Photo: Joe Raedle (Getty Images)
Of all the things McDonald’s food is known for, “positive nutritional value” probably misses the top 100 list. In fact, there’s an entire documentary out there called Super Size Me (and now a sequel as well) about how not good for you the stuff is, and it’s likely you’ve already seen it or at least heard about it. Even if you haven’t, you’ve probably been told a million times that fast food is not something that should ever become a staple in your diet lest you become an overweight American stereotype. Because of this, it might come as something of a surprise to hear that nutritionists recommend getting not one, but two burgers from the fast food joint if you find yourself needing to stop there at all- which is totally fine, of course. No judgement here.
The reason for this odd bit of health advice boils down to the fact that McDonald’s fries are absolutely awful for you. They taste good, sure, but they’re pretty much nothing but empty carbs with salt and oil added to them. But mostly empty carbs. The burgers are also heart disease on a bun, but they at least contain some degree of protein and that’s something rather than nothing.
Once you realize this, swapping the fries for a second burger becomes common sense. You get more protein and less fat and carbohydrates. It’s simple math, really. Don’t take it from us, though. The real expert on this subject who came up with this ingenious idea is Emily Field, who has this to say:
“By swapping the fries for a second burger, then, you’re nearly doubling your protein intake while reducing the amount of fat and carbs you’re eating. Since fast food is already high in fat and carbs and pretty low in protein, the simple switch could help steady your blood sugar levels.”
So yeah, not to brag, but the professional dietitian is backing us up on this one. Figuring out what’s good for you is kind of what she does.
Presumably, this isn’t limited to just McDonald’s. This also goes for Burger King, Wendy’s, Jack-In-The-Box, Hardee’s, Sonic, and whatever other wacky fast food chains you have in your area. It’s quite unfortunate, but that stuff is never going to give you the fuel you really need to live a healthy life. In fact, it’s more likely to slowly kill you than anything, and you’re going to have to work it off at the gym if you don’t want it to destroy your insides.
It’s not recommended to eat that mystery meat, ever. Still, the stuff is pretty tasty every now and then, so if you find yourself craving some crud, go with a double serving of blob burger and skip the fatty fry empty carb bombs.
Your body won’t thank you for it, since you’re still feeding it the culinary equivalent of manure, but at least it won’t be as upset with you as it would be if you also got fries on the side. So that’s something, right?
h/t Indy100
