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7 of the Worst Fast Food Chains to Avoid when on a Diet ...

Heather

I realize sometimes it’s unavoidable to eat from drive-thrus, but however possible, be sure you avoid the worst fast food chains when you’re on a diet. You can usually find something on a fast food menu that will work in a pinch, even if it’s not optimal to your health. Some places, however, don’t have any especially great options so it’s best to avoid them altogether. Avoid these worst fast food chains and proceed ahead for a better option!

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1. McDonald’s

McDonald’s The golden arches may have come a long way over the last few years but they’re still one of the worst fast food chains to eat from. Even their salads contain ridiculous amounts of sodium that causes bloat, along with excess fats from dressings, croutons, and cheese. Even their parfait has more sugar than a candy bar, despite the small amounts of fruit it contains.

2. Burger King

Burger King All of Burger King's options are incredibly high in fat and even their grilled chicken has more sodium than a bag of chips. Let’s not even get started on their breakfast menu with those sugar-coated cinnamon options!

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3. Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut The veggie pizza might sound like a healthy option at this chain but you’re still eating plenty of fat-storing carbs, saturated fats, and refined grains. If you can’t avoid the pizza chain, stick to the salad bar and choose hard-boiled eggs as your protein instead of the fatty ham or cheese.

4. Subway

Subway Subway might seem healthy but unless you get the salad- avoid it like the plague! In a recent study, the bread in Subway was found to contain a chemical that’s banned in every country besides the United States. It's also the same chemical you'll find in your yoga mat - talk about appetizing! The Food Babe, an investigative health blogger, actually took Subway to court. Subway now says they are in the process of removing the chemical from their bread. Until you know for sure, avoid it at all costs!

5. Chick-fil-a

Chick-fil-a One of my very favorite fast food chains growing up is sadly one of the worst for you. All Chick-fil-A chicken contains MSG, which has been linked from everything to headaches to mood disorders, to hormonal disruptions and even weight gain. Let’s not even start on their waffle fries! Though a fruit cup from this chain is healthy, there’s not much to pair it with, which will just leave you hungry later on.

6. Sonic

Sonic Obviously, this needs no explanation. Burgers, fries, and shakes are a huge no-no for dieting. Even the salads at Sonic are high in sodium and preservatives which definitely don’t help your weight loss goals.

7. Arby’s

Arby’s Arby’s might be tasty if you like roast beef or cheese, but if you’re on a diet, you’d better stay clear. All of Arby’s entrees are sources of excess fats, sugar, sodium, or all three.

If you have to stop at a fast food restaurant, some of the best options include Panera Bread, Starbucks, and Jason's Deli. At those locations, there is at least some type of healthy salad with a lean protein like chicken or turkey that’s not astronomically high in sodium. At Starbucks, be sure to choose the protein snack plates, plain oatmeal with fruit, or just stick to some fruit and nuts. Try to pack your own healthy foods while you’re on the road and eat at a restaurant where better options are available, such as grilled fish and veggies. What’s the worst fast food chain for dieters in your book?

Sources: mcdonalds.com, burgerking.com, pizzahut.com, subway.com, foodbabe.com, chickfila.com, foodbabe.com, sonicdrivein.com, arbys.com,

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I only like Taco Bell! ♥︎

so, no to subway, but in-n-out, five guys, Carl's jr. and fuddruckers are okay to go to when on a diet... seriously.

Of course that fast food is bad for the body! All these places have a lot of horrible stuff that tons of people take to their stomach! Yikes!

I don't understand why subway is in this article first & foremost. Because there's nothing in that section that says that subway makes you gain weight considering the fact that this article is "foods you shouldn't eat while on a diet" what does the whole yoga may incident have to do with being on a diet? Also, I don't know if you've been looking at the billions of commercials on television...but clearly they've replaced the yoga mat chemical & have improved this bread dramatically. & I bet that you didn't know that McDonald's, Burger King, & everywhere else use that yoga mat chemical for their bread as well but because that isn't broadcasted no one says anything about it. Subway was popular even when the bread had yoga mat chemical..& it still is. People would have never known until it was publicized. I know this because my family are subway owners for 8 years now. So put the right information under the right title.

What about KFC? That can't be healthy either.

number 1 is pretty obvious!!!!!!LOL

MSG hasn't actually been scientifically linked to anything bad...

since when does MSG cause a mood disorder? Plz!!??

each of these places does have a healthy option...so thanks "diet expert." you mean if I want to stay slim I shouldn't eat Big Macs and whoppers?!?!

chickfila is the best thing to grace the world ever (after Jesus obv), and makes me the happiest girl ever! not about to give my happy place up!