If you’re trying to be healthy, you likely already know that fast food is never the best way to go. However, sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. Whether you need to make a quick stop while you’re on the road, you forgot to pack your lunch for work, or you’re just really craving some McDonald’s Sprite, sometimes you’re going to end up at the drive-thru. And when that time comes, it’s important to know how to make healthy decisions and do the least damage to your body. While there are a few healthy options out there when it comes to fast food, there are also a lot of menu items that health experts recommend steering clear of at all costs—including one detrimental choice in particular.
To shed some light on one of the least healthy fast food meals, we checked in with Board-Certified Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Rene Armenta. He told us that double cheeseburgers, such as the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese from McDonald’s, pose a serious risk to your overall health. Read on to learn more.
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Health risks of double quarter pounder
Although they may be tasty, there are a lot of reasons you may want to skip the double quarter pounder with cheese next time you pull up to the golden arches. For starters, processed red meat can take a significant toll on your body over time, resulting in health issues like weight gain and even an increased risk of heart disease. And that's before you consider all of the toppings.
"[Double cheeseburgers] contain double the amount of cheese and beef as a standard cheeseburger, meaning they are higher in fat and calories," Dr. Armenta warns. "Additionally, many fast food restaurants will often top double cheeseburgers with bacon, mayonnaise, and other unhealthy condiments, further adding to its unhealthy content."
When you look at the McDonald's Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese as an example, the results are troubling. Dr. Armenta points out that this menu item contains a whopping 740 calories and 42 grams of fat.
"This is significantly higher than the McDonald’s Hamburger, which only contains 250 calories and 9 grams of fat," he notes. If you're really craving a burger, it's a good idea to at least stick to this smaller version.
What to order instead
So, what should you order when you eat at a fast food restaurant? Luckily, there are typically a few choices that won't put your health at as high of a risk as a double cheeseburger. Whenever possible, choose lean protein and veggies.
"If you're looking for a healthier alternative, I suggest opting for something like a grilled chicken wrap or salad," Dr. Armenta says. "These options usually contain fewer calories and fat but still provide plenty of protein to keep you full. You can also customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or other toppings such as avocado to make it even healthier." Perfect!
