Anyone who has even stayed out late drinking knows that inevitably someone suggests a stop for greasy fast food on the ride home. There’s a reason why places like Taco Bell and Waffle House are open until the sun is practically up. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this kind of food isn’t doing your diet any favors, but it’s hard not to take a peek at just how extensive the damage.
Rehabs.com is responsible for dropping this guilt bomb on your day. The educational website surveyed more than 5,900 people about their post-heavy drinking habits to gather data on national trends.
Across the country, McDonald’s and Waffle House are two of the most well-loved, late night options. Denny’s, IHOP and Wendy’s are also top finishers. But the most popular post-heavy drinking food stop was none other than Taco Bell (did you really think it would be anywhere else?).
Despite Taco Bell’s sizable healthy menu, late night eaters aren’t exactly looking for fresco style. The most common order for both genders was tacos, followed by quesadillas for women and burritos for men.
McDonald’s diners go for burgers and McChicken’s, while waffles and hash browns top the list over at Waffle House.
On average, the study found that men consumed about 790 calories and women about 759 calories after a night of heavy drinking.
Considering most people should eat about 1,600 to 2,500 calories per day, tacking on an extra 700+ calories is a substantial increase. That’s on top of what the few hundred calories likely already consumed in alcoholic beverages.
So if you’re heading out for the night, consider skipping the late night food stop altogether, or if you can’t resist, cut back by a drink or two at bar to save yourself some calories overall. Your body will be glad you did.
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