Let’s be honest: the convenience and deliciousness of fast food is something everyone enjoys from time to time. It’s quick and easy, often satisfying your needs when hunger strikes. Today, Americans have a greater demand for eating out, as they enjoy this fast-paced lifestyle.
However, this convenience can sometimes be a trap. It can silently lead to excessive salt, sugar, and fat intake. Health experts may be concerned when they see these numbers, as the nutritional content of a single meal can quickly exceed the daily recommended intake. The low cost and round-the-clock availability of fast food make this all too easy. This is also a key reason behind the rising prevalence of health issues in recent years, such as weight gain, heart problems, and increased rates of type 2 diabetes.
We reviewed relevant information and consulted expert opinions. These data highlight some unhealthy items on fast food menus. Let’s take a look together, and try to avoid these when you’re planning to eat fast food next time.
When it comes to fast food fries, Five Guys’ fries are relatively unhealthy. A study gave them a high unhealthy score of 28 points. This score is 50% higher than other chain brands.
A regular-sized portion of their fries contains as many as 530 to 1,310 calories, with the exact calorie count depending on the package size. Additionally, each serving contains 131 grams of carbohydrates and a significant amount of fat (41 grams), along with a sodium content as high as 962 milligrams. Clearly, Five Guys has not prioritized reducing these intake levels. These fries are undoubtedly the least healthy among fast-food fries.
When it comes to the unhealthiest fries, Steak ‘n Shake ranks second. Their fries may look thinner, but don’t be fooled by their seemingly harmless appearance. These fries are notorious for absorbing oil like a sponge, and those excess fats may disappear before you even notice. They were given a health index score of 19, and similarly, they scored high in terms of calories and sodium. These fries may not seem harmful when you eat them. But from a nutritional perspective, their impact is significant.
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Smashburger’s fries tie for third place with some other brands, and even seemingly healthier brands may pose nutritional concerns. Their fries are thin, crispy, and delicious, but they score a high 18 points on the health scale. One serving of these fries contains 370 calories, including 20 grams of fat and as much as 870 milligrams of sodium. This sodium content accounts for 38% of an adult’s daily sodium intake, and this is just for one side dish. This makes them one of the highest sodium-content fries available on the market. Eating one serving can impose an additional nutritional burden on your body.
When it comes to sodium content, KFC’s secret recipe fries hide a very salty secret. They tie for fifth place on the list of the unhealthiest fries. However, their sodium content is particularly high, with salt alone accounting for 12 points.
The calorie count for a medium portion isn’t too high, at just 320 calories. But the sodium content is surprisingly high. A single serving of fries contains 1,100 milligrams of sodium, which is half of the recommended daily sodium intake. And that’s just for a side dish! When eaten with fried chicken, it poses a serious risk of excessive sodium intake.
But setting aside the fries, the Five Guys cheeseburger always stands out. According to a study, it is one of the unhealthiest burgers. It received a score of 50 for being unhealthy, indicating that its nutritional levels are extremely high compared to other burgers.
The most concerning statistic is its saturated fat content, which is 73% higher than other fast-food cheese burgers tested. As is well known, saturated fat is a primary cause of health issues such as heart disease risk and a contributing factor to long-term weight gain. This burger poses a significant challenge to your daily recommended nutrient intake. Occasional consumption is not a major concern, but it is advisable to avoid frequent consumption.
Smashburger claims to sell better burgers, but this may obscure some facts. It may hide the actual calorie and fat content listed on the menu. Their Large BBQ Bacon Cheddar burger is a perfect example, with a single burger containing a staggering 1,050 calories. Of that, saturated fat alone accounts for a whopping 28 grams. The menu even notes that pairing it with an Oreo milkshake adds a whopping 930 calories. Combined with Smashburger’s unique craft beer pairings and fast-casual dining atmosphere, while it may make indulging in large portions seem sophisticated, it remains a high-calorie diet.
Now we come to the much-loved Popeyes chicken sandwich, which is very popular for its taste. However, from a health perspective, it is also rated as an unhealthy chicken sandwich on the list. It scored a high 39 points, which is not ideal. The article points out that even McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets sandwich is much healthier, scoring only 14 points.
In comparison, the Popeyes sandwich performs even worse in terms of health. Its high score indicates that it contains numerous concerning nutritional components. Choosing this popular item means you’ve opted for one of the less healthy options among chicken sandwiches in the fast-food industry.
For many people, fast food is more like a hidden health hazard. It’s delicious but should be consumed in moderation. Occasionally choosing it as a quick and convenient dinner option is acceptable, but try not to develop the habit of eating fast food every meal. Next time you order fries, consider your health and opt for a smaller portion to satisfy your craving.
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