Are you watching your caloric intake? The Everyday Value Slam, consisting of 1 plate (12 oz), packs a whopping 640 calories. Yikes! But fear not, there are ways to enjoy this classic breakfast dish without compromising your health goals.

In addition to the high calorie count, the Everyday Value Slam contains 45g of carbohydrates, 40g of fat, and 20g of protein. It's important to be mindful of your intake of these nutrients and aim for a balanced meal to fuel your day.

In this article, we'll explore some strategies to make the Everyday Value Slam work for you, rather than against you.

Caloric Content Check

As mentioned, the Everyday Value Slam is a calorie dense dish. Beyond the 640 calories, it also contains 660mg of sodium and 8g of sugar. This is close to a third of the recommended daily intake for adult women and over a quarter for men. It's important to be mindful of the caloric content of the food you consume as it can easily add up throughout the day. To put it into perspective, consuming the Everyday Value Slam for breakfast and a Big Mac meal for lunch would mean you consume a significant amount of your daily calorie and sodium intake in just two meals. Keep this in mind and choose wisely!

1 Plate, How Much is Too Much?

The Everyday Value Slam is designed to be a single serving meal. However, some restaurants may offer larger sized plates that can contain more calories and nutrients than necessary. It's important to pay attention to the serving size when ordering at restaurants or preparing meals at home. If you find yourself feeling too full or sluggish after a meal, you may have consumed too much. A healthy, balanced meal should leave you feeling satiated and energized. To avoid over-consuming, consider splitting the meal with a friend or taking home leftovers for another meal.

Balancing Nutrients for a Healthier Meal

To optimize the nutritional value of the Everyday Value Slam, aim to balance the macronutrients found in the dish. This can be achieved by incorporating a serving of fruits or vegetables alongside the meal. For example, ordering a side of fresh fruit or a small salad can provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your meal. Additionally, requesting a whole wheat English muffin instead of white can increase the fiber content of the meal. By balancing the nutrients in the Everyday Value Slam, you can enhance the overall nutritional value of the meal.

Eggscellent Protein Source

Eggs, a staple ingredient in the Everyday Value Slam, are an excellent source of protein. In fact, a single large egg contains 6g of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body and can also aid in weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness. In addition to protein, eggs also contain important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium. Incorporating eggs into your breakfast can provide a nutrient-dense start to your day.

Sides That Add on Extra Calories

While the Everyday Value Slam alone can be a high calorie meal, adding on side options can significantly increase the caloric content of the meal. For example, ordering hashbrowns as a side adds an additional 230 calories and 14g of fat to the meal. Pancakes, syrup, and butter can add up to over 400 calories to the meal. Consider opting for lower calorie sides such as fresh fruit, a small salad, or a side of turkey sausage to balance out the meal.

Impact of Breakfast on Overall Diet

Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day. Eating a balanced breakfast can provide energy for the day ahead and has been linked to improved cognitive function and weight management. Skipping breakfast or opting for high calorie, low nutrient breakfast options can set a negative tone for the rest of the day. By choosing a balanced, nutritious breakfast option such as the Everyday Value Slam with a side of fresh fruit, you can set a positive tone for your overall dietary habits.

DIY Healthier Versions of the Everyday Value Slam

One way to ensure that the Everyday Value Slam fits into your dietary needs and preferences is to make a homemade version of the dish. This allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes used in the meal. To create a healthier version of the meal, consider using whole wheat English muffins, egg whites instead of whole eggs, and adding in fresh vegetables such as spinach or tomato. Additionally, you can opt for lower calorie sides such as fresh fruit or a small serving of turkey sausage. By making the Everyday Value Slam at home, you can customize the meal to your liking and ensure that it aligns with your nutritional goals.

Beyond the Calorie Count: Other Health Concerns

While it's important to pay attention to the caloric content of the Everyday Value Slam, there are other health factors to consider as well. For example, the meal contains 660mg of sodium which is over a quarter of the recommended daily intake for adults. High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and an increased risk for heart disease. Additionally, the meal contains a significant amount of fat which can also contribute to heart disease and weight gain. By being mindful of these health concerns and making conscious choices when ordering or preparing the meal, you can limit your risk for these health issues.

Portion Control Tips

Portion control is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy weight and managing caloric intake. When it comes to the Everyday Value Slam, there are several ways to practice portion control. Consider splitting the meal with a friend or taking home leftovers. Additionally, be mindful of the serving size offered at restaurants and aim to stick to a single serving. By being conscious of your portion sizes, you can enjoy the Everyday Value Slam without over-consuming and compromising your health goals.

Making Breakfast a Sustainable Meal

In addition to being nutritionally balanced, breakfast can also be a sustainable meal choice. By opting for whole foods and minimizing waste, you can reduce your environmental impact and support local farmers. Consider shopping at local farmers markets for fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, aim to minimize waste by utilizing leftovers for future meals. By making conscious choices when planning and preparing your breakfast, you can make a positive impact on both your health and the environment.