SLIM PICKINGS

SLIM PICKINGS: We try Sonic's Hearty Chili Bowl

Sonic’s Hearty Chili Bowl (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JENNIFER CHRISTMAN)
Sonic’s Hearty Chili Bowl (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JENNIFER CHRISTMAN)

WHAT: Sonic's Hearty Chili Bowl

STATS: One Hearty Chili Bowl contains 140 calories and 4 fat, 17 carbohydrate, 5 fiber, 5 sugar and 10 protein grams. More information at sonicdrivein.com and the Sonic app (where drinks are currently sold at Happy Hour prices).

THE SKINNY: Sonic has some seasonal specials for those seeking fast, frugal and not-too-fattening food.

A limited-time nicely spiced Hearty Chili Bowl ($2.49) features ground beef and kidney beans and apparently, onion, tomato and green peppers — although ours didn't have the same big chunks as the advertising photos — for a mere 140 calories. That is, if you order the regular version. The "Loaded" version ($2.99) with Fritos, diced onions and shredded cheddar cheese, contains exactly twice as many calories — 280.

For those seeking a nonbready breakfast option, check out the limited-time Breakfast Bowls ($2.69). While they do contain calories, (320-350), the Crispy Bacon Breakfast Bowl and Savory Sausage Breakfast Bowl -- ordered without Tots — feature eggs, meat, grilled onions, diced tomato and a mere 4 carbohydrates.

A trip to America's Drive-In needn't drive the scale number up.

Email:

jchristman@arkansasonline.com

Slim Pickings is a weekly review of light foods.

Style on 01/21/2019

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