Why wait until the New Year to start working towards a healthier body? There’s no time like the present to start prioritizing your wellness—and that means it may be time to reevaluate your diet. The foods you put into your body on a daily basis undoubtedly play a crucial role in every facet of your health, from weight management to digestion to cardiovascular health. And it probably goes without saying that fast food meals are some of the worst things you can consume regularly if you want to lead a healthy life, especially when it comes to your heart. But of course, whether it’s because you’re on a road trip, late to work, or just craving a treat, sometimes pulling up to the drive-thru becomes inevitable. In these cases, it’s best to be aware of the worst options to steer clear of so that you can make a healthier choice. That’s why we checked in with experts to shed some light on some major offenders that could take a toll on your heart.
As Krutika Nanavati, registered dietitian tells us, many fast food menu items are “loaded with high levels of saturated fat, excessive sodium, and many calories. These unhealthy components can cause the arteries to become clogged, leading to severe health issues such as heart disease and hypertension. Limiting such meal consumption is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle.” She told us that the Big Mac from McDonald’s and the Chicken Sandwich at Chick-fil-A are two meals in particular that you should consider cutting out of your diet if you’re hoping for a healthier heart. Learn more about the risks of each below.
1. McDonald's Big Mac
The Big Mac is perhaps the most iconic sandwich in fast food history. Who could forget that classic jingle listing all of the ingredients? Plus, it's undeniably delicious, which makes it an especially tempting option when you pull up to the golden arches. Unfortunately, though, those two-all-beef-patties-special-sauce-lettuce-cheese-pickles-onions-on-a-sesame-seed-bun all add up to a lot of calories, fat, and sodium—making this burger a recipe for disaster in terms of cardiovascular health.
"This iconic burger contains 540 calories, 27 grams of fat, and 960 milligrams of sodium," Nanavati warns. The fat content, in particular, is especially concerning. Nanavati explains that "Most foods high in saturated fat can clog our arteries, restricting blood flow. This happens because our bodies' bad cholesterol (LDL) increases due to the high saturated fat content. The LDL cholesterol can accumulate on the walls of our arteries and cause blockages." Yikes!
Instead, consider ordering a grilled chicken sandwich.
2. Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich
The Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich is another fan-favorite option; it may just be the most popular chicken sandwich out there. And on the surface, it doesn't seem too unhealthy. After all, it's chicken—how bad can it be compared to the risks of red meat? However, the sodium content of this fried sandwich could lead to serious health risks when eaten on a regular basis.
"This seemingly harmless sandwich has 440 calories, 19 grams of fat, and a whopping 1370 milligrams of sodium," Nanavati notes. Consuming sodium in excess is a major faux for your health that can result in a range of complications. It's an especially poor choice for anyone seeking optimal heart health.
"The recommended daily sodium intake is 2300 milligrams," Nanavati points out. That means that this single sandwich puts you at over half your recommended daily intake. If you get fries as a side, that's even more. "Consuming too much sodium can lead to hypertension and increase the risk of developing heart disease," she warns.
Luckily, there are healthier options to choose from at Chick-fil-A.
The bottom line
Ultimately, of course, having a Big Mac once in a blue moon isn't going to kill you. However, making changes to your daily diet by cutting out harmful foods like this is one major key to a healthier heart and a healthier body overall. So keep those fried chicken sandwiches to a minimum and order a salad instead; over time, it can really pay off.
