Health 2 eating burgers is healthier than a burger and fries?

How does the balance of meals affect the body??

Many people in Germany like to eat a burger. A very popular side dish to the burger are often fries. Nutrition experts now advise that at such a meal rather a second burger should be consumed instead of fries. The reason given for this is that it makes sense to focus on the balance of a meal, for example to avoid so-called food cravings.

Often, foods are generally divided into two distinct categories - healthy and unhealthy. It is more important than the orientation on such a subdivision, however, to pay attention to the balance of individual meals in the diet.

Fast food is also becoming increasingly popular in Germany. A nutrition expert advises to eat two burgers rather than a burger and fries as a side dish. Such a diet is said to be more balanced and healthier for the body. (Image: Alexander Raths / fotolia.com)

The importance of protein, fat and carbohydrates for a healthy diet

If you want to eat a balanced meal, three food components are essential. These are protein, fat and carbohydrates. These components perform different tasks in the body. For example, protein is very important for the function of the muscles. Carbohydrates are important energy sources and fat is used by the body to process vitamins and minerals. When these three important building blocks of nutrition are in balance, this is the sign of a balanced diet. For example, such a diet would make sufferers less likely to suffer from food cravings, says nutrition expert Emily Field on their English-language portal.

Why choose a second burger instead of fries??

For a classic fast food meal, you'd better eat two burgers instead of fries as a side dish. The explanation is simple: a single burger (without cheese and sauce) has between about 300 and 400 calories. The Bürgerbrötchen contains carbohydrates and the meat contains important protein and fat. French fries, on the other hand, mainly contain carbohydrates and fat. So, given the lack of protein, these are not compatible with the principle of balanced nutrition. In other words, fries with a burger are not recommended. If the fries are left out and a second burger is consumed instead, this can double the protein intake and at the same time save on fats and carbohydrates.

A well-balanced diet is very important

The meal rule that may seem quirky for some people has also been scientifically substantiated. One study found that a well-balanced diet is crucial because various macronutrients play an important role in the regulation of human blood sugar levels. The results of the study were recently published in the journal Nutritional Metabolism.

How many carbohydrates, fats and protein should we eat daily?

At least 50 percent of the daily energy intake should be in the form of carbohydrates, advises the Austrian Society for Nutrition (ÖGE). For women, this would amount to about 230 grams. For men, the value is at least 300 grams. Of these, protein should account for about eight to ten percent of daily energy needs, and fats about 30 percent.

Eat as little saturated fat as possible

If people have an energy requirement of 2,000 kilocalories, the recommended fat content of 30 percent is about 65 grams. So-called saturated fatty acids are usually contained in animal products, the proportion of these fatty acids should be kept as low as possible in the diet, because otherwise a negative impact on blood lipids in the body could arise, say the experts. (As)