The 20 Unhealthiest Fried Foods That Are Terrible For Your Body
Fried Foods Won't Do You Any Good
It's not a surprise that fried foods aren't good for you, but often times, we tend to prioritize taste over health when we're feeling stressed, unhappy, or simply craving junk food. And while moderation and watching your intake are always the most important things, here is a simple reminder of 20 very unhealthy fried foods you should be more careful of. After all, all those trans fats, saturated fats, calories, and sodium won't do your body much good in the long run.
1. Fried Chicken
You may find fast food fried chicken shops at every corner down the street, and it may be a Southern classic, but that doesn't change the fact that it's incredibly unhealthy. The skin is unbelievably oily and crispy for a reason - it's been deep-fried in unhealthy oils that are likely clogging your arteries.
2. French Fries
We know a fresh batch of french fries always make for a delectable snack no matter what time of day it is, but keep in mind the unhealthy cooking process it has to go through first. When you buy them from fast food chains or restaurants, they are always deep-fried and swimming in unhealthy fats and oils that do your body no good. If possible, monitor how often you eat them and opt for baked options that are better for your health.
3. Donuts
Donuts might not share the same crispy, crunchy exterior as fried chicken or spring rolls, but have no doubt, these baked goods are typically fried. The ones sold in bakeries and grocery stores will look delicious with their glazed tops and sprinkles, but don't let that sway you. You should try going for baked, cake-based donuts that tend to be a bit healthier than their fried counterparts if you really can't resist them.
4. Onion Rings
Just because it has onions in the name doesn't make this fried treat any healthier than the others on this list. Because when you take onions, coat them in batter, and deep fry them in oils that are loaded in trans and saturated fats, it doesn't make much of a difference at all.
5. Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks have been trending all over social media thanks to their insane cheese pulls, but when you combine tons of cheese with deep-frying oil, it might just send your body into a panic. Moderation is always key and having too much mozzarella and too much fried goodness just ruins the balance.
6. Chicken Nuggets
Everyone here has likely stopped by a McDonald's drive-thru just to get their hands on their iconic McNuggets before, but if you make that a regular occurrence, you might want to slow down. These little chicken bites are fried, not baked, which is why they have a crispy exterior that also turns them quite unhealthy. If you have an air fryer or oven at home, try making your own baked ones that are so much better for you!
7. Fried Twinkies
As if Twinkies weren't unhealthy already, frying them just took it to a whole new level. While this may be a popular fair food that feels familiar and nostalgic, it's not something you want to put into your body, especially on a regular basis. Maybe it's time to just keep this one as something from the past?
Liface at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
8. Calamari
While Greek food tends to be seen as one of the healthier cuisines out there, that doesn't mean there aren't unhealthy options available. Because even though your entree might be a bit more balanced, calamari is a fried appetizer that can be high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. It's all in the breading and frying process!
9. Fried Oreos
As if Oreos weren't already incredibly high in calories, fried Oreos are a staple find at many carnivals across America. While this method of preparation does create a soft and creamy texture combined with the crunch of its shell, adding the batter and frying oils only adds to its calories, sugars, and fats.
10. Chicken Wings
Though chicken wings on the perfect hands-on food for big crowds or Super Bowl Sunday parties, if you opt for fried versions, they're definitely less healthy than other alternatives. We know you love the crunch, but given that there are baked and air-fried versions, we'd consider swapping to something that doesn't require being fried in bad oils.
11. Deep-Fried Butter
Americans really take fried foods seriously and nothing takes it to the next level than deep-fried butter. Another common fair food, this one will always be a mystery to us. Moderation is key for ingredients like butter, so downing large chunks of it fried in batter and oils doesn't exactly spell "good for your body".
Collin Harvey from Grand Prairie, Texas, USA on Wikimedia
12. Potato Chips
One of the easiest snacking foods around, potato chips are a guilty pleasure for most people. They come in a variety of different textures and flavors, and they're so easy to grab at any local grocery store. But sometimes, you have to sacrifice convenience for your health. With low nutritional value all around, these high-fat and high-sodium treats shouldn't be enjoyed in large quantities if you care about your health.
13. Fried Green Tomatoes
A popular treat down in the South, just because it mainly comprises of green tomatoes doesn't make this healthy! The moment they're coated and thrown into the deep fryer, their calorie, sodium, and fat count all skyrocket. Not to mention, many of the beloved sauces they're paired with aren't likely to be health-conscious either.
14. Fish n Chips
A British classic, fish n chips are a popular meal you can find in many restaurants and pubs all around the country. This fried dish has even made its way to North America, making it a common menu item. That being said, the majority of this dish is still fried! The mushy peas don't make it any less unhealthy than it already is. Not to mention, tartar sauce tends to be high in fats and calories too.
15. Churros
These Mexican desserts might just belong on everyone's list of favorite foods, but sadly, while they taste delicious, you have to remember they're fried pieces of dough that's made even more unhealthy by being tossed in sugar and dipped in chocolate. It's highly suggested that you look for alternative ways of preparing them, such as baking or airfrying instead!
16. Corn Dogs
Convenience takes the form of a corn dog whenever you visit a festival, fair, or carnival. Because really, what's easier than eating a hot dog coated in batter and fried on a stick? While it's simple to consume, your body will be having a hard time. That's because not only are corn dogs made with processed meat, frying them increases sugar, calorie, and sodium levels.
17. Hashbrowns
We know you've likely stopped by McDonald's for their tasty fried hashbrowns in the morning, but if you have time to spare, we recommend trying to make your own baked versions at home instead. It'll taste just as good but healthier so that you can feel better about making health-conscious decisions about what you put into your body.
18. Chicken Fried Steak
Slathered in gravy, chicken fried steak is another beloved comfort dish found most commonly in the South, and while it might provide you temporary happiness, eating it too often will be harmful to your body. After all, this massive, tenderized piece of meat has been thrown into the deep fryer and suffers the same consequences as fried chicken.
Kevin from Oklahoma, USA on Wikimedia
19. Spring Rolls
Popular in both Asian cuisines and Westernized menus, spring rolls are a crowd favorite thanks to their easy-to-eat nature and customizability with the filling. And although they're typically stuffed with a mixture of meat and veggies, it's not enough to reduce its unhealthy fats and sodium that come with deep-frying.
20. Fried Pizza
Pizza can already be quite the unhealthy food when you don't eat it in moderation, so you can only imagine what frying it does to its overall calorie, fats, sodium, and carb count. This is the perfect example of unhealthy, unnecessary excess.
