The worst fast foods exceed daily fat needs in one meal. The USDA states that "studies of American diets show that intake of saturated fat is more excessive than intake of trans fats and cholesterol" and that people should eat less saturated fat. The USDA recommends fat intake of between 20 and 35 percent of calories for adults. That's 400 to 875 calories of a 2,000 or 2,500 calorie diet with 20 and 25g saturated fat respectively. Most importantly is that a diet be wholesome, rich in vegetables and fruits and full of variety. These worst fast foods become most problematic if made a habit rather than a rare splurge.
Burgers
The highest calorie single-patty hamburger can be experienced or avoided at Carl's Jr. Its Guacamole Bacon Six Dollar Burger tops the charts at 1,040 calories, of which 650 are from fat with 24g saturated fat. Thanks to a 7 oz. patty, crispy onions, A.1. Thick & Hearty Steak Sauce and American cheese, Burger King's A.1. Steakhouse XT Burger makes a close second at 970 calories and 23g of saturated fat.
Chicken Sandwiches
Skinless chicken can offer a lower calorie alternative to burgers. But watch for breaded chicken sandwiches when counting calories. Dairy Queen takes first place for highest calorie single chicken patty sandwich with its 860-calorie Crispy FlameThrower Chicken Sandwich with 490 calories from fat and 11g of saturated fat. Burger King's 800-calorie Tendercrisp Chicken Sandwich takes second and Carl's Jr.'s 750 calorie Bacon Swiss Crispy Chicken Sandwich rounds out third place among chicken sandwiches.
Other Meals
Dairy Queen takes the gold with its Chicken Strip Basket -- 6 pieces of chicken with country gravy -- with 1,640 calories, 660 from fat and 12g saturated fat. Pizza Hut wins the silver for the 'worst' fast food with its 1,470-calorie Meat Lover's 9-inch Personal PANormous Pizza with 740 calories from fat and 30g saturated fat. That's more than the 25g maximum on a 2,500-calorie diet. Taco Bell's Volcano Nachos pack a 1,000-calorie punch while surprisingly its Chicken Ranch Taco Salad carries a close 910 calories.
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