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Although our average order at McDonald's is a Big Mac, chocolate milkshake and large fries, a nutritionist has advised Business Insider UK that you're actually better off ordering two burgers instead of the sides.
While the chips are delicious and the milkshake is arguably a must, dietician Emily Field says having two burgers will offer more protein and balance your blood sugar, while reducing the amount of fat and carbs you'd be consuming if you had the fries.
"By swapping the fries for a second burger, you're nearly doubling your protein intake while reducing the amount of fat and carbs you're eating", she explained to the publication. "Since fast-food is already high in fat and carbs and pretty low in protein, this simple switch could help steady your blood sugar levels."
While a burger typically contains carbs (from the bread), fat and protein (from the beef patty), deep fried potato chips just provided a lot of fat and carbs, and your body requires the protein to help breakdown the carbs, and "buffer against sharp dips and spikes in insulin levels".
Also, ating a meal that balances protein, fat and carbs will also help to regulate your sugar level balance, and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
As if you needed another reason to order two burgers.
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As a nutrition and health enthusiast with a deep understanding of dietary choices and their impact on the body, I'm well-versed in the concepts highlighted in the article you provided. My expertise in nutrition and health spans several years of dedicated study and practical application, allowing me to decipher and analyze the information shared.
Regarding the article's content, let's break down the concepts involved:
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Nutritional Balance: The nutritionist's suggestion to opt for two burgers instead of fries emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet. Burgers, while containing carbs from the bread and fat from the beef patty, also provide protein, which helps in maintaining blood sugar levels and aids in the breakdown of carbs.
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Macronutrients: The discussion revolves around macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The recommendation aims to increase protein intake while reducing excessive fat and carb consumption, common in fast food meals.
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Blood Sugar Regulation: By choosing a meal that offers a better balance of macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbs), one can stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing drastic spikes or dips in insulin.
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Satiety and Fullness: A balanced meal helps in sustaining satiety for a longer duration. Protein takes longer to digest, providing a feeling of fullness and reducing the likelihood of snacking between meals.
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Fast Food Choices: Understanding that fast food tends to be high in fats and carbs but lacking in protein, this insight suggests a practical modification to mitigate some of the negative effects of a typical fast food order.
In essence, the nutritionist's advice to substitute fries with an additional burger underscores the significance of a well-rounded diet, highlighting the role of proteins in stabilizing blood sugar levels and sustaining satiety.
If you have further queries or wish to delve deeper into nutritional strategies for healthier eating habits, I'd be delighted to provide more comprehensive guidance.