Washington, D.C.–area favorite Five Guys burst across the fast-food scene since they started offering franchises in 2003, with well over a thousand locations now open across America, and even Canada and the U.K. The burger joint offers a simple menu with fresh ingredients free of artificial flavors or hidden chemicals. The 80/20 USDA ground beef is hand-formed per order.
The easiest way to keep your calories, carbs, and fat in check is to nix the french fries. An order of fries adds a whopping 411 grams and more than 900 calories. Employees often throw an extra scoop in the bag, easily flirting with 1,200 calories, so skip ’em, and while waiting for your order, help yourself to a handful of complimentary roasted peanuts to get in some extra protein and vitamins.
We like the Veggie Sandwich for a quick and decent preworkout meal, but steer clear of the fatty and sugary sauces. The Hamburger, which comes with two beef patties, can sub in for a post-workout meal with plenty of protein and can be ordered without a bun to cut down carbs.
PRE-WORKOUT PICK: CHEESE VEGGIE SANDWICH
Grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, green peppers, lettuce, tomato, American cheese, and a sesame seed bun. Look for foods with complex carbohydrates to fuel muscle and some protein for sustained energy. Stay away from fatty and calorie-heavy foods and try to keep clear of refined carbohydrates.
CALORIES: 510
PROTEIN: 20 G
CARBS: 61 G
FAT: 21 G
POST-WORKOUT PICK: HAMBURGER
Two hamburger patties, pickles,onions, lettuce, tomato, and a sesame seed bun. After an intense workout you need to build your glycogen stores back up with carbs and lean protein to jump-start muscle tissue repair and the building of new proteins.
CALORIES: 718
PROTEIN: 39 G
CARBS: 43 G
FAT: 43 G
FAST-FOOD FATTENERS
Sometimes items that appear harmless are actually fat and calorie bombs:
BACON CHEESEBURGER AND FRIES
Two hamburger patties, bacon, American cheese, and a sesame seed bun with regular french fries.
