When eating out, it’s easy to get carried away with cravings and choose something that isn’t necessarily good for us. However, some menu items are worse than others and should be avoided as much as possible to maintain a healthy diet.
In this article, we will explore 10 of the worst menu items to order when eating out.
1. Fried Foods
Fried food may be delicious, but it’s not good for your health. The oil used to fry the food is often high in trans fats, which can increase your risk of heart disease and raise your bad cholesterol levels.
Furthermore, fried foods are high in calories, which can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
2. Soda
Soda is one of the worst beverages to order when eating out. It’s high in sugar, which can cause weight gain and increase your risk of diabetes. Additionally, soda is acidic and can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and tooth decay.
Instead, opt for water, unsweetened iced tea, or sparkling water.
3. Cream-Based Soups
Cream-based soups may be comforting and delicious, but they are often high in fat and calories. A single cup of chowder or cream-based soup can easily exceed 400 calories.
Instead, choose broths or vegetable-based soups, which are lower in calories and fat.
4. Bacon Cheeseburgers
Bacon cheeseburgers are loaded with saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories. A single bacon cheeseburger can have over 1000 calories, which is more than half of the recommended daily calorie intake for most people.
Instead, opt for grilled chicken or a veggie burger.
5. Chicken Wings
Chicken wings may be a popular appetizer, but they are fried and loaded with calories. A serving of 10 chicken wings can have over 1000 calories. Additionally, chicken wings are often served with dips that are high in fat and calories.
Instead, opt for grilled chicken skewers or a vegetable platter.
6. Alfredo Pasta
Alfredo pasta is a creamy and delicious dish, but it’s often high in saturated fat and calories. A single serving of fettuccine Alfredo can have over 1200 calories and 75 grams of fat.
Instead, choose pasta dishes with tomato sauce or vegetables, which are lower in calories and fat.
7. Loaded Nachos
Loaded nachos may be tempting, but they are high in calories, salt, and fat. A serving of loaded nachos can have over 1000 calories and 60 grams of fat. Additionally, the cheese sauce and sour cream are often high in saturated fat.
Instead, choose plain tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole.
8. Blooming Onion
A blooming onion may be a tasty appetizer, but it’s also high in calories, salt, and fat. A single blooming onion can have over 1500 calories and 120 grams of fat. Additionally, the dipping sauce is often high in calories and sodium.
Instead, choose a salad or vegetable-based appetizer.
9. Fish and Chips
Fish and chips may be a popular menu item, but it’s also high in calories, salt, and fat. A serving of fish and chips can have over 1200 calories and 60 grams of fat.
Additionally, the batter used to fry the fish is often high in calories and can increase your risk of heart disease. Instead, choose grilled fish or a vegetable-based dish.
10. Cesar Salad
Caesar salad may seem like a healthy option, but it’s often high in calories and saturated fat. A single Caesar salad can have over 1000 calories and 80 grams of fat. Furthermore, the dressing is often high in sodium and calories.
Instead, choose a salad with a light dressing or ask for the dressing on the side.
Conclusion
Eating out doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health. By avoiding these 10 worst menu items, you can still enjoy delicious meals while maintaining a healthy diet.
Remember, moderation is key, and it’s okay to indulge in these menu items once in a while. However, try to choose healthier options whenever possible.