McDonald’s (and other fast food) are one of the most widely consumed food items across the world. Fast food in general is liked by people of all ages. However, they can be problematic for a fighter’s diet.

A fighter pursuing a professional career in fighting needs to maintain his/her diet in order to bring out the best in themselves. A fighter’s day-to-day routine involves high-intensity training and in order to recover, diet plays a massive role and fast food can hamper the same.

That said, in this piece we will take a look at how McDonald’s or other fast food can be harmful for a fighter.

We have compared a standard meal from McDonald’s with a typical dish a fighter may have. See the nutritional information below:

Reasons why McDonald’s is not good for a fighter

#1 High in Unhealthy Fats: 

Many McDonald’s items, such as burgers and fried foods, are loaded with unhealthy saturated fats and trans fats. These types of fats can increase inflammation and slow down recovery, which is crucial for fighters who need to stay in top physical condition.

#2 Excess Calories: 

Fast food is often calorie-dense, meaning it provides a lot of calories in small portions. Fighters need to carefully manage their calorie intake to maintain a healthy weight for their sport. Overeating calorie-dense foods can lead to weight gain, which can be detrimental for a fighter trying to stay within a specific weight class.

READ MORE: UFC Weight Classes Explained

#3 Low in Nutritional Value: McDonald’s meals tend to be low in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that a fighter needs for optimal performance, recovery, and energy. A fighter’s diet should focus on nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, complex carbs, fruits, and vegetables to fuel training and enhance recovery.

#4 Refined Carbs and Sugar: Many menu items, like fries, burgers, and sodas, are rich in refined carbs and added sugars, which can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to energy fluctuations. Fighters need sustained, steady energy throughout their training and fights, and these kinds of foods don’t provide that.

#5 Poor Digestibility: Some fast food can be hard to digest, especially if eaten too close to training or competition. A fighter’s digestive system needs to be efficient to ensure they have energy during workouts and fights without feeling sluggish or heavy.

Why do you feel hungry not long after eating McDonald’s?

Have you ever heard the expression ‘Why do you feel hungry half hour after eating a Maccie D’s’?

Well, you might feel hungry after eating McDonald’s because their food is often high in refined carbohydrates and added sugar, which cause a rapid spike in blood sugar followed by a crash, leaving you feeling hungry again shortly after eating; this is due to a large insulin surge that quickly drops blood sugar levels, triggering hunger signals in your body. 

Key points about why McDonald’s might leave you feeling hungry:

• Fast-digesting carbs: The buns and fries in McDonald’s meals are high in simple carbohydrates that are quickly digested, leading to a rapid blood sugar spike and subsequent drop. 
• High fructose corn syrup: Many McDonald’s items contain high fructose corn syrup, which contributes to rapid blood sugar fluctuations and hunger. 
• Low fiber content: Lack of fiber in fast food means your body doesn’t feel full for as long. 
• Processed ingredients: Most McDonald’s food is highly processed, which can affect satiety and make you feel hungry sooner. 

What to do:

• Choose options with more protein and fiber: Opt for items like grilled chicken sandwiches with whole wheat buns and add a side salad to increase satiety. 
• Pay attention to portion sizes: Don’t overeat even if you’re still hungry after finishing your meal. 
• Drink plenty of water: Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger. 
• Eat slowly: Eating slowly allows your body to register fullness signals more effectively. 

Fighters who have been vocal about their love for burgers

Many fighters are known to indulge in their favourite comfort foods, including burgers, despite their strict training regimes. Here are a few fighters who have been known to love burgers:

1. Conor McGregor – Conor has been vocal about his love for burgers. In fact, he’s posted multiple times on social media about indulging in a good burger, even after intense training sessions.
2. Daniel Cormier – DC has been quite open about his love for burgers. He once said that if he wasn’t a fighter, he’d probably own a burger joint!
3. Tommy Fury – While better known for his boxing career, Tommy, like many fighters, enjoys a good burger now and then, especially post-training.
4. Jorge Masvidal – Known for his street fighting background and intense in-cage persona, Masvidal also has a love for comfort foods like burgers. He’s often seen enjoying some after a fight.
5. Khabib Nurmagomedov – The former UFC lightweight champion is arguably the fighter that loves to enjoy a burger the most. He has been quite vocal about it and even suggested that his favourite post fight meal is hamburger and coke.

Conclusion

Points mentioned earlier are the exact reason why fighters need to refrain from McDonald’s or other fast food. Interestingly, too much fast food is not good for anyone. Overall, while McDonald’s might be fine as an occasional treat, a fighter’s diet needs to be much more focused on whole, unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods to maximize performance, recovery, and long-term health.

READ MORE: The Truth Behind ‘Cheat Days’

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