Fast food has become a common part of our busy lives; when you’re in a rush, sometimes the only option is to pull up to those golden arches and try your luck at the drive-thru. Unfortunately, though, opting for fast food can come with serious risks to your overall health—that includes possible consequences to your heart health and your weight. And while there may be a few healthy-ish fast food options out there, there are many meals that you should steer clear of if you want to maintain optimal wellbeing. One of the biggest culprits comes from McDonald’s.
To discover the worst meal you should never order from McDonalds, we spoke to nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet. She told us that you should avoid ordering a Large Big Mac Meal at all costs, especially if you want to keep your heart healthy or shed a few pounds. Learn more about the health effects of this calorie-laden meal below.
Big Mac Meals Can Lead To Heart Health Issues And Weight Gain
If you want a healthy heart and a slim waistline, Richards recommends staying away from Big Macs at all costs—and don't even think about adding fries and soda to the mix.
"Ordering a McDonald's Big Mac Meal with Large Fries and a Large Soda can be detrimental to both heart health and weight loss for several reasons," she says. "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." All of that comes in at a whopping 563 calories. Make it a meal by throwing in large fries and a large soda, and you've got yourself a meal that packs in 1320 calories. Yikes!
The calorie content alone isn't the only issue at hand. The real dangers lie in the saturated fats and other additives found in the burger and fries (and plenty of other foods that may be in your own home). "Excessive consumption of saturated fats can lead to elevated cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease," Richards warns of the Big Mac. "The large serving of French fries adds more unhealthy fats, sodium, and empty calories to the meal, further contributing to weight gain and heart health concerns."
It's also worth noting that recent studies suggest French fries can even lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
And while you may not typically consider just how unhealthy the drink you sip on can be, she says guzzling a large soda could have serious consequences, too. All that sugar can lead to a range of health issues. "Choosing a large soda increases the intake of added sugars, which can lead to weight gain, increased blood sugar levels, and an elevated risk of heart disease and diabetes," Richards says.
The bottom line
Ultimately, a Big Mac Meal is a nightmare for your overall health. As Richards concludes, "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."
While having a Big Mac every now and then may not kill you, it's important not to make a habit out of eating high-calorie, additive-loaded foods like this one. Luckily, although choosing fast food is never the best idea if you're looking out for your health, McDonald's does offer better options. By choosing those, you'll be making one small step towards a healthier life.
