While fast food isn’t typically viewed as healthy, some options at your preferred spot can aid in weight loss and brain health more effectively than others. Consuming inflammatory foods frequently undermines efforts toward a healthy brain and weight management. We sought advice from registered dietitians, nutritionists, and other health professionals to pinpoint one ubiquitous fast food side to avoid if your primary objectives are brain health, weight loss, and minimizing bloating.
Indulgences like fried cheese curds from well-known fast food outlets like Dairy Queen, A&W, and Culver’s are hard to resist. Regrettably, they pose several health threats, one of which is reduced cognitive function. “Fried foods [like cheese curds] are high in unhealthy fats, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and inflammatory compounds,” dietitian and nutritionist Krutika Nanavati tells us.
Dairy Queen’s cheese curds are delicious little morsels. 10/10 pic.twitter.com/hEQUWp0M7S
— JY (@Joyosaur) January 7, 2020
How Fried Foods Like Cheese Curds Can Deter Your Brain Health
“Chronic consumption can damage brain cells, impair blood flow to the brain, and contribute to cognitive decline.” In fact, she notes, “Studies have shown a link between frequent fried food intake and lower memory scores.” Yikes! As an alternative, she recommends baking, grilling, steaming, or air-frying your favorite foods instead of deep-frying them. “Choose healthy fats like avocado and olive oil for cooking and drizzling,” she recommends.
In addition, fried cheese curds are one of the worst sides out there to choose from if you’re working to lose weight, Lisa Richards, registered nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet, warns. “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,” she says, adding regarding Dairy Queen’s menu item, “Just one (large) serving is 1,000 calories and 67 grams of fat.”
Why yes, Dairy Queen regional menu, I WOULD like to try some deep-fried cheese curds pic.twitter.com/HF3H4svJYn
— mary gumport (@metalmaryo) August 5, 2013
Additional Inflammatory Effects Of Fast Food Cheese Curds
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 notes, adding, “When combined with a calorie dense hamburger and soft drink you are looking at nearly 2,000 calories in just one meal.”
Katie Tomaschko, MS, RDN, registered dietitian and contributor at Sporting Smiles, notes that while “fast food portion sizes can make weight loss very difficult,” other factors “definitely can play a part in it.” Another important component, she says, includes the “ingredients that are commonly used in fast food.” These ingredients 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,” she points out.
They are rather easy to "overdo," Tomaschko says, noting that another common ingredient— salt— can "make you feel thirsty and more inclined to drink a soda or other sugary beverage." In addition, discounted meals or bundles that include drinks and sides can also "tempt you to overdo it on the calories."
This isn't meant to lead you on a restrictive diet, but rather, to become more mindful of what you eat, she emphasizes, as well as how it could be causing inflammation, and how to eat less without making drastic changes to your lifestyle.
The Bottom Line
"Stick to lighter options," Tomaschko advises, adding that there is often a "healthier or lighter menu" that may be smaller in portion size. She also recommends "keeping the sides to a minimum" if you are trying to lose weight and promote a healthier brain.
"Opt for diet soda or reduced sugar drinks— ideally water," she concludes, noting that most importantly, you shouldn't completely restrict fast food if you enjoy it. "Moderation, not deprivation, is key."
