There is no denying that fast food is fast and convenient. In particular, fast food sandwiches are easy to carry around, making them perfect for any on-the-go activity like driving or taking the train. Fast food chains are not only quick and easy food items, but also strive to make their sandwiches taste delicious. Sometimes they completely ignore the quality of the ingredients used.
Some fast food chains reduce the quality of sandwiches by making foods high in fat or calories with ingredients that may taste good but may affect your overall health. The use of certain ingredients can also lead to poor body health, such as belly fat. With the help of nutritionists from our Medical Review Board, we’ve rounded up four of the worst fast food sandwiches that can contribute to belly fat. Once you check it out, be sure to check out America’s Worst Fast Food Donuts.
Regarding fast food sandwiches, medical board expert Molly Hembrey, MS, RD, LD considers these foods to be a source of excess calories and fat, which can lead to a positive calorie balance if eaten frequently. It can also contribute to weight gain, which in some people can accumulate in the abdomen.
With that said, she thinks this one serving of sandwich can make a difference.
“This sandwich contains an astounding 1,010 calories, of which 15 grams are from saturated fat,” Hembrey says. 120 calories)”.
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“I hope a 12″ sandwich of any kind is not on your meal plans, but if it is, stay away from this sandwich. It contains 1,060 calories, including 22 grams of saturated fat,” Hembrey says. “Here again, it is recommended that if you must choose this sandwich, make a 6″ sandwich with a side such as baked chips or fruit cup/fruit pieces.
Lauren ManakerMS, RDN, LDN, KLEK, KPP, Mom’s First Time Pregnancy Cookbook, 7 Ingredient Healthy Pregnancy Cookbookas well as Fueling male fertilityalso believes that this foot-long would be an unhealthy choice when it comes to fast food sandwiches.
“The Subway Chicken Bacon Sandwich has over 1,000 calories if you choose a foot size,” says Manaker. “Also, this sandwich is quite high in saturated fat, which can contribute to weight gain.”
Another Subway staple, this 12-inch sandwich contains 1,780 calories, with most of those calories coming from fat (42%) and carbohydrates (33%).
According to the American Heart Association, it is recommended that 5% to 6% of calories come from saturated fat. For example, a person consuming 2,000 calories per day should consume no more than 120 calories of saturated fat. That would be about 13 grams of saturated fat per day.
However, in this sandwich alone, you’re eating 36 grams of saturated fat per serving, which is 180% of your daily intake, well over your limit.
Their signature club sandwich is double hand breaded with a very crispy breading. It is then drizzled with their famous Zax sauce and garnished with pickles, American cheese and bacon. To aggravate the injury, you can end your meal with French fries and a small drink. If you had to choose, stay away from combined meals. Or opt for a fried chicken sandwich.
“With over 1,000 calories per sandwich made with fried chicken, cream sauce, white bread, and bacon, eating this sandwich a lot won’t do you any good for belly fat,” says Manaker.
Kayla Garritano
Kayla Garritano is a staff writer for Eat This, Not That! She graduated from Hofstra University where she majored in journalism, as well as two majors in marketing and creative writing. Read more