The luggage is loaded in the trunk, the alarm system is set, and the kids are jumping up and down with excitement. You’re about to embark on vacation but you won’t be flying. Rather, you'll spend hours in the car, driving to your summertime getaway.
Everyone is bound to get hungry along the way. Per typical road trip protocol, you'll probably be hitting a fast food joint to save time and money. Before you devour that grub, make sure it’s not one of these horrible excuses for food.
1. McDonald’s Deluxe Breakfast
Image via Flickr by dave_mcmt
You’ve gotten an early morning start on your road trip and McDonalds’ golden arches are in clear sight. The Deluxe Breakfast is screaming your name. Travelers beware! Indulge in this array of carbohydrates (biscuit, hash browns, hotcakes, syrup) and you‘ll be sending your blood sugar skyrocketing. With 1,360 calories, 64 grams of fat, 160 grams of carbs, and 46 grams of sugar, you’d be better off eating an entire package of cookies.
2. Dairy Queen Chicken Strip Basket
Just as if fried chicken fingers and fries weren’t terrible enough for the human body, Dairy Queen takes it one step further. This basket claims everything that is wrong with America’s fast food cuisine. With 6 deep-fried chicken strips, a mound of fries, a huge piece of Texas toast, and a pool of gravy. You would be inhaling 57 grams of fat and 1,370 calories. You can also be guaranteed greasy fingers all over the steering wheel.
3. Subway Double Meatball Marinara with Cheese
Image via Flickr by (vincent desjardins)
It’s surprisingly the calorie chart-topper of this gluttonous cuisine list. Eat a foot-long sub filled with twenty meatballs as well as multiple slices of cheese and you’ve almost maxed out the average suggested daily calorie intake. This 1,720 –calorie messy treat is not what spokesman Jared had in mind when promoting weight loss with Subway sandwiches.
4. Burger King Triple Whopper with Cheese
You’re just asking for an artery-clogging dilemma with this one. A burger bun is filled with three greasy patties, cheese, and tons of mayo. Not only will it make most people sick with its 1200 calories and 80 grams of fat, it'll also make an absolute mess in those used cars at DriveTime.com you’re testing out for your roadtrip. If you want to get ketchup all over your new car and feel nauseous, this burger is your sure bet.
5. Quizno’s Tuna Melt
You think you’ve made a healthy decision by opting for a sandwich shop over a fast food drive-thru. Then, you mistakenly believe that choosing tuna for your large sandwich is wise. Don’t be fooled by this mayonnaise-filled blend. Loaded on toasty white bread with melted cheese creates a whopping 1,460-calorie and 27 grams of saturated fat road trip meal.
6. Hardee’s Monster Thickburger
The burger uses the word “monster” in its name. That should be your first sign. Yet, it’s every meat-lover’s dream. You should resist this feast of two patties, three slices of cheese, four bacon strips, and mound of mayo. Loaded with 1,300 calories, 93 grams of fat, and 2,860 mg of sodium, you'll be holding your belly as you painfully drive to your destination.
Turning a blind eye to poor food choices will only cause sick stomachs and regret on your summer road trip. Either pack a cooler of healthy choices or read up on your favorite fast food nutritional facts before you get into the car.
