As Donald Trump enjoys his second term as president, his love for burgers continues to be a hot topic. A new Trump-themed restaurant opened in Texas on Election Day, celebrating his well-known burger affection. Recently, a photo went viral of Trump and his team, including Elon Musk, enjoying McDonald’s together.
With all this burger buzz, the question arises: can we make fast food healthier?
Delish has ranked some of the healthiest burger options available, evaluating nutritional content like calories, carbohydrates, fat, and sodium across various fast-food menus.
Laura Manaker, a dietitian from South Carolina, emphasizes that burgers can fit into a balanced diet, offering protein and iron. The key is moderation and being mindful of what accompanies your burger.
Here are the top five healthiest burgers:
5. Whataburger Jr.
Whataburger’s Whataburger Jr. makes the list with only 310 calories, 36 grams of carbs, and just 3 grams of saturated fat. It includes classic toppings like tomato, lettuce, pickles, onions, and mustard. However, it does have 750 milligrams of sodium.
4. In-N-Out Hamburger
The In-N-Out hamburger, with 360 calories and 16 grams of protein, earns its spot. This burger features onions, spread, tomato, and lettuce. A “protein style” option swaps the bun for a lettuce wrap, reducing calories to 200 and carbs to just 8 grams!
3. McDonald’s Classic Hamburger
McDonald’s classic hamburger stands out with 250 calories and 13 grams of protein. With toppings like pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard, it makes for a solid fast-food choice.
2. Burger King Whopper Jr.
The Whopper Jr. offers a slightly smaller portion but packs a punch with 15.2 grams of protein, 310 calories, and the lowest sodium content of any burger on the list at 390 mg.
1. Wendy’s Jr. Hamburger
Topping the list is Wendy’s Jr. hamburger, boasting an impressive 280 calories and 15 grams of protein. It’s made with standard toppings like pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard.
To make your fast-food trips a bit healthier, consider these tips:
- Opt for grilled chicken or veggie burgers instead of double patties to cut back on saturated fats and calories.
- Choose salads over fries for added vitamins and fiber.
- If fries are a must, go bunless to reduce carbs and calories.
- Swap sugary drinks for water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water to avoid empty calories.
With just a few smart choices, you can enjoy your favorite burgers while keeping your meals healthier!