Fast food has become a staple for many individuals with busy lifestyles. While it’s no secret that fast food is generally laden with calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats, the reality is that sometimes it’s the most convenient option available. However, making healthier choices within the realm of fast food is not only possible but essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.
When faced with the inevitable temptation of fast-food chains like McDonald’s, it’s crucial to approach menu selection with mindfulness and awareness. While indulging in the occasional treat is perfectly acceptable, regularly opting for high-calorie, low-nutrient options can have detrimental effects on long-term health. That’s why we put together a list of five popular McDonald’s items that health experts warn against, from McGriddles to seasonal shakes. Find it all below.
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1. Sausage, Egg, & Cheese McGriddle
Craving something greasy for breakfast? We feel you—but ordering a McGriddle may not be the best idea for your body. The Sausage Egg & Cheese McGriddle, for example, contains 550 calories, 33g fat, and 1290mg sodium. Yikes! That already puts you at over half the recommended daily intake of sodium for adults (2,300mg). Consuming too much salt can result in serious health risks, including heart attack, high blood pressure, and more.
Ground sausage, in particular, is one type of meat experts recommend avoiding. "Ground sausage is often considered an artery-clogging meat due to its high content of saturated fat and cholesterol," Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet warns. "Sausage is often processed with additives, preservatives, and high levels of sodium, which can exacerbate these health concerns by contributing to hypertension and water retention." You're better off sticking to lean proteins for breakfast!
2. Big Mac
The Big Mac is perhaps the most iconic item on the McDonald's menu. Unfortunately, it's also one of the most unhealthy. Clocking in at 590 calories, 11g of saturated fat, and a whopping 1,050mg of sodium, you're better off steering clear of this burger.
"The Big Mac itself is a calorie-dense option with two beef patties, special sauce, cheese, and high levels of unhealthy saturated fats and sodium," Richards says. And if you get a meal with a soda and fries, you're setting yourself up for an even bigger effect on your health, especially when it comes to your heart. "This combination of high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium items promotes an unbalanced diet that is not conducive to maintaining a healthy weight or supporting cardiovascular well-being," Richards concludes.
3. Breakfast with Hot Cakes
If you prefer sweeter breakfasts, hot cakes may be your meal of choice. Unfortunately, though, these are another health risk waiting to happen. The Hot Cakes meal at McDonald's contains 1,340 calories, 63g fat, and 2,070mg sodium. Say it ain't so! That's nearly double the fat content of a Big Mac.
"Eating this regularly can be detrimental to your health," Katie Tomaschko, a registered dietitian and nutritionist warns. "At 1,340 calories per meal, this singular meal has a little over half of your recommended daily calories," which could "lead to weight gain, obesity, and even morbid obesity." We'll take some fiber-rich fruit, instead.
4. Caramel Frappé
If you need a bit of a pick-me-up, you may think that a frappé is a great way to have a treat while getting your caffeine fix. However, the high sugar and calorie content of McDonald's Caramel Frappe makes it a poor choice for your health. Believe it or not, just one of these beverages (medium) packs in 62g of sugar and 490 calories.
Experts recommending any sort of blended coffee for this reason. All that sugar can lead to a range of health issues, especially when you have it first thing in the morning. "The sugar used is usually in the form of fructose, which the body cannot easily recognize, further slowing down metabolism," says Rachel Scott, medical practitioner and Co-Founder of National TASC. "This sugar then is directly converted into fats and not immediately used as a sugar source." All in all, it's best to take your coffee black.
5. Shamrock Shake
It's no secret that Shamrock Shakes, a beloved and indulgent seasonal delicacy offered by McDonald's each Saint Patrick's Day, can satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. However, one should exercise caution when it comes to the calorie and nutritional intake of this frothy beverage. Each 16-ounce shake is a hefty 550 calories, packing in 13 grams of fat and a staggering 82 grams of sugar. Such a calorie and sugar overload cannot be ignored, as consuming this dessert on a regular basis can lead to adverse health effects!
