Is In-N-Out Bad For You?
Also Known As: In-N-Out Burger
Short answer
A number of positives work in its favor to make having an occasional meal at In-N-Out a better choice than many other fast food options.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Although established in 1948, In-N-Out Burgers has fewer than 300 locations which are primarily concentrated in the American Southwest. This fast-food eatery professes that a lack of franchising is what has allowed it to maintain control over the quality of its food, as well as helping it to uphold the family-owned feel upon which it built its reputation. Well known for taking good care of its employees and for being committed to charitable endeavors, In-N-Out is affectionately referred to as “food with integrity”. This coupled with a simple, consistently tasty, unchanging menu has earned it a cult following which includes celebrity chefs Julia Child, Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain.
Despite the fact that this burger chain promotes its use of fresh and natural ingredients, its offerings suffer from the same concerns as those found at other eateries of this kind. The famous Neopolitan Shake, which weighs in at 590 calories, should be avoided at all costs, and all burgers and fries are high in both fat and sodium. However, when compared to other fast food alternatives, In-N-Out does have some advantages.
The ingredients used are delivered and used fresh, and the meat in burgers is 100% pure beef – no fillers, preservatives or additives. Potatoes are cut in house, and fries are freshly prepared in 100% vegetable oil. A small menu consisting of 3 basic burger choices and fries makes it easy to eliminate certain elements of a meal and save on both fat and calories.
In addition, the portions at In-N-Out are not huge – unless you’re dipping into the secret menu and ordering a triple or quadruple patty burger. A standard hamburger can be had for 390 calories, and with a few tweaks can be whittled down even further. All burgers can be ordered Protein Style – wrapping your meat in lettuce instead of a bun will get you down to 240 calories. The special sauce which burgers are normally slathered with is mayonnaise based and trading it in favor of ketchup and mustard is another way of keeping calories and fat content in check.
In-N-Out is by no means health food. Fat and sodium are the biggest concern, and a double burger with cheese will cost you 650 calories. Add fries and you’ll be well in excess of 800 calories, but as a dietary splurge, you can satisfy yourself that the food is fresh and contains a minimal number of additives.
Possible short-term side effects
- water retention
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dehydration
Possible long-term side effects
- coronary heart disease
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stroke
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kidney disease
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high blood pressure
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high cholesterol
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obesity
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- preservative free
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fresh ingredients used
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 01-07-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 01-07-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016