Fast Food Unraveled: Part 2

Hello World!  After being dormant for so long, I have tried to think of an excuse to where I was for two months...working on my book, sick, entertaining guests, out of town, out of ideas - Okay, while some of these were true, I was really eating chicken!  Continuing my fast food tour, I explored chicken nuggets.  I veered away from the top three fast food chains and compared a few other good places. 




KFC - Original Recipe Bites (10 count)





- WW points: 8

- Price: $3.99 with side and drink for a limited time

It really feels like you are eating chicken right off of the bone.  They are boneless, but could have fooled me if I had a blindfold on...(ooo I should do that for my next food post).  These nuggets are moist, and the breading is just the right amount of crisp.











Chic Fil A - Nuggets (8 count)

- WW points: 7

- Price: $4.79 with fries and drink, may vary by location

These nuggets are thinly breaded and full of flavor. The light, salty taste makes you want more.  I try to ration the chicken, but always run out with a ton of waffle fries left (yum...).  The sweetness of the Polynesian sauce compliments this.

Sonic - Jumbo Popcorn Chicken (large size, too hungry to count)

- WW points: 15
- Price: $6.50 with tots/fries and drink

These nuggets are not jumbo.  They range from small to large.  The taste is good, but nothing special.  BBQ or other sauce is needed.









Winner: Chic Fil A!  KFC is a close second.  Sonic is out in left field with points, price and taste.  What is your favorite chicky-chick?

*WW points based on PointsPlus Values.  Click here for the calculator.

The Fifty States: Connecticut

Skipping ahead a bit, this is the twelfth (12th visited in my lifetime) in a series of states, where I highlight my time spent in a state.  These are my own recommendations of restaurants and things to do, and I hope to share my perspective. I hope to visit all 50 states in my lifetime to see the sights and learn about each area.

Connecticut

Here I will link to a guest blog.  This is my experience in a nut shell of Greenwich, Stamford and New Haven.  http://www.rubberducksystems.com/jamesstopford/2012/02/26/greenwich-and-new-haven/

A few more notes to add:

In visiting different parts of Conneticut, I found it very upscale and elegant.  It seemed like many people were dressed up, and that this is the daily norm.  The Stamford Town Center is notable for the odd layout of floors and parking.  I enjoyed the Beineke Rare Book Library and walking around the Yale campus.  In every town visited, crowds are apparent. Areas are built up with high end stores and hoity-toity coffee shops. 

The Fifty States: Delaware

This is sixth in a series of states, where I highlight my time spent in a state.  These are my own recommendations of restaurants and things to do, and I hope to share my perspective. I hope to visit all 50 states in my lifetime to see the sights and learn about each area.

*As I review this area and those surrounding, my heart goes out to all affected by the recent hurricane Sandy.  Many landmarks and sights are now only memories to us across the east coast.  Below are my thoughts on what they once were and wish none were altered too drastically.

Delaware

Delaware was the first to become a state in 1787 by ratifying the United States Constitution.  It is the second smallest state; the smallest is Rhode Island.  If you drive too far, you'll get to Pennsylvania, Maryland, or the Atlantic Ocean!

Rehoboth Beach - In 2012, Rehoboth Beach was named one of the top 10 best beaches for families by Family Vacation Critic.  If coming from the north, head to Cape May, New Jersey and take the ferry over to Delaware to get to Rehoboth Beach.  You can drive your car right onto the ferry.  There is a nice clean boardwalk and many bed and breakfasts in the area.  Check out the Haunted Mansion ride in Funland.  It is not too scary, but sure is fun.

Christiana Mall - This is a large one story mall with a few high end stores and a Target.  No sales tax in Delaware, so buy it there!

Hagley Museum - Be prepared to walk all over these grounds.  There is a shuttle available, but the trail is nice to stop along the way for different views of the Brandywine River. Learn about DuPont's company history in a couple stories of the museum.  There are also changing exhibits here.  On the grounds, there is a black powder mill, a school, the DuPont family home (need to take the bus to get here), gardens and an organic cafe.  There are demonstrations and tours along the route.  This could take at least 3 hours to go through.

Soft Drinks

Why are soft drinks 'soft'?  I had to think about this one a bit, but had to revert to googling the answer.  It is because they are not 'hard' (Duh, right?), or a distilled alcoholic beverage.  It can be a carbonated or non-carbonated drink, but is most likely referred to as the carbonated type: a soda (also called pop, coke, fizzy or other variations).

Soft drinks are probably the unhealthiest drink because of its high sugar content and/or high fructose corn syrup in most.  It is alleviated through diet alternatives, but some, like me, would not prefer the taste.  Beware of the diet sodas; they create brain trickery!  It tastes sweet and your brain expects the calories to give your body energy, but it disappoints. This leads to more food intake to compensate for the empty feeling and is associated to causing obesity.1

Soda may not quench your thirst thoroughly, but it does leave you feeling good.  When I have my favorite pop in my belly and more in my glass or bottle, it promotes good vibes to my brain.  I don't think of the consequences, especially since I do not consume it that often.

The Consequences of a Coke:
Burp! (repeat)
Bad breath (see Burp!)
High sugar (Wheeeee!!!!  Wheee! Weaa..::crash::..wah)
Caffeine (WOOHOO  it's 3AM!)
High calories (50 minutes of jogging burns one bottle ~250 cal)
Yellow/bad teeth (I better use a bendy straw)
Thirsty (still thirsty! need more and more fizzies!)

The Benefits of a Coke:
High sugar (The Wheeeeee!!! part)
Caffeine (The WOOHOO part)
Delicious (AHH!)
Cold and refreshing ("milk was a bad choice")
A Party drink (popular for young and old crowds)
Can combine with liquor to become a hard drink (yes please)
Pairs well with a variety of food (a hamburger or pizza in particular)
Inexpensive (99 cents for a 2 liter Coke)
Convenient - (in vending machines and most food vendors)

Citations:

1. Diet sodas may confuse brain's 'calorie counter' By Janet Raloff

July 14th, 2012; Vol.182 #1 (p. 14) : Wednesday, June 13, 2012