Chicken pot pie is a traditional comfort food often served on cold, blustery days. While this food is a popular choice for children and adults alike, it is not necessarily the healthiest option. Consider the nutritional breakdown of this food carefully before choosing it for your next meal.
Carbohydrate Content
Most chicken pot pies contain at least a crust on the top, while some have crusts on the bottom, sides and top. Traditionally, this crust is made from white flour, which is rich in simple carbohydrates. While there is no question that we, as humans, require carbohydrate to perform our activities of daily living, eating them in an excessive amount can cause high blood sugar spikes, especially for individuals who have been previously diagnosed with diabetes. These high blood sugar spikes can not only be dangerous on their own, but can also lead to blood sugar crashes, which in severe cases can lead to unconsciousness, seizure, coma, or even death. Individuals who have been instructed to monitor their carbohydrate intake should consider removing all or part of the crust of a chicken pot pie prior to consuming it. Remember that it is always better to be safe than sorry!
Protein Content
The chicken and milk found in most chicken pot pie recipes means that this item is quite high in dietary protein. The body needs adequate amounts of protein for a variety of bodily functions, including aiding in the transport of vitamins and minerals throughout the body, as well as in maintaining muscle stores. One cup of prepared chicken pot pie typically provides around 15 grams of carbohydrate. This level may increase or decrease, depending on the type of milk used in the recipe. Always read the labels of the ingredients you use before including them in your recipes to get a better understanding of the foods you are consuming.
Fiber Content
Fiber, which is found in large quantities in vegetables, is also found in high quantities in chicken pot pie. Fiber has been found to be effective in the treatment and management of various conditions, such as obesity, cancer, and heart disease. Individuals who are interested in increasing their fiber intake may want to consider using whole wheat flour in the crust of their chicken pot pie instead of the traditional all-purpose variety. While it may take some time to get used to this change, the health benefits are worth it in the long run.
Fat Content
Containing seven calories per gram, eating high amounts of fat cannot only lead to weight gain, but can also significantly contribute to heart disease and stroke. Limiting the amount of fat you including in a chicken pot pie, therefore, is essential for good health. Consider using all-white chicken breasts in the recipe, along with milk that is either low in or free from fat. With the right herbs and spices, your family won’t even know that these changes have been made.