Are you a fan of chicken wings and craving for some Wings & Things? Before indulging in a 101 g serving of this platter, you might want to be mindful of its calorie count. At 1140 calories, this meal can take up a significant portion of your daily caloric intake. Let's take a closer look at what's in this platter and some tips for healthy eating while dining out.

Apart from the juicy and crispy chicken wings, the platter often comes with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing and some celery sticks to balance out the flavors. The dressing can add up to 300-400 calories, while the celery is a great source of fiber and vitamins. To make an informed decision, it's essential to know the nutritional information of each component in the platter.

In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies that can help you make healthier choices when dining out and minimize the risks of overeating and its health consequences.

What's in the Platter?

The platter typically contains chicken wings that are usually deep-fried and coated in a sauce of your choice. The serving size can vary, but it's usually around 101 grams, which is equivalent to four to five wings. The sides can vary, but the most common ones are ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. The dressing can add significant calories, with one tablespoon containing around 70-100 calories. The celery sticks, on the other hand, are low in calories and high in fiber and other essential nutrients.

How Many Calories are in it?

As mentioned earlier, one serving of Wings & Things platter can contain 1140 calories. If you have a daily caloric goal of 2000 calories, that's more than half your recommended intake from almost one meal. The exact calorie count can vary based on the sauce and sides you choose, so it's always best to check the nutritional information before ordering.

Nutritional Information

In addition to calories, the platter can contain varying amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, depending on the sauce and sides you choose. For instance, buffalo sauce can be high in sodium and calories, while other sauces like garlic parmesan can be lower in calories and fat. If you want to make a healthier choice, you can opt for grilled instead of deep-fried wings, avoid the dressing or choose a lighter dressing like balsamic vinaigrette, and pair your platter with a side salad or steamed vegetables instead of fries or potato chips.

Why You Should Avoid Overeating

Overeating can have several adverse effects on your health, ranging from short-term discomfort to long-term chronic conditions. Some of the immediate effects can include bloating, indigestion, and heartburn. Over time, overeating can lead to weight gain, obesity, and related health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it's essential to listen to your body's hunger and fullness signals, savor your food, and stop eating when you feel satisfied instead of stuffed. Drinking enough water, eating slowly, and avoiding distractions like TV or phone while eating can also help you eat mindfully and avoid overeating.

Tips for Healthy Eating While Dining Out

Eating out can be a fun and social experience, but it can also be challenging to make healthier choices when there are so many tempting options. Here are some tips for eating healthier while dining out:

• Plan ahead by checking the menu and nutritional information online if possible
• Choose grilled, baked, or roasted options instead of deep-fried or breaded ones
• Ask for dressings and sauces on the side, or choose lighter options like lemon juice or salsa
• Opt for steamed, roasted, or grilled vegetables as sides instead of fries or onion rings
• Drink water or unsweetened beverages instead of sugary drinks or alcohol, which can contain empty calories and cause dehydration

By making small changes and choosing healthier options, you can still enjoy eating out without compromising your health goals.

Alternatives to the Platter

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to the Wings & Things platter, here are some options to consider:

• Grilled chicken skewers with tzatziki sauce and Greek salad
• Roasted or grilled chicken breast with salsa and steamed vegetables
• Vegetable stir-fry with lean protein like chicken, tofu, or shrimp
• Salad with grilled chicken or shrimp, mixed greens, and a variety of vegetables and fruits
• Black bean or vegetable burger with a side salad or steamed vegetables

All these options are lower in calories and fat than the Wings & Things platter, and they provide a great mix of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support your health.

How to Burn off the Calories

If you still decide to indulge in the Wings & Things platter, you might want to consider some physical activities that can help you burn off the calories. Here are some examples:

• Running or jogging for 90 minutes at a moderate pace
• Swimming laps for 80-90 minutes
• Cycling for 2 hours at a moderate pace
• Playing basketball or football for 2 hours
• Doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for 45-60 minutes

Remember that physical activity should be a fun and enjoyable part of your daily routine, rather than a chore or punishment for eating. Choose activities that you enjoy and that challenge you without causing injury or burnout.

Health Risks of Overconsumption

Overconsumption of unhealthy foods like the Wings & Things platter can have long-term health consequences that go beyond weight gain and obesity. Some of the health risks associated with poor dietary choices and overeating include:

• Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
• High blood pressure and increased risk of stroke and heart disease
• Increased inflammation and oxidative stress
• Impaired immune function and increased susceptibility to infections and diseases
• Increased risk of certain types of cancer, including colon, breast, and liver cancer

By making healthier choices and following a balanced and varied diet, you can reduce your risk of chronic diseases and improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Mindful Eating Practices

Mindful eating is a practice of being present and fully engaged in the experience of eating, savoring every bite, and paying attention to your body's signals of hunger and fullness. Here are some tips for practicing mindful eating:

• Eat without distractions like TV, phone, or computer
• Take small bites and chew slowly
• Savor the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food
• Pause between bites and check in with your body's hunger and fullness signals
• Express gratitude for your food and the people and resources that have enabled you to have it

By practicing mindful eating, you can increase your enjoyment of food, reduce the risk of overeating and related health problems, and develop a more positive and respectful relationship with your body and yourself.

Moderation is Key!

In conclusion, the Wings & Things platter can be a delicious treat, but it can also be high in calories, fat, and sodium, and can have adverse effects on your health if consumed in excess. By being mindful of your choices and following some of the tips and strategies we've discussed in this article, you can enjoy eating out while supporting your health goals. Remember that moderation is key, and that no food should be completely off-limits or demonized. The key is to find a balance that works for you, based on your taste preferences, dietary needs, and lifestyle. By making small but consistent changes and seeking support from friends, family, or professionals if needed, you can achieve your health goals and live a happier and healthier life.