed potatoes. KFC's grilled chicken, however, is a keto-friendly option.

To make your meal even more keto-friendly, pair the grilled chicken with green beans or a side salad with buttermilk ranch dressing. Green beans have 2 grams of digestible carbs per serving, while the buttermilk ranch dressing has 2g carbs, 0g protein, and 10g fat.

So, if you're craving KFC and want to stick to your keto diet, go for the grilled chicken and some keto-friendly sides. It's a delicious and satisfying option that won't kick you out of ketosis.

Next time you're on the road or craving that finger-licking KFC chicken, you know what to do!

Fried chicken is not keto-friendly

The breading is the main source of carbs in fried chicken. It is typically made with flour, cornflour, ground rice, crispy cereal, or corn flakes, all of which are high in carbs. The moisture coating used to make the breading stick also adds carbs to the dish. Common choices include milk, ranch dressing, and bleu cheese dressing.

The oils used to fry the chicken and in the moisture coating are another issue. Highly processed seed oils, such as soy and canola oil, are inflammatory and can cause joint pain, bloating, and slow weight loss. These oils are often found in the fried chicken, as well as in the moisture coating.

Sides that typically accompany fried chicken, such as mashed potatoes and gravy, are also not keto-friendly. They add even more carbs to the meal, making it difficult to stay within the carb limits of a keto diet.

While KFC's fried chicken is not keto-friendly, they do offer some grilled chicken options that are low in carbs. The Whole Wing, Drumstick, Breast, and Thigh have zero net carbs, making them suitable for a keto diet. However, it is important to note that the Original Recipe Chicken and Extra Crispy Chicken options have some net carbs, so they should be consumed in moderation.

KFC's green beans are a good keto side

Green beans are a nutritious and versatile vegetable, packed with vitamins and fiber. They are well-seasoned and go well with a variety of dishes. At KFC, they are prepared with a hint of garlic, making them a tasty and healthy option.

When it comes to keto-friendly options at KFC, green beans stand out as the only homestyle side dish (excluding salads) that fits within the 5g net carb limit. This makes them a great alternative to other sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw, which are typically high in carbs.

KFC's green beans are also a good source of vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamin K, folic acid, and fiber, making them a nutritious choice.

In addition, green beans are a kid-friendly option that can be easily paired with a variety of main courses. They are a convenient and quick side dish that can be made with simple ingredients, making them a go-to choice for busy weeknights or on-the-go meals.

So, if you're looking for a keto-friendly side at KFC, green beans are a tasty and nutritious option to consider. They offer a low-carb alternative to other sides and can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike.

KFC's coleslaw is not keto-friendly

Keto diets are known for being low-carb, and while coleslaw may seem like a healthy option, the version served at KFC is not suitable. This is because, in addition to the high sugar content, it also contains other ingredients that add to the overall carb count.

One of the main issues is the use of regular cabbage. While cabbage itself is low in carbs, the amount used in coleslaw can quickly add up. In addition, KFC's coleslaw recipe includes carrots, which are higher in carbs than cabbage.

Another issue is the dressing used in KFC's coleslaw. The creamy dressing is likely to contain a significant amount of sugar and other sweeteners, as well as dairy, which can add to the carb count. The combination of these ingredients results in a side dish that is not suitable for those following a keto diet.

For those who enjoy the taste of KFC's coleslaw, there are keto-friendly alternatives available. Some people choose to make their own version at home, using low-carb ingredients and substitutes. For example, green onions or chives can be used in place of white onions, and erythritol or other low-carb sweeteners can be used instead of sugar.

By making coleslaw at home with keto-friendly ingredients, it is possible to enjoy a similar taste to KFC's version while still adhering to the restrictions of a keto diet.

KFC's original recipe chicken can be eaten in moderation

The Original Recipe Chicken has 3 grams of carbs per piece, with the whole wing containing 3 grams of carbs, 10 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fat. The drumstick has 3 grams of carbs, 12 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fat. The breast piece has the highest carb content, with 9 grams of carbs, 38 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fat. Finally, the thigh piece has 7 grams of net carbs, 17 grams of protein, and 9 grams of fat.

When ordering KFC on a keto diet, it is best to avoid items that are breaded, fried, or grain-based, as these will be higher in carbs. The grilled chicken options at KFC are a better choice, as they have zero net carbs. You can also opt for green beans as a side dish, as they are the only homestyle side that falls within the 5-gram net carb limit.

Additionally, you can increase your fat intake by adding butter to your chicken or green beans. The Colonel's Buttery Spread has zero carbs and 4 grams of fat, making it a good option for keto dieters. Other keto-friendly dipping sauces include the Buttermilk Ranch Dipping Sauce (2 grams of carbs, 0 grams of protein, and 10 grams of fat) and the Creamy Buffalo Dipping Sauce (2 grams of carbs, 0 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fat).

In summary, while KFC's Original Recipe Chicken may not be the ideal choice for a keto diet due to the presence of carbs, it can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a well-planned keto meal. Just be mindful of your overall carb intake and try to balance it out with lower-carb options and healthy fats.

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