The Popeyes Chicken devil is a lie: Why I won’t be eating their sandwich

Article By Nadiyah Harris // EEW Magazine // Health & Fitness

Thanks to Popeyes’ release of its crispy chicken sandwich and the social media frenzy that followed, countless people around the nation are happily blowing their diets, hiking up their cholesterol and spiking their blood pressure.

“Nope, that won’t be me,” said Tamika Redding of Washington, DC— an EEW Magazine Online reader. “The Popeyes devil is a liar!”

Local Popeyes chains nationally are reporting major demand for its most popular menu item of the moment. “I saw a really long line at the Popeyes in my neighborhood, which is never that crowded!” said Redding.

While some have been influenced by the viral craze to try out the sandwich (which totals a whopping 690 calories according to Prevention), no one yet knows how much fat, sodium, carbohydrates, sugar and other ingredients are included. Even without that information being disclosed, already, EEW Magazine Online editors have been inundated with messages saying the public needs to be careful about jumping on the bandwagon of this latest fast food trend.

Love your stomach and body enough to be cautious about what you put in it on a regular basis (Credit: Getty)

Redding, 28, told EEW, “I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with indulging in unhealthy foods sometimes. We all deserve to have a little fun from time-to-time. But a lot of people struggle with their weight and self-discipline like I once did. I want to tell them these corporations target minority populations and don’t care about our health. They’re just selling sandwiches and making millions of dollars in the process, while we are eating ourselves sick.”

A passionate health advocate, Redding, who earned her degree in public health, referenced a new Reuters Health report showing a rise in obesity-related diseases in the U.S. like liver disease. The study, based on research data from 1988 to 2016, reveals a troubling trend: Obesity rose 22.2% to 38.9%.

“I bet those statistics aren’t a part of Popeyes’ marketing campaign, are they?” Redding added.

If you struggle with your weight and your resistance is low when it comes to tempting greasy treats, we suggest you apply these 4 tips to help you avoid chowing down on entrees that undermine your health.

1. Pack fruit on the go. When you’re on the move and craving a snack, if you don’t have something healthy on hand, you’re going to do the wrong thing. Whenever you’re on the go, take a few minutes to pack an apple, orange, banana, grapes (even nuts!)—whatever your favorite fruit or healthy snack is.

2. Break out the pots and pans. Eating out regularly, even if you’re not a fan Popeyes chicken, is a no-no. There are all kinds of hidden fats, oils and unnecessary calories (not to mention extremely high levels of sodium and sugar!), in restaurant meals and desserts. You can reduce your caloric intake by breaking out the pots and pans and cooking your own food at home. Then try meal prepping. That way, you’ll have pre-made dishes and you’ll know exactly what they contain.

3. Drink water. Since your body can’t tell the difference between hunger and thirst, if you’re dehydrated, your body will send out hunger signals. Therefore, drink lots of water—not fruit juices and soda. Staying hydrated is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. With more water in your belly, it’s easier not to overeat.

4. Stop tempting yourself. Do you find yourself watching videos of people eating, scrolling through Instagram pages featuring mouth-watering photos of decadent meals, and immersing yourself in temptation? If so, it’s no surprise when you raid the junk food. By the way, don’t feel bad about it; we’ve all been there. Even though you can’t avoid all temptation, you don’t have to run toward it either.

Case and point: Popeyes isn’t the first and won’t be the last to tempt you with you don’t need. Exercise discipline and discretion, and think about potential health consquences before regularly sinking your teeth into anything.