Energy balance
Large-sized fast-food bundled meals (cheeseburger, fries, cola) provide 65-80% of daily energy and 63-91% of daily sodium, making portion-size labeling alone insufficient for managing intake.
When eating fast food, do not rely on 'small' or 'regular' labels to control intake. A single large meal can provide most of your daily calories and sodium. To manage intake, choose smaller items, skip sugary drinks, and be aware that sodium and calories remain high even in 'healthy' options like grilled chicken.
In 2013, the energy content of a large-sized bundled meal (cheeseburger, French fries, and regular cola) represented 65% to 80% of a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet, and sodium content represented 63% to 91% of the 2,300-mg-per-day recommendation and 97% to 139% of the 1,500-mg-per-day recommendation.
Why this rating
Longitudinal observational data from 3 major chains over 18 years, though limited to specific items.
Source
Temporal Trends in Fast-Food Restaurant Energy, Sodium, Saturated Fat, and<i>Trans</i>Fat Content, United States, 1996–2013
Lorien E. Urban et al. · Preventing Chronic Disease · 2014
DOI 10.5888/pcd11.140202
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