On some evenings, cooking might not be an appealing option, yet we still want to avoid resorting to takeout or delivery. So, we head to the grocery store with good intentions to purchase nutritious ingredients for a homemade dinner. There, we are confronted with the most delicious sight - a rotisserie chicken. Anyone who loves chicken cannot feel as if their entire nervous system just got a jolt. The smell, the deep golden-brown color, it's very seductive. But is it good for you? This is what we're going to find out.
Anyone who has ever bought a rotisserie chicken from a grocery store can attest to their mouth-watering appeal. These chickens are typically juicy and flavorful, providing enough servings for an entire family when accompanied by side dishes like salad, dinner rolls, or vegetables. Rotisserie chickens are not only convenient, but they are also often priced affordably, making them a seemingly excellent alternative to fast food. It's easy to convince ourselves that chicken is healthy, so it should be a suitable dinner option.
While the convenience and price are undeniable, the healthiness of store-bought rotisserie chicken may depend on where you purchase it. Consumer Reports investigated the health aspects of rotisserie chickens, focusing on those labeled "plain" or "original." The study revealed that "plain" doesn't always imply a lack of additives.
Many grocery store rotisserie chickens are injected with a solution to ensure juiciness, which often results in a high sodium content. Even if you enjoy salt on your chicken, these chickens can contain up to 9 times more sodium than if the solution wasn't added. This is significantly more salt than you would typically use when seasoning chicken, yourself. This amount of sodium is a bit of a shock to the system, and may cause a sudden and significant increase in blood pressure, which may cause problems. High sodium intake is connected to hypertension, heart disease and kidney disease, among other health issues.
The worst culprits are the Member’s Mark Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken from Sam’s Club, with 550 mg of sodium per 3 oz serving, and Costco's Kirkland chickens, containing 460 mg of sodium per serving.
The Simple Truth rotisserie chicken from Kroger has the lowest sodium content at 40 mg per serving, with ingredients limited to chicken, water, and sea salt.
In conclusion, before purchasing a rotisserie chicken, we advise checking the nutrition label for ingredients and sodium content, enabling you to make an informed decision. If the label isn't on the package, consult a deli employee, as the store should have the information readily available.
On the other hand, non-rotisserie chicken offers various health benefits. Regular chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and maintenance. It also contains essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, niacin, selenium, and phosphorus. Preparing chicken without added solutions or excessive sodium helps maintain its nutritional value, making it a healthier choice for your meals. So consider that next time you shop.
Alcohol Linked To More Cancer Types Than Previously Known
A new study found a clear correlation between alcohol consumption and more types of cancer than previously known.
What Makes Sandwich Bread so Different than Bakery Bread?
The imminent differences between sandwich bread and bakery bread has an effect on your health.
ARFID: An Undiagnosed Eating Disorder?
In the ever-evolving realm of psychological disorders, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) has emerged as a puzzling newcomer in recent years.
9 Vegetables That Are Healthier Cooked
Learn about the 9 vegetables you should prefer cooked rather than raw, and why.
What is Chlorophyll? All You Need to Know
Chlorophyll is the pigment that makes plants green but it has a few other properties too. Here is how you could benefit form chlorophyll.
Children are Capable of So Much More than We Realize...
After seeing this video, you'll never dismiss kids just because of their age.
11 Marriage Misconceptions We Should Forget About
these 11 myths demonstrate why a perfect marriage is unrealistic.
7 Ways to Encourage Executive Development in Children
This guide will provide you with the information you need to help your child develop these essential functions.
How to Talk to Your Children About War & Conflict
As parents, how should you explain to your children about war? Here’s a guide that draws on expert opinions and research to help.
How to Raise Happy Children: 10 Scientific Steps!
The most important thing for kids' success is their happiness, and these 10 top tips for getting your kids and grandkids happy are backed by science!
How to Tell Your Children You Have Cancer
What's the right way to tell your children you have cancer, and are there situations where you shouldn't?
7 Ways to Combat Passive Aggressive Behavior
Common passive-aggressive behaviors and the recommended responses to situations you may encounter.
9 Ways to Help Out Children With Anxiety
These nine strategies will enable you to support your children effectively, strengthening their mental well-being while helping them navigate their anxiety.
8 Food Combinations Perfect for a Growing Baby
Not only will these combinations put a smile on your little one's face, but they will also contribute significantly to their overall health.
12 Reasons Why Every Kid Should Grow up With a Dog
Dogs are incredibly beneficial to a child's development. Read this list of 12 benefits that children reap when growing up around a dog.
Hilarious: Before Being a Parent, and AFTER Being One...
Check out this hilarious photo-compilation of parents before and after children.
9 Ways to Help Kids Study Pleasurably, Easily & Memorably
Studying is one of the things people don't often enjoy. That is because they haven't been taught how to study. Here are 9 scientifically proven tips.
How Do We See Our Parents Throughout the Years?
From cradle to middle age, this is how we perceive our parents.
You'll Appreciate Mothers a Lot More After Reading This
This wonderful little tale will remind you of how tough the occupation of motherhood can really be.
Husband Guide: How to Make Your Wife Fall in Love Again
Guide: how to show love again in simple ways and how to make your wife fall in love with you again.
8 Methods to Help Children or Adults Swallow Their Pills
In this article, you'll learn 8 methods of taking pills that'll make it easier on kids or adults having difficulties.
This Mother's Letter to Her Daughter Touched Me Deeply
There is nothing quite like a mother's love for her daughter, as this heartbreaking letter reveals. Prepare to be moved.
Everyone Deserves Self-Care: 6 Easy Tips for Parents
A reminder for parents to take time for themselves. 6 small ways to practice self-care in a parent's busy everyday life.
Darling Child, Here are 8 ‘Sorrys’ I Meant to Tell You
Dear child, I love you, I always have and I always will, but there are many things I should apologize for. Here are 8 of my 'sorrys'.
7 Things Your Kids Will Never Forget About You...
The impression you made on your children and grandchildren is something that they will always love you for. They will never let go of those sweet memories.
Study: Why It's Crucial to Talk to Toddlers
This study sheds light on why it's so important to speak to toddlers and how best to go about it.
10 Easy and Fun Drawing Tutorials For Kids and Beginners
If you need a creative activity to keep the little ones engaged, look no further than these 10 fun and easy animal drawing tutorials!
This Letter Expresses a Parent's Love For Their Child...
This heartwarming letter is definitely one to share with our children and let them know just how much they mean to us.
Couples Passionate About Each Other Practice These Rituals
It's amazing to think what miraculous things can happen between a couple when new positive, behavior patterns are developed.
When Times Get Tough Stand By Your Partner's Side
Ensure that your relationship with your partner will stay as strong as ever by bearing in mind these six important tips.
The Naked Truth Behind Why Men Don't Listen to Women
Have a good look at the 10 biggest reasons why men don't always appear to listen to the women in their lives.
5 Vaccinations Every Grandparent Should Get
As a grandparent, you may wonder what vaccinations you need to take to make sure your grandkids are safe.
5 Tools to Help You Make a Strong, Stable Family
What tools can we use to make our family stronger and less dysfunctional? This article will help you by giving 5 tools to do just that.
Never Give a Child Under the Age of 4 These Foods!
These foods pose the biggest choking risk to children under the age of 4.
These "Harmless" Remarks Can Negatively Impact Children
Avoid saying these seemingly innocent phrases around kids; they confuse them.
All About the Annoying Phenomenon of Phubbing
If you know what this phenomenon is, read on for tips to tackle it. Here are four signs that you or your partner may be "phubbing."
This Devoted Dad Has Some Words to Share....
Michael Mitchell is a devoted American father who collects tips from various fathers about raising kids, and these are some of his most interesting!
Dads Being Dads: A Celebration of Some Adorable Fathers
These heartwarming dad moments will brighten your day.
Did You Know Grandkids Are Good for Your Health?
In this article, we will introduce the many good ways grandkids influence your life, mind, and body.
The Speech EVERY Generation Should Hear...
Jack Webb Dragnet giving one of his most compelling speeches to youngsters complaining about the state of the country.
Should Children Have Caffeine? Here's Our Complete Answer
This article asks: should kids have caffeine, and how much is too much?
Understand Your Grandkids Better by Asking These Questions
These questions will help you understand and connect with your grandkids better.
A Story of a Little Girl and Her Guardian Angels...
This short story will remind you that there is always someone to watch over you in this life...
These 5 Holding Positions Can Help a Baby in Many Ways
If you've ever wondered how to help your baby release gas, burp, or even just calm them when they're crying, read this article and learn 5 new holding positions!
WARNING: Don't Let Children Play With These Toys
Today there is a large selection of toys, and although they should be fun some may be real life-threatening, such as those on this list,
Remember This 6-Letter Phrase to Mend Passive Aggression
Emotional intelligence experts swear by this one simple 6-phrase to stop passive aggression in its tracks.