Last Updated on April 6, 2023 by Lauren Beck
Fast food is a convenient option for those on the go, but it’s no secret that it can be packed with calories, saturated fat, and sodium. Some fast food items are worse than others when it comes to nutritional value.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 12 worst fast food items, what makes fast food unhealthy, the most unhealthy fast food restaurant, how often it’s okay to eat fast food, the most healthy fast food options, and what happens when you stop eating fast food.
12 Worst Fast Food Items
- McDonald’s Big Mac – With 540 calories and 28 grams of fat, the Big Mac is a classic but unhealthy fast food item.
- Burger King Whopper – The Whopper contains 660 calories and 40 grams of fat, making it a high-calorie option.
- KFC Famous Bowl – The KFC Famous Bowl contains 710 calories and 31 grams of fat, making it a high-calorie and high-fat option.
- Taco Bell Nachos BellGrande – The Nachos BellGrande contains 770 calories and 43 grams of fat, making it a high-calorie and high-fat option.
- Subway Footlong Meatball Marinara – The Footlong Meatball Marinara contains 960 calories and 36 grams of fat, making it a high-calorie and high-fat option.
- Wendy’s Baconator – The Baconator contains 960 calories and 62 grams of fat, making it a high-calorie and high-fat option.
- Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich – The Spicy Chicken Sandwich contains 450 calories and 20 grams of fat, making it a high-calorie and high-fat option.
- Pizza Hut Meat Lovers’ Pizza – A large Meat Lovers’ Pizza contains 380 calories per slice and 13 grams of fat, making it a high-calorie and high-fat option.
- Dairy Queen Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Blizzard – The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Blizzard contains 1,050 calories and 45 grams of fat, making it a high-calorie and high-fat option.
- Dunkin’ Donuts Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Croissant – The Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Croissant contains 700 calories and 51 grams of fat, making it a high-calorie and high-fat option.
- Starbucks Venti Caffe Mocha with Whipped Cream – The Venti Caffe Mocha with Whipped Cream contains 510 calories and 22 grams of fat, making it a high-calorie and high-fat option.
- Jack in the Box Ultimate Cheeseburger – The Ultimate Cheeseburger contains 1,030 calories and 72 grams of fat, making it a high-calorie and high-fat option.
What Makes Fast Food Unhealthy?
Fast food is often high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. These ingredients can contribute to weight gain, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, among other health issues. Fast food items are also often processed and contain artificial ingredients, which can be harmful to our health.
What Is the Number 1 Unhealthy Fast Food Restaurant?
According to a study by Business Insider, the most unhealthy fast food restaurant is Sonic Drive-In. The study looked at the calorie, saturated fat, and sodium content of various menu items and found that Sonic had the most unhealthy options.
How Often Is It Ok to Eat Fast Food?
The American Heart Association recommends limiting fast food consumption to once or twice a month. While it’s okay to indulge in fast food every once in a while, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
What’s the Most Healthy Fast Food?
While fast food is often associated with unhealthy options, there are some healthier options available. Here are some of the most healthy fast food items:
- Subway Veggie Delight – The Veggie Delight sandwich from Subway is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy option.
- Chipotle Burrito Bowl – The Burrito Bowl from Chipotle can be customized to include healthy ingredients like brown rice, black beans, grilled vegetables, and lean protein.
- Panera Bread Greek Salad – The Greek Salad from Panera Bread is loaded with vegetables and healthy fats from the feta cheese and olive oil dressing.
- Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich – The Grilled Chicken Sandwich from Chick-fil-A is low in calories and high in protein, making it a healthy option.
- McDonald’s Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich – The Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich from McDonald’s is a low-calorie and low-fat option.
What Happens When You Stop Eating Fast Food?
When you stop eating fast food, you may notice a variety of health benefits [1]. These can include:
- Weight loss – Cutting back on fast food can help you lose weight, as many fast food items are high in calories and fat.
- Improved heart health – Fast food is often high in sodium and saturated fat, which can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Better digestion – Fast food is often high in processed ingredients and can be difficult for the body to digest.
- Improved mood – Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can improve your mood and overall wellbeing.
Is Pizza Considered Healthy?
Pizza can be a healthy option if it’s made with whole wheat crust, plenty of vegetables, and lean protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. However, many pizzas are loaded with high-calorie toppings like cheese and pepperoni, making them a less healthy option.
What Age Group Eats the Most Fast Food?
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, young adults between the ages of 20 and 39 are the most likely to eat fast food on any given day.
This age group consumes an average of 800 calories from fast food each day, which is higher than any other age group.
Conclusion
Fast food can be a convenient option when you’re on the go, but it’s important to be aware of the nutritional value of the items you’re consuming. Many fast food items are high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, which can contribute to a variety of health issues. While it’s okay to indulge in fast food every once in a while, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet and eat plenty of healthy options like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. By making healthier choices and limiting fast food consumption, you can improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Reference:
- https://www.eatthis.com/health-benefits-giving-up-fast-food/
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