List Of Calories In Foods

10 Most Unhealthy Meals Served by America's Fast Food Chains

The new list may shock some people as it contains some of our favorite fast food menu items including specialty pizzas, juicy hamburgers and potpies.

The fast food items made it to the top of the list this year after an in-depth consumer study conducted by the analytical group, 24/7 Wall Street.

Analysts say "Junk" foods, or processed, low-nutrient foods, are still a significant part of the American diet.

French fries, mainly purchased from fast food restaurants, are still on the rise and Americans consumed an average of 152 pounds of added sugars in just one year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Since junk food is often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, sodium and/or calories, gaining an understanding of what draws Americans to it may motivate some to maintain healthier dietary behaviors, food experts said.

Like us on Facebook

Eating healthier diets could prevent at least $71 billion per year in medical costs, lost productivity, and lost lives, according to the U.S. Department of Health.

Obesity alone is estimated to cost $117 billion, and osteoporosis costs $14 billion in medical expenses.

Although fast food chains are now offering a lot of “healthy food” options, some food experts say they may not be better for you.

Nutritionists say fast food outlets would be better off reformulating their entire menus, making small changes in salt and fat content and adding more vegetables rather than just offering some token healthier alternatives.

"Fast food restaurants are legitimately concerned about negative publicity,” said Charles Areni, an academic professor at the University of Sydney.

“It’s a public relations move to say, 'We're doing something about healthy food options', but what they may inadvertently be doing is making things worse."

He says research from Duke University found a person can feel they've met a health goal by taking a small action such as considering a salad without actually ordering it.

"It's a social necessity to offer a healthier option these days," he said.

Lola Berry, nutritionist and author of the recently released book Inspiring Ingredients , says it's becoming trendy to be healthy and fast food outlets are giving consumers what they want – healthier options.

"If it means people who would always eat fast food having a salad meal instead of a burger and chips, then it's a positive step, but it's scary to think that some of the healthier options, if you go through them with a fine-tooth comb, aren't necessarily all that much healthier," Berry said.