16 Fast Food Items to Never Eat if You Want to Lose Weight
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Fast food can be a major obstacle when you’re trying to lose weight. Despite its convenience and tasty appeal, many fast food items contain hidden calories, unhealthy fats, and sugars that can sabotage your weight loss efforts. It might be tempting to grab a quick bite from your favorite fast food joint, but some menu items can quickly derail your progress without realizing it.
Choosing the wrong fast food options can undo days or weeks of hard work in just one meal. So, which items should you avoid? Here are some fast food items to never eat to lose weight.
Double Cheeseburgers
These delicious burgers feature two juicy beef patties stacked high, topped with melted cheese, and generously slathered with various condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. The combination of flavors is hard to resist, but the treat comes with a hefty calorie count and significant grams of fat.
Large Fries
Large fries are often bought as a side to many fast food meals. Consuming a large portion is unhealthy due to the staggering amount of calories and unhealthy fats.
When fried in oil, a single serving can easily exceed 400 calories and contain significant saturated fat. They are also high in carbohydrates, contributing to spikes in blood sugar levels.
Milkshakes
Milkshakes are a seemingly indulgent treat that many people enjoy as a dessert or accompaniment to their meals. What often goes unnoticed is the excessive calorie count and sugar content packed into these creamy beverages.
Depending on the size and the ingredients used, a typical milkshake can contain hundreds of calories and several hundred grams of sugar.
Fried Chicken Sandwiches
Fried chicken sandwiches typically contain breaded and deep-fried chicken, resulting in a crunchy exterior with high-fat content. In addition to the calories from the chicken itself, many fried chicken sandwiches come topped with creamy sauces, cheese, and additional toppings that can further spike their caloric value.
Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos are often marketed as a convenient and filling morning option, but they can be deceptively high in calories and unhealthy ingredients. Typically filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, potatoes, and various meats, these burritos can quickly accumulate excess calories. The wrap may also be high in refined carbohydrates, increasing blood sugar levels.
Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a popular appetizer on fast food menus. These cheesy delights are coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried, resulting in a significant calorie and fat content. A regular serving of mozzarella sticks contains many calories, most of which come from unhealthy fats due to the frying process.
Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are popular among children. They are made from processed chicken meat and are usually breaded and deep-fried, significantly increasing their calorie count and unhealthy fat content. A standard serving can contain a substantial amount of calories, further increased by accompanying sauces that are high in sugar and calories.
Pizza
Fast food pizza features a thick, doughy crust, a layer of cheese, and a variety of high-calorie toppings, such as processed meats and extra cheese. Just a few slices can easily exceed your daily caloric needs while combining refined carbs and saturated fats can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.
Ice Cream Sundaes
Ice cream sundaes are among the most calorie-dense items on a fast food menu. They are loaded with high-fat ice cream, sugary syrups, whipped cream, and various toppings like nuts or cherries. Depending on the size and ingredients, a single sundae can easily rack up over 500 calories, if not more.
Loaded Nachos
Loaded nachos are a popular indulgence that often appears as a shareable appetizer or a meal at fast-food restaurants. They consist of tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, and other toppings such as ground beef or beans.
Fish Sandwiches
Fish sandwiches are made with breaded and deep-fried fish fillets, and they also come with creamy tartar sauce, cheese, and lettuce, which can further increase their fat and calorie content.
While fish can be a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, the preparation method used in fast food restaurants often compromises these health benefits.
Onion Rings
Onion rings are made by slicing onions into rings, coating them in a batter, and frying them until golden brown. This cooking method significantly increases their calories, and the addition of dipping sauces can further contribute to the overall caloric intake.
While they may satisfy a craving for something crunchy and flavourful, onion rings are a poor choice for those aiming to lose weight or maintain a healthier diet.
Pasta Dishes
Many fast food establishments serve pasta smothered in rich, creamy sauce. Additionally, portions are usually large, leading to excessive refined carbohydrates contributing to weight gain. Topped with high-calorie ingredients such as cheese and processed meats, these dishes often lack the nutritional balance necessary for a healthy meal.
Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are delightful pastries of buttery dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar, often finished with a sweet glaze or cream cheese frosting. A single roll can easily contain 300-600 calories or more, making it a tempting indulgence that may not align with the goals of those seeking a balanced diet or weight loss.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are delicious but are frequently high in calories due to the substantial amount of cheese used, which can add significant fat. If they are cooked in oil or butter to achieve a crispy texture, this further increases the caloric density. Toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa may increase the overall calorie count.
Chili Cheese Fries
Chili cheese fries, a popular fast-food indulgence, combine crispy fries, hearty chili, and melted cheese, resulting in a calorie-rich dish. While delicious, their high fat and calorie content can hinder weight management and healthy eating goals, especially when topped with sour cream or jalapeños.
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