There’s nothing more American than a juicy hamburger with all the fixings. But the beloved burger and its cousin, the cheeseburger, have taken some flak from nutritionists over the years. Some claim that beef is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which could lead to an increased risk of heart disease if consumed too frequently. There are also many different versions of these two dishes floating around out there, including turkey burgers and veggie burgers. So how do you know which one is right for you? Read on to find out more about both of these tasty dishes so you can choose the healthier option next time you’re at a restaurant or eating at home.
Hamburger vs Cheeseburger
If you are looking for a quick and easy meal, then a hamburger is a great option. Hamburgers are made with ground beef, which is a lean protein, and are typically served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and onion. A cheeseburger is a hamburger with cheese added to the patty. Cheeseburgers are a little higher in calories and fat than hamburgers, but they are still a relatively healthy option.
What’s The Difference Between A Hamburger And Cheeseburger?
Meat
The main difference between these two dishes is the type of meat they contain. A hamburger contains ground beef, while a cheeseburger contains grilled cheese-like slices of cheese on top. This is an easy way to tell them apart, but there are other factors to consider as well.
Bun
Both burgers have a bun on top, but the bun in a cheeseburger is made from white bread or wheat bread, which is higher in carbs than regular whole-grain bread. This means that if you’re watching your carb intake, you may want to avoid the cheeseburger version and choose a hamburger instead.
Sauce
The sauce that goes on a cheeseburger is typically ketchup or mustard. However, the sauce on a hamburger can vary depending on what kind of meat it is. If you’re watching your calories, you may want to avoid the cheese version and choose a hamburger instead.
Toppings
There are many types of toppings that can be added to either burger, but the most popular ones include lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and more. It’s important to note that any other toppings that aren’t listed above will add more carbs to your meal. So if you want to keep your carb intake low, choose a hamburger instead!
Calories In A Hamburger
- A hamburger patty has about 300 calories.
- A small order of fries (1/2 cup) has about 110 calories.
- A small order of onion rings (about 4 pieces) has about 120 calories.
- A large drink such as a coke or beer is about 150 calories.
- If you add cheese to your burger, it will increase the calorie count to 340 calories per serving (one slice).
Calories In A Cheeseburger
- The calories in a cheeseburger are largely dependent on the toppings you choose. For example, a plain cheeseburger with no toppings has 290 calories, while a cheeseburger with cheese, bacon, and lettuce has 390 calories.
- The fewer the toppings on your burger, the fewer calories it will have. This is true for both a hamburger and a cheeseburger.
- The more lean meat you use in your burger, the fewer calories it will have. A hamburger made of 80% lean meat has 200 calories and 6 grams of fat per serving; whereas a hamburger made of 90% lean meat has only 220 calories and 4 grams of fat per serving. A cheeseburger made of 80% lean meat has 240 calories and 7 grams of fat per serving; whereas a cheeseburger made of 90% lean meat has 300 calories and 4 grams of fat per serving.
- How much cheese you put on your burger will also affect its calorie count: A hamburger with no cheese at all contains only 160 calories; however, if you add 100 grams (about 3 ounces) of cheese to the same burger it’s now 300 calories.
Which Is Healthier: Hamburger Or Cheeseburger?
Meat vs. Fat
Fat is a big issue in burgers, and that’s not just because of the beef. The type of fat used in beef is also a factor. Ground beef and ground turkey are both lower in fat than hamburger patties made from ground sirloin or ribeye. But the type of fat you eat can also have an effect on your health. A hamburger patty made with saturated fat is more likely to raise your cholesterol levels, while a veggie burger made with trans fats can increase your risk for heart disease. Read on to learn more about the different types of fats and whether you should avoid them altogether or keep them in moderation
Saturated Fat vs Trans Fat
When it comes to burgers, most people tend to focus on saturated fat content, as this has been shown to increase your risk for heart disease when consumed too frequently over the course of your life span But trans fats are also bad news when it comes to heart health; they’re higher in saturated fats and lower in healthy unsaturated fatty acids. Trans fats are created by partially hydrogenating oils (like soybean oil), which makes them more solid than their original oils. They’re usually found in processed foods like baked goods and snack foods like crackers, cookies, chips, and fast food items like French fries and pizza crusts.
Beef vs Turkey
The beef industry has come under fire for its use of antibiotics in its livestock. The practice is often used to make livestock grow faster, but it can also lead to antibiotic-resistant superbugs in humans. Not only that, but the meat industry is also responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. The average American eats about 250 pounds of beef a year, which accounts for roughly 15% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Eating more beef isn’t necessarily a good thing if you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint; it’s better to focus on eating less meat and opting for more plant-based options instead.
Processed vs Unprocessed
When it comes to hamburgers, most people tend to opt for processed meats like deli meats and hot dogs over those made from fresh ingredients like turkey or beef. But this might not be such a great idea if you’re trying to eat healthier and lower your risk for heart disease; processed foods are typically higher in sodium and preservatives than their unprocessed counterparts. On top of that, we’re all getting more accustomed to buying “healthy” options at the grocery store these days — so we’ve begun reaching for products with “low fat,” “no fat,” “low calorie,” “lean,” or “light” labels on them. This means that many processed foods are high in sodium and preservatives, but low in fat.
Baked vs Fried
A baked potato is a healthy choice if you’re looking to lower your intake of saturated fat and cholesterol — but most people don’t realize that French fries are also very high in both. They’re also high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease. Instead of eating fried potatoes or French fries, try making baked potatoes at home instead — they’re much healthier and taste much better! Plus, you’ll save some money as well! If you do opt to eat them cooked at a restaurant though, make sure they’re not loaded with cheese or sour cream. Those are both low-fat foods that can raise your cholesterol levels.
Final Words
A cheeseburger is generally more unhealthy than a hamburger, but it’s not impossible to eat a healthy cheeseburger. Eating a healthy cheeseburger means making a few healthy substitutions, like using low-fat cheese, whole-wheat buns, or lettuce wraps instead of buns. Similarly, there are ways to make a hamburger healthier, but it’s important to remember that burgers are not good for you in general. There are healthier options out there, like salads, that would be better for both your heart and your waistline. A burger is delicious, but it can also be incredibly unhealthy if you choose the wrong version. So the next time you’re craving a burger, think about which type is right for you.
