Inflammation is a hot topic for weight loss and wellness—and for good reason. Research shows that chronic, low-grade inflammation can result in many major health issues, including heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and more. If you suffer from chronic inflammation, you know how annoying it can be. From discomfort and digestive issues to fatigue and weight gain, inflammation is the worst. And, while most advice seems to focus on the best anti-inflammatory foods, it’s just as important to reduce foods that may be triggering or aggravating your condition. One of the biggest food group offenders for inflammation is fried foods.
To learn more about the worst fried food for inflammation, we spoke with Lisa Richards, a registered nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet, and Katie Tomaschko Tout, a registered dietitian. They agree that the worst fried foods that lead to inflammation and weight gain are fried cheese curds. This is because they are high in fat, calories, and sodium, so eating them often can lead to weight gain and high blood pressure. And, the excessive oil that this fast food treat is often fried in produces advanced glycation end products, more commonly known as AGEs. These compounds directly stimulate inflammation in the body. Find out more below!
Fried Cheese Curds Cause Inflammation And Weight Gain
Fast food chains like Dairy Queen, A&W, and Culver's offer fried cheese curds. And, while they are fried and full of cheesy goodness, they are by far the worst fried food out there if you're looking to reduce inflammation and lose weight. "This fried cheese side item is [calorie-dense] and high in fat and carbohydrates. If consumed on a regular basis they are likely to lead to weight gain and inflammation," Richards warns. "Just one (large) serving is 1,000 calories and 67 grams of fat," she adds specifically about the Dairy Queen's menu item.
This amount of calories, Richards stresses, is over half the recommended intake for a day in just one side dish. "Even if you were to order a small in place of a large it is still at least a quarter of your daily calorie needs," she continues, "When combined with a [calorie-dense] hamburger and soft drink you are looking at nearly 2,000 calories in just one meal." Yikes!
Tomaschko agrees and advises that while "fast food portion sizes can make weight loss very difficult," other factors "definitely can play a part in it." She stresses that the "ingredients that are commonly used in fast food [are] calorically dense, like oils, mayo, aioli, cheese, etc., and do not have to be presented to you in large portions to make them a potential hindrance to weight loss." And, like mozzarella sticks, eating too many fried cheese curds can result in clogged arteries and puts you at risk of heart disease.
So, fast food can be very easy to "overdo," Tomaschko says. She also notes that fast food items like fried cheese cards are often loaded with salt which can "make you feel thirsty and more inclined to drink a soda or other sugary beverage," which can be detrimental to weight loss goals. In addition, the fried cheese curds contain high levels of gluten and dairy and are fried in excessive oils which can cause inflammation and bloating.
The Bottom Line
Instead, Tomaschko advises sticking "to lighter options." She points out that there is often a "healthier or lighter menu" that may be smaller in portion size—like a salad. She also recommends "keeping the sides to a minimum" if you are trying to lose weight and avoiding fried and cheesy options like cheese curds and mozzarella sticks because they can cause inflammation. Opt for unprocessed foods like whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables which are anti-inflammatory, not harmful to our metabolism, high in fiber, and beneficial for weight loss. But, she stresses that you shouldn't completely restrict fast food if you enjoy it. "Moderation, not deprivation, is key." We agree!
