Does our favorite meal have the worst health profile

[luckyme609]

I think fast food joint burgers and fries and much different from home made burgers and fries. I think fast food anything is just awful for anyone no matter what item it is on the menu. Fast food = junk food 99% of the time.

We will make burgers and fries at home - more often than not we make black bean burgers, but we do beef as well. The fires are made in the oven. Either sweet potato or russets. They need a bit of olive oil but that is it. This still may not be the healthiest meal, but it does not compare to the sodium laden, questionable meat, deep fried potatoes burger bought at a Fast Food place.

Moderation is the key. And fast food joints are the enemy no matter what you order.

[LittleDolphin]

Originally Posted by luckyme609

I think fast food joint burgers and fries and much different from home made burgers and fries. I think fast food anything is just awful for anyone no matter what item it is on the menu. Fast food = junk food 99% of the time.

We will make burgers and fries at home - more often than not we make black bean burgers, but we do beef as well. The fires are made in the oven. Either sweet potato or russets. They need a bit of olive oil but that is it. This still may not be the healthiest meal, but it does not compare to the sodium laden, questionable meat, deep fried potatoes burger bought at a Fast Food place.

Moderation is the key. And fast food joints are the enemy no matter what you order.

I tend to agree. From what I've read about what's in fast food burgers, I'd not want them to enter my body. Scary ingredients. For one, I don't want antibiotics in my beef mix.

It's all about profits and not about good nutrition for those corporate chains.

And oven, home-roasted sweet or white potatoes are very different from deep-fried in cheap oil fast food fries--you're right!

[KathrynAragon]

Originally Posted by KaraG

Not sure if that would even be a favorite meal to most.

I'll take a filet mignon, bleu cheese salad, roasted veggies and water to drink.

Bingo and a doggie bag as well. In fact, that's what I'm having in a bit! Left overs from last night!

[Buckeye77]

Here's what a Wendy's "baconator" sandwich has:
Calories 950

Fat 62 grams total

Sodium 1650 grams

But, hey, you're also getting a whopping 2 grams of fiber.

And this doesn't include the fries or the soda.

[victimofGM]

If you make it at home they can be healthy or healthy-ish.

We use a lean ground beef and season it to our taste before cooking. Use a whole grain no sugar added bun or no bread at all for a small hamburger steak. We buy Or-Ida frozen fries and bake them in the oven. For my wife and I we can bake them in a toaster oven.

[LittleDolphin]

Originally Posted by victimofGM

If you make it at home they can be healthy or healthy-ish.

We use a lean ground beef and season it to our taste before cooking. Use a whole grain no sugar added bun or no bread at all for a small hamburger steak. We buy Or-Ida frozen fries and bake them in the oven. For my wife and I we can bake them in a toaster oven.

We make our own less fat fries by cutting whole potatoes into slices, mixing with a bit of olive oil and some herbs and oven roasting @ 425 degrees until crispy on outside. About 15 minutes. Really good.

We leave the skin on for added nutrients...can use any kind of potatoes, including sweet potato.

After roasting you can sprinkle on some sea salt -- or not if you're avoiding sodium.

[luckyme609]

Originally Posted by LittleDolphin

We make our own less fat fries by cutting whole potatoes into slices, mixing with a bit of olive oil and some herbs and oven roasting @ 425 degrees until crispy on outside. About 15 minutes. Really good.

We leave the skin on for added nutrients...can use any kind of potatoes, including sweet potato.

After roasting you can sprinkle on some sea salt -- or not if you're avoiding sodium.

We make these all the time with both russets and sweet potatoes.
My husband calls them, 'artisanal, hand cut, seasonal fries'.

[LittleDolphin]

Originally Posted by luckyme609

We make these all the time with both russets and sweet potatoes.
My husband calls them, 'artisanal, hand cut, seasonal fries'.

Even with baby reds or Yukon Golds--all good! Love 'em...almost addictive!

[Eman Resu VIII]

Originally Posted by LittleDolphin

Just idle curiosity...but my question is whether one of our national favorite meals--cheeseburger, French fries, soda--has the worst health/nutritional outcomes for our well-being?

I wonder how this meal compares with other nations' favorite meals??

I don't think I'd even consider that a "meal".

[LittleDolphin]

Originally Posted by Eman Resu VIII

I don't think I'd even consider that a "meal".

I know what you mean..but for many Fast Food customers, I guess it is...lotsa calories and bad fats and excess sugars all rolled into a burger, bun, fries and fake shakes...it's filling and kinda lethal...the documentary Supersize Me is eye-opening--at least it was for me...