The Big Mac is not inherently toxic, and most of its ingredients are common and safe; it can therefore be included occasionally in an overall healthy diet, even if a homemade version remains preferable to maximize protein and nutrient intake.

noli's read

The creator is entirely correct to downplay concerns about additives: scientific evaluations by official bodies such as the EFSA confirm the perfect safety of using potassium sorbate or xanthan gum at standard levels. On a behavioral level, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted by Conlin et al. in 2021 demonstrates that a flexible approach to eating, which allows for the inclusion of occasional pleasure foods, promotes a better relationship with food and better weight regulation than rigid restriction. Conversely, the creator’s nuance regarding frequency is crucial: a vast umbrella meta-analysis of observational studies published in the BMJ in 2024 by Lane and his team associates daily consumption of ultra-processed foods with a decline in metabolic well-being. Thus, the proposed compromise is scientifically valid, as the impact of a fast-food meal depends primarily on the balance and variety of your plate over the long term. Finally, preferring a homemade alternative allows for better control over the quality of fats and optimizes protein intake to maximize satiety.

the sources

1. 1Hall KD, Ayuketah A, Brychta R, et al. 2019
2. 2Lane MM, Gamage E, Du S, et al. 2024
3. 3Stewart TM, Williamson DA, White MA 2002
4. 4Neumark-Sztainer D et al. 2007