Wendy’s is one of our favorite fast food restaurants. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of that chili (even after learning how it’s made) or can’t get enough of their delicious lemonade, it’s not hard to think of a reason to stop by the drive-thru. However, it’s safe to say that eating at Wendy’s on a regular basis isn’t exactly the healthiest choice. But let’s face it: we all have moments when we’re craving a bit of fast food. And when you find yourself in one of those moments but don’t want to put your health at risk, it helps to know which options to avoid, and which are at least healthy-ish.
As it turns out, there’s one burger in particular that health experts recommend steering clear of when you order from Wendy’s: Dave’s Triple. But luckily, the Jr. Hamburger is an alternative that can help you get your burger fix without overloading your meal with calories. Read on for more health details on both of these sandwiches.
Avoid Dave's Triple
As if a double cheeseburger wasn't enough, Wendy's is taking things to the next level with Dave's Triple. This gigantic sandwich features not one, not two, but three beef patties, each topped with a slice of cheese. Additionally, it includes mayo, ketchup (one of the worst condiments out there for your health), tomatoes, onions, and pickles. But those veggies aren't enough to negate the health risks.
When you sandwich it all between two buns, it comes to a total of "a whopping 1,204 calories, 33 grams of saturated fat, and 6,000 milligrams of sodium," as Joanna Ayalloore, MD, RD, owner of Nutrition Kept Simple pointed out to Eat This, Not That. That's more saturated fat and sodium than you should typically have in a single day! All of that sodium, in particular, can lead to serious health risks. And of course, the enormous amount of calories makes this burger a poor choice for weight loss.
Order Jr. Hamburger Instead
Does avoiding the Dave's Triple mean you have to give up Wendy's burgers altogether? Not necessarily! Although eating an excess of red meat can certainly have a negative impact on your health, and fast food should be enjoyed sparingly, there is something to be said for giving into your cravings in moderation. If you find yourself with a hankering for a Wendy's burger, Sharon McCaskill, RDN, founder of The Helpful GF recommends going with a Jr. Hamburger.
"With a single beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and a small bun, it offers a reasonable portion size, making it easier to manage caloric intake, while providing some protein and essential nutrients making it a better choice for those seeking a more balanced and calorie-conscious option," she says. This burger only contains 250 calories and 420 mg sodium, which isn't bad at all when you compare it to Dave's Triple.
Of course, it's important to remember that the best way to stay healthy is by eating nutritious, whole foods, which you're unlikely to find at any fast food drive-thru. But that doesn't mean you can't treat yourself to something greasy every now and then. It's all about compromise and moderation!
READ MORE: Wendy’s Is Adding A New Frosty Flavor For The Holidays—And It’s Not Caramel Apple!
