KFC, formerly called Kentucky Fried Chicken, provides extensive nutritional information on its website. Individuals on restricted diets should review this information before ordering because menu items in each category vary widely in calories, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, sodium and protein per serving. Anyone unsure of his nutritional needs should follow the guidance of his health-care provider or review the advice available at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Dietetic Association websites.
Entrees
The healthier items on the menu have no more than 400 calories and 15 g fat, says Dr. Gourmet. Chicken, the mainstay of KFC menus, comes in several forms that range from healthy to over-the-top unhealthy. A KFC Extra Crispy Chicken breast weighs in at 440 calories, 970 mg sodium and 27 g fat, according to Help Guide. For an adult on a 2,000-calorie diet, that one piece of chicken provides 22 percent of her calories for the day, 40 percent of her maximum sodium intake and 41 percent of her maximum fat intake, according to the guidelines of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Removing the skin, however, brings the chicken breast down to 140 calories, 2 g fat, and 520 mg sodium, says Help Guide. A grilled breast provides 190 calories, 6 g fat and 550 mg sodium, and the grilled dark meat selections are even lower in calories and fat, according to KFC. The healthiest sandwich, the BBQ chicken, provides only 300 calories, 6 g fat and 1.5g fat, according to Dr. Gourmet. Other wise selections include wraps and grilled chicken salads, if served without high-fat dressings or sauces.
Side Dishes
Side dishes such as french fries or potato wedges add empty calories and fat to the diet. Better choices include mashed potatoes without gravy at 90 calories, 3 g fat and 320 mg sodium; green beans at 20 calories, 0 g fat and 320 mg sodium; or corn on the cob at 70 calories, 0.5 g fat and no sodium per 3-inch piece, according to Dr. Gourmet. A serving of coleslaw, potato salad or macaroni salad adds 180 to 200 calories and 8 to 11 g fat to a meal. Baked beans, at 200 calories and 1.5 g fat, or a side salad with fat-free dressing, at under 50 calories and no fat, also adds fiber to the meal.
Bread
A single biscuit at KFC contains 180 calories and 8 g fat. A cornbread muffin provides 210 calories and 9 g fat. Buttery spread adds 30 calories and 3.5 g fat, according to KFC.
Desserts
Most KFC desserts are high in calories, sugar and fat. The highest in calories, the pecan pie slice, provides 410 calories, 22 g fat and 22 g sugar per serving, according to KFC. The lemon parfait cup has 390 calories, 14 g fat and 47 g sugar -- about 11 tsp. -- per serving, according to KFC. Healthier choices include an oatmeal-raisin cookie at 50 calories, 6 g fat and 15 g sugar or, better yet, a piece of fruit brought from home.
Beverages
Regular sodas provide empty calories -- no protein, fiber or other nutrients. A 32-oz. regular soda provides about 400 calories and the 64-oz. size provides twice as much, according to KFC. The 64-oz. soda provides more calories than a full meal for a person consuming 2,000 calories per day. Diet sodas are calorie-free but may be high in sodium. Water and unsweetened iced tea make healthier choices.
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