However, it is disheartening to acknowledge that some of the most popular chain restaurants contribute significantly to the overall "health" concerns associated with this beloved meal.
Regrettably, Chili's holds the dubious distinction of offering the most nutritionally unfavorable chain burger. Their "Bacon Rancher Burger" consists of two beef patties, six bacon slices, ranch dressing, cheese, and sautéed onions. Remarkably, this burger claims the highest calorie content among all the burgers on the Chili's menu, nearly encompassing an entire day's worth of calories in a single serving.
Alas, Chili's is not alone in this regard, as numerous other establishments also fall into the category of top offenders.
From Eat This, Not That:
PER BURGER: 1710 calories, 123 g fat (50 g saturated fat), 2,660 mg sodium, 48 g carbs (3 g fiber, 14 g sugar), 100 g protein
If the bacon didn't give it away, it's all the other additions that put this burger over the edge nutritionally.
"The Bacon Rancher Burger contains 2 beef patties, 6 slices of bacon, ranch dressing, cheese, and sauteed onions. It contains the highest number of calories amongst the other burgers on the Chili's menu and packs almost a full day's worth of calories just in one burger," says Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics. "The average person may only need between 1,800-2,200 calories a day. This burger is also very high in sodium, above the daily recommended amount of 2,300 mg a day, and packs 2,660 milligrams in just one burger."
PER BURGER: 1,140 calories, 80 g fat (33 g saturated fat), 2,180 mg sodium, 65 g carbs (4 g fiber, 15 g sugar), 40 G protein
Who doesn't love Outback Steakhouse's Bloomin' Onion? But on top of a burger, it's a nutrition nightmare.
"This burger is topped with big fried onion rings, which have been breaded (likely with lots of salt), then deep fried, making it high in total fat, saturated fat, and sodium. It packs 1,140 calories, which is equal to about 2 meals worth of calories for most people," says Ehsani. "Plus if you have it with a side of fries (or potatoes, mac & cheese, or more bloom petals), that will increase total calories, total fat, and sodium even more!"
It's truly astounding to witness the staggering amounts of fat, calories, sodium, and carbohydrates crammed into these indulgent meals.
Undoubtedly, this revelation compels one to reconsider their decision before placing an order.
