Nutritionist advice
Why you’d better order two burgers at McDonald’s
Burger and fries from McDonald’s
© picture-alliance / dpa
Anyone who eats at fast food stores like McDonald’s or Burger King usually orders a menu. Not a good idea, says a nutritionist. And she has good advice for burger fans.
“As a menu?” – That is probably one of the most frequently asked questions in the fast food restaurants of McDonald’s, Burger King and Co. Instead of just ordering a burger, the offer is rounded up. And for a small surcharge you get a lemonade and a portion of french fries.
Emily Field criticizes this practice. The nutrition expert recommends that her customers think about one thing in particular when it comes to nutrition – namely balance, reports the “Business Insider”. It divides dishes into three components: proteins, fat and carbohydrates. Proteins are important to muscles, carbohydrates provide energy, and fat helps absorb vitamins and minerals. If you keep these three building blocks in balance, your diet will be healthier, says Field. You stay full longer and can survive food cravings better. A study recently published in the journal “Nutritional Metabolism” also suggests that balance is important because various macronutrients play a role in regulating our blood sugar levels.
Better two burgers – and no fries
Field advises her clients to ask themselves how the meal will affect their bodies before they eat. “How do I feel two hours after eating” – that is the question that should be asked. According to her theory, customers at fast food chains should better order two burgers and leave out the fries. That would shift the balance.
Carbohydrates, fat and protein in balance
A simple burger without cheese and sauce has between 300 and 400 kilocalories. These would consist of the carbohydrates from the burger bun, the protein from the meat and some fat. French fries, on the other hand, would consist mainly of carbohydrates and fat and only have a very low protein content. No balance, so not good according to Field. In addition, a medium serving of french fries has around 330 kilocalories. Replacing the fries with another burger would almost double the protein intake while reducing the intake of fat and carbohydrates. “Try it out and see how you feel about it,” says Field.