Yes, You Can Still Eat Burgers and Lose Weight (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat burgers and still lose weight? ›

Even burgers and meatballs can be light fare if you make them with ground sirloin, says Bonnie Gluck, M.S., R.D., a clinical dietitian at New York Methodist Hospital in New York City. "Lean red meat -- lean being the operative word -- is a great choice for women who are trying to shed pounds," she says.

Aids in weight management: Consuming lean ground beef as a source of protein can help you feel fuller for longer, potentially aiding in weight management. Supports bone health: Ground beef contains phosphorus, which works alongside calcium to maintain strong bones and teeth.

So let's say your diet intake per day is 1,200 calories so, Yes, you could most likely enjoy a tasty meal of 2 burgers on your cheat day. Depending on the size of the hamburger and any additional condiments such as cheese, mayonnaise, etc., a hamburger could have anywhere from 250 - 520+/- calories.

Are Burgers Healthy? Though burgers provide protein and other nutrients, they're not seen as a healthy food option. That's because they're high in saturated fat and cholesterol. They're also often bundled with sodas and french fries, which contain large amounts of sugar and saturated fats.

Those burgers, fries, and shakes usually have more fat, calories, and highly processed carbs than your body needs in one meal. This can quickly lead to weight gain and obesity if you eat it often.

“There are no hard and fast guidelines,” McKinney said. She added that for some people — like those with iron deficiency anemia — eating red meat three times a week is suggested, but for some, that much red meat would be a major health risk.

Burgers made with lean protein sources, whole grain buns, and plenty of vegetables can be a nutritious and balanced meal. On the other hand, burgers made with high-fat meats, refined buns, excessive cheese, and added sauces can be high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium.

Processed meat

Deli meat, hotdogs, and canned meat such as Spam are high in sodium and trans fat, which you should avoid if you are trying to lose weight. Like red meat, overconsumption of processed meats is linked to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes.

Yes, you can lose weight while eating rice if you control your portion sizes and overall calorie intake. Is rice good to lose belly fat? Rice can be part of a balanced diet, but losing belly fat typically requires a combination of diet, exercise, and overall calorie deficit.

Junk food items such as burgers and pizzas contain high amount of fats as well as carbohydrates.

Can I eat a burger every day? ›

If you eat a burger every day, Wiemann says that one of the biggest ways it will impact your health is by increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease. "The saturated fat found in red meat [which includes burgers] can lead to increased 'bad cholesterol' and lower levels of 'good cholesterol,'" she explains.

If you are trying to lose weight or improve your health, you may want to limit your burger intake to once every two weeks or so. And if you have a specific medical condition that requires you to watch your fat or cholesterol intake, you'll need to be even more careful about how often you eat burgers.

Nutritional value of beef and chicken

Beef is higher in calories and fats, but it also contains more omega-3 fats, vitamins, and minerals. On the other hand, chicken is higher in protein and lower in fat, making it a leaner option. Both meats are equal in cholesterol and contain no carbohydrates.

Long story short: It's probably not a good idea to eat fast food every day. But if you eat it once a week—or better yet, twice a month! —you're probably fine. Just make sure the rest of your diet is healthy and balanced.

If you are trying to lose weight or improve your health, you may want to limit your burger intake to once every two weeks or so. And if you have a specific medical condition that requires you to watch your fat or cholesterol intake, you'll need to be even more careful about how often you eat burgers.

Nutritionist Emily Field, explains that the protein in a burger keeps you full, while carbohydrates give you energy, and fat helps you absorb vitamins and minerals. So, if you eat two burgers, you're getting more amounts of these, which will keep you fuller for longer, and also stop you binging later in the day.

When you cook your meat, it will shrink by approximately 25%, due to the loss of water. So, for example, 4 oz of raw ground beef will end up being about 3 oz cooked. 8 oz of raw chicken will be about 6 oz cooked. Although the meat will weigh less, the nutritional value remains the same.