Think your restaurant meal is healthier than fast food? We have some bad news.

by Mamamia Team July 23, 2015

Image: iStock

Making healthy choices when you’re dining out seems fairly straightforward.

The general philosophy goes something like this: greasy fast food, not ideal for every day; restaurant food, quality meal that’s good for me. Extra smug points if it comes with green things on the side.

That line of thinking sounds legit, but according to new research, it’s actually quite flawed. Sorry to burst your “Call me Gwyneth Paltrow ” bubble, but it turns out the quality and calorie intake associated with fast food and restaurant meals is actually pretty even.

And, in some cases, the latter is actually worse for your health. Le sigh.

The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found both kinds of dining are linked to increased daily levels of fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and calorie consumption when compared to the humble dishes* you whip up at home. (*Presumably that means fresh stir fries and nutritious slow cooker meals rather than, ahem, a bowl of cereal for dinner.) (Post continues after gallery.)

Celebrity fast food fiends

Kerry Washington

Cara Delevingne

Drew Barrymore

Hilary Duff

Jessie J

Emma Roberts

Heidi Klum

Kaley Cuoco

Anna Kendrick

Lena Dunham

Shailene Woodley

Tara Reid

Sarah Hyland

However, that’s not the most surprising finding. The research also indicated full-service restaurant patrons were ingesting more sodium and cholesterol than fast food fiends. Just when you thought you’d made the most educated choice like the sensible grown-up you are.

This isn’t to say you should swing by KFC next time you’re meeting a friend for dinner — just don’t assume a meal that’s served on crockery rather than in a grease-specked brown bag is necessarily going to be better for your health. And, of course, it all depends on what you order.

It's sad news, I know.

That's okay too. It's fine to treat yourself to delicious things. Anybody who expects you to eat kale soup 24/7 is a masochist.

However, don't go weeping into your Pad Thai just yet —there was some happier news for anyone out there who has Menulog in their bookmarks.

Apparently, eating takeaway restaurant food in the comfort of your own

beanbag

home might be a healthier option than eating it in the actual establishment. Study author Ruopeng An told TIME dining in was linked to a rise in calories, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium — but eating that same meal at home produced lower levels. (Post continues after gallery.)