Why People Still Order the Least Healthy McDonald’s Items
Mentioning the 'least healthy' items on McDonald's menu can evoke a mix of nostalgia, guilt, and curiosity. Yet, when we delve into what truly makes a food 'healthy' or 'unhealthy,' we find that it's the balance of nutrients to calories that holds the key.
Understanding 'Healthy' and 'Unhealthy' Foods
When we talk about 'healthy' and 'unhealthy' foods, what we're really discussing is nutrient density. This refers to the ratio of nutrients to calories, salt, sugar, and saturated fat. For instance, spinach, though minimal in calories—only 23 per 100g—packs a significant punch in terms of vitamins A, B6, B9, C, E, K1, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. On the other hand, a portion of medium fries in the UK contains a whopping 337 kcal, 17g of fat, and 0.6g of salt. These fries can barely boast any meaningful macro or micro nutrients.
The McDonald's Menu and Saturated Fats
Items like the cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, triple cheeseburger, quarter pounder, and double quarter pounder are often the culprits when it comes to saturated fats. Piling on cheese, a calorie-dense additive, makes these burgers even less nutritious from a dietary standpoint. While fast food has its place—a quick bite for a busy schedule or a treat for the kids—using it as a primary source of nutrition is a recipe for poor health.
The key takeaway is that none of these foods are inherently unhealthy. They are simply designed as high-quality fast food options. The responsibility lies with the consumer to manage portions and frequency of consumption. Overindulgence over time can lead to weight gain, which has well-documented health consequences.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at McDonald’s
From my experience as a crew trainer at McDonald's, the cleanliness and orderliness of the stores are commendable. McDonald’s enforces strict rules uniformly across all its stores all over the world and works hard to train its employees adequately. However, there is one item that I would unequivocally avoid: the ice cream. The ice cream machines are notoriously difficult to clean, and the frequency of these machines being cleaned is often questionable. The interiors of these machines can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
Additionally, timing is a crucial factor. Arriving early in the morning or at lunch and dinner hours is likely to get you fresh, tasty food. Conversely, arriving during the later hours or after the peak times could mean you get food that has been sitting in storage and may not be as fresh. Don’t hesitate to ask for fresh food, despite the protests of the staff. While they may not appreciate the request, it is their job to provide quality food.