Burgers… Avoid This Unhealthy Option While On The Road

Do you have a route you look forward to because your favorite burger joint is along the way? Are burgers your go-to meal when you’re out on the road? Is a burger the first thing you throw on the barbecue when you get back home? The temptation of a good burger can be hard to resist, but they are also one of the unhealthiest things you can eat. Here’s why you should avoid the temptation – at least too often.

Packing on Calories and Cholesterol

It’s probably no surprise these beauties are packed with over 1,000 calories and also full of cholesterol. While they’re handy and affordable, a single, good-quality burger with all the trimmings basically takes up your entire calorie count for the day.

Between the carbs of the bun, the grease of the meat, and all those trimmings like cheese and mayonnaise, the calories really add up. Let’s not forget extras you might like on your burger like bacon, chili, a fried egg, etc. All of these things send the calorie count sky-high while also increasing your risk for stroke and heart attack. The more burgers you eat, the higher the risk because you’re ingesting all that grease and trans-fat.

Salty Meal

Adding to health issues is the fact most burgers are salted up which is probably one of the reasons they taste so good. Salt is another thing that can cause heart and artery issues. Throw in a side of salty, not to mention fried in fat fries, and you’re even worse off.

E Coli

Even what appears to be a perfectly respectable burger joint could be serving meat that came from all kinds of locations, not just in the U.S. but around the world. As well, when not cooked to safe temperatures, you are at risk of getting E Coli, which can make you seriously ill. You can also get stomach issues which means trying to find a bathroom fast when out on the highway. In the very least you want to avoid that uncomfortable scenario. And it’s not just the little roadside restaurants you need to worry about. A lot of food chains inject their burgers with ammonia filler which also can contain E Coli and salmonella.

Super Sizes

You might also be partial to supersizing everything. Even if you order an average burger, you’re probably eating about eight to 12 ounces of beef. The recommended serving size? Four ounces as per dietary guidelines.

How to Build a Better Burger

If you just can’t do without your hamburgers, there are a few ways you can build a better, healthier burger. Consider making these changes to your next burger order:

• Opt for a whole-grain bun
• Choose tomatoes instead of ketchup
• Try something new like fried mushrooms instead of bacon
• Pass on the fried egg
• Try guacamole instead of mayo
• Substitute healthier sides instead of fries like coleslaw, sweet potato fries, baked potato, etc.
• Go for a single patty, not a double
• Try a turkey or grilled chicken burger

You might be surprised how good your hamburger tastes, and find a new “usual” for your roadside meals.