The internet is a breeding ground for strange, and sometimes dangerous, challenges. Remember the milk crate challenge of 2021, which led to people injuring themselves after falling off unstable stacks of milk crates? Or what about the 100 layers challenge, where content creators were wasting hours and untold amounts of product to put on a hundred layers of lipstick, mascara, and nail polish — just to prove they could. Well, the latest challenge to gain attention is a solo venture by a man in Philadelphia named Alexander Tominsky, who challenged himself to eat a rotisserie chicken a day for 30 days straight. Later, he ended up extending the attempt to 40 days. His 40 chickens in 40 days journey has been documented on social media since Oct. 8, his 11th day of the challenge, when he invited people to follow along his journey.
I would like to Invite you all on a journey that I am on. I am eating a rotisserie chicken every day for 30 days. Today is day 11. I will keep you all updated as I get closer to my goal. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/HlFYrzGQIN
— smooth recess (@AlexiconTom) October 8, 2022
On November 6, Tominsky ate his 40th and final rotisserie chicken, and was celebrated among fans in Philadelphia. When The New York Times asked Tominsky why he took up such a challenge he apparently noted that he felt called to do something to make people smile, during a time when much of the world is in pain. "Sounds weird . . . but I just felt like I was doing this for a very important reason," he said.
As you might expect, a daily diet of rotisserie chicken comes with some health side effects. When Tominksy first began, he was able to finish a whole chicken in 20 minutes. But as the challenge progressed, "he began feeling cramped up, bloated from all the sodium, and said that he came to believe that he could 'feel the pulse of my heart in my stomach,'" the Times reported. His latest finish time? Two hours. Tominsky reportedly lost about 16 pounds across the 40-day challenge, as the rotisserie chicken was often his only meal of the day. (The Times and Tominsky did not say what size the chickens are. But the average rotisserie chicken is 2 pounds, or 32 ounces, per Betty Crocker.)
"This is just a little bit of an inconvenience and a sacrifice for the joy that it seems to be bringing people," he told the Times. A rather selfless thought, if you ask me, especially considering that the side effects of Tominsky's diet could have been much worse.
While a challenge like this "might not be dangerous in the short term, it is most definitely not healthy," Marissa Meshulam, MS, RD, tells POPSGUAR.
For starters, "our bodies are meant to eat all the macronutrients — proteins, fats, and carbs — on a daily basis. If we were to eat only rotisserie chicken, we would be surviving off of fat and protein, but no real carb," Meshulam says. "Our gut health relies on carbohydrates (specifically fiber) to survive. Lack of fiber in our diet can lead to gut health and digestive issues down the line." Diets high in animal protein also contain a decent amount of saturated fat which overtime can raise our cholesterol, she notes.
"It can take time, but eventually our bodies would become deficient in the vitamins and minerals not present in chicken."
The lack of carbs and the sat fat content aren't the only problems. "Variation in our diets is vital to ensuring we're getting all the essential vitamins and minerals our bodies need to survive and thrive," Meshulam adds. "It can take time, but eventually our bodies would become deficient in the vitamins and minerals not present in chicken." If you eat only chicken for long enough, you would become so depleted in vitamin C, for instance, that you could run the risk of developing scurvy, Meshulam says.
If you're a die-hard rotisserie chicken lover and want to eat it every day, Meshulam says it's possible to do so in a more balanced way. Sorry to Tominsky, but she suggests not eating the entire rotisserie chicken solo. "Ideally, we are eating the chicken with some non-starchy veggies (think: broccoli, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, etc.) and a little bit of slow, fiber-filled carbohydrates (like roasted potatoes or quinoa)," she explains. You want to fill half of your plate with veggies and balance the other half with half chicken and half of another carb. "This will create a balanced plate that will provide us with energy and make sure that we are getting a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are key to survival," she says.
As for Tominksy, he'll be putting more variety back into his own diet. "My body is ready to repair," he told The New York Times, noting that he's eager for some sushi. Bon appétit!
FAQs
You May Lack Some Essential Fats
What happens if you eat rotisserie chicken every day? ›
The American Heart Association recommends eating no more than 13g of saturated fat per day—meaning a small serving of rotisserie chicken contains about 23% of your recommended daily intake. Eating saturated fat is shown to increase LDL cholesterol, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease.
What is unhealthy about rotisserie chicken? ›
The sodium content of a rotisserie chicken can vary significantly depending on the preparation. Some chickens may be brined or soaked in a saline (salt) solution before cooking to make them juicier. Others may use a rub or seasoning that contains a lot of salt on both the skin and the innards of the bird.
What happens to your body if you eat chicken every day? ›
Chicken products contain cholesterol, carcinogens, and contaminants. Cholesterol, carcinogens, pathogens, and even feces found in chicken products increase the risk of heart disease, breast and prostate cancers, urinary tract infections, and foodborne illnesses.
Can you lose weight by eating rotisserie chicken? ›
“You're not going to get fiber, but the protein is going to be filling and that's a good thing. Because the whole chicken is around 1,000 calories, that's still considered a low-calorie diet. It's doable [to lose weight], but it doesn't have my seal of approval as a healthy diet,” she added.
How many days can you eat off a rotisserie chicken? ›
USDA recommends using cooked chicken within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth.
Why avoid Costco rotisserie chicken? ›
Costco's rotisserie chicken is arguably the most controversial piece of poultry in America. In the span of just one year, customers have claimed that the rotisserie chicken tastes like chemicals and causes gastrointestinal issues.
Can you live off of rotisserie chicken? ›
"It can take time, but eventually our bodies would become deficient in the vitamins and minerals not present in chicken." If you eat only chicken for long enough, you would become so depleted in vitamin C, for instance, that you could run the risk of developing scurvy, Meshulam says.
How long is rotisserie chicken healthy? ›
The USDA guidelines clearly state that rotisserie chicken is good for 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator. Additionally, rotisserie chicken can be stored in the freezer where it will be good for a longer period of time. If frozen it will keep best, maintaining its optimal flavor and texture, for 4 months.
Which is healthier rotisserie or fried chicken? ›
Roasted chicken is a healthy choice, especially compared to fried chicken. The rotisserie method drains the fat, while fried chicken absorbs it. To make rotisserie chicken even healthier, remove the skin and stick to white meat.
Salt is a mineral we all need, but in excess it can cause problems for people with high blood pressure who have to watch their sodium. It's a prominent ingredient in nearly every store-bought rotisserie chicken. “Salt provides flavors and it's also a critical component to the flavor of food products,” said Dr.
Why do I feel sick after eating rotisserie chicken? ›
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), bacteria in food can multiply rapidly when it's left in the "danger zone," an environment between 40- and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Rotisserie chickens purchased from grocery stores are often relegated to the "danger zone" for long periods of time.
What meat can I eat every day? ›
5 of the Healthiest Meats
- Sirloin Steak. Sirloin steak is both lean and flavorful – just 3 ounces packs about 25 grams of filling protein! ...
- Rotisserie Chicken & Turkey. The rotisserie cooking method helps maximize flavor without relying on unhealthy additives. ...
- Chicken Thigh. ...
- Pork Chop. ...
- Canned Fish.
Is it OK to eat eggs every day? Because of their numerous benefits, it's OK to eat one whole egg, including the egg yolk, every day if you don't have cardiovascular disease and you do have a healthy level of blood cholesterol. Or you can mix two egg whites with every egg yolk to give yourself more protein.
Can I eat chicken and rice every day? ›
Can you eat chicken and rice every day? Yes, you can, but do you really want to? Fernando also warns these two elements alone don't make a balanced meal because you're missing out on the recommended half-plate serving of veggies.
What's healthier, grilled or rotisserie chicken? ›
Low heat in an open flame is sufficient. It is a slow cooking method and is ideal for bigger pieces cooking over a long time. Rotisserie chicken is much lower in calories due to being oven-roasted.
Are Costco's rotisserie chickens healthy? ›
But while roasted rotisserie chickens are convenient, tasty, and easy on your wallet, they're often not so good for your health. As CR previously reported, a salt solution is often injected into the cooked chickens to enhance flavor and tenderness. Costco's rotisserie chicken has 460 mg of sodium per 3-ounce serving.
Is rotisserie chicken heart healthy? ›
Rotisserie chicken
Though this is a quick, delicious dinner option it can put you at risk for heart damage. Rotisserie chicken is loaded with sodium and saturated fats. Regular consumption of saturated fats is one of the most common causes of heart failure and cardiac disease.
Is too much rotisserie chicken bad? ›
Rotisserie chicken tends to be very high in sodium, and if you eat a lot of it, you'll probably blow up your recommended daily allowance of sodium fairly quickly: Rotisserie chicken. Because it's chicken, it's a fairly healthy meat, low in saturated fats, and being meat, it's an excellent source of protein.
Is rotisserie chicken healthy for weight loss? ›
Since rotisserie chicken is highly nutritious and a good source of protein, it can offer several health benefits. Here are some possible health benefits of rotisserie chicken. Promotes weight loss. Since protein takes longer to digest, it can increase fullness levels, making it easier to reach a caloric deficit.
54 Delicious Ways To Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
- Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps. tasty.co. ...
- Chicken Fajita Tacos. tasty.co. ...
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Potatoes. tasty.co. ...
- Chicken & Biscuits Bake. ...
- Easy Barbecue Baguette Chicken Pizza. ...
- BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake. ...
- Chicken Fried Rice. ...
- Quick and Easy Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo.
Chicken is one of the most budget-friendly and diabetes-friendly meats available. It's also easy to prepare and tasty, too! Having cooked chicken on hand makes preparing protein-packed meals a cinch. Precooked rotisserie chickens are widely available, but the sodium content is usually very high.
Why is Costco rotisserie chicken pink inside? ›
Chemical changes occur during cooking. Oven gases in a heated gas or electric oven react chemically with hemoglobin in the meat tissues to give it a pink tinge. Often meat of younger birds shows the most pink because their thinner skins permit oven gases to reach the flesh.
Why are grocery store rotisserie chickens so good? ›
Uneven cooking is not an issue for rotisserie chickens; the heating elements in large-scale rotisseries are arranged in a way so all the rotating chickens receive an equal amount of heat. Because of this, all the meat is cooked to perfection. What's more, the entirety of the chicken's surface area is also browned.
Is rotisserie chicken healthier than fried? ›
Fried chicken might taste delicious, but frying chicken increases the fat content. Roasted chicken is a better option because it has lower saturated fats and cholesterol. It's also packed with protein, vitamin B12 and iron.
Why do I crave rotisserie chicken? ›
According to WebMD, chicken is a source of protein and different B vitamins, including B3 and B6. Lacking these nutrients might cause you to crave more of them. Interestingly, your chicken craving might be due to your gender. Men and women respond to cravings differently.
How many meals is one rotisserie chicken? ›
1 Chicken = 5 Meals (All gluten free, by the way!)
This would go well served over rice or mashed white or sweet potatoes! I'd love to hear about your ideas of how to stretch a whole chicken and some of your favorite chicken dishes!
Is rotisserie chicken skin fattening? ›
So although chicken skin has a reputation for being high in fat, most of the fat found here is the good kind – with a very small percentage of it being saturated fat. Unsaturated fat can help lower bad cholesterol in your blood and boost good cholesterol, therefore lowering your risk of stroke and heart disease.
