Veg Burger, a popular American fast food dish that hit Indian shores years ago has slowly but surely gained a lot of popularity in the country, albeit with an Indian twist. And what’s not to like? A vegetarian patty is deep fried till golden crispy brown, served with eggless mayonnaise, lettuce, and a serving of french fries to go along with it. It’s the perfect meal for those who want to grab something to eat while on the go. But have you ever stopped and given it a thought on what sort of impact is it having on your health and weight? In today’s Know Your Calories blog, we’ll cover the popular Veg burger.
Ingredients: The Veg patty is made using a mixture of vegetables such as carrots, green peas, potatoes, onions and then all brought together by mashed potatoes, before being coated in a cornflour batter and deep fried. Served between buns, and loaded with mayonese, and some shredded lettuce and onion for some extra added crunch, this is by no stretch of the imagination a lean meal.
Carbohydrates: Just one Veg Burger contains 38 grams of carbohydrates, or 152 Kcal, most, if not all, of it being derived from the refined wheat bun and potatoes. Since these are refined and processed carbohydrates that are high in starch and low in dietary fiber, expect your blood glucose levels to go on a roller coaster ride.
Fats: Since the burger patty is deep fried to give it that crispy exterior, don’t expect it to be low in fats. Each burger contains 17 grams of fat, or 153 Kcal. Given that most, if not all the fats come from the refined vegetable oil that’s reused multiple times, even at your popular fast food burger outlet, expect to get at least 2 grams of trans fats as well. Doused in mayonnaise that’s thickened using, again, refined vegetable oils, this delicious treat can clog your arteries in no time.
Protein: As is the trend with unhealthy foods, each Veg burger contains a mere 6 grams of protein, or 24 Kcal. If you think that 6 grams is not a lot, then you’ve definitely been reading our blogs. What’s more, the 6 grams of protein are incomplete, which means that your body cannot utilise them efficiently.
If your taste buds are craving a burger, then don’t deprive yourself of this delicious treat. Instead of ordering it from a fast food joint, you can prepare it at home too. Swap the potatoes for boiled and mashed kidney beans or beans of your choice, bake them, use whole wheat or a multi-grain bun, and swap the mayonnaise for some yogurt, and you’ll pack yourself a healthy meal that’s ready to go.
So there you have it, another fast food broken down for you, with a healthier alternative that you can opt for. We hope you keep following us for future updates.
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