Life
6 Healthy Options at McDonalds When You're Not Feeling A Big Mac
Fast food is a healthy eater’s worst nightmare. Between the lack of options, the processed meat, and all that sugar and salt, picking a decent meal can seem like a major challenge. While you may avoid McDonald's like the plague, certain situations may arise where you’re forced to order something off the menu. Whether you’re on a road trip with a group of friends or stuck to an extremely limited budget, sometimes a fast food joint is your only option.
Over the years, McDonald's has made some adjustments to their menu to accommodate the growing healthy food movement. They have shrunk portion size, added fresh fruits and vegetables, and lowered sugar and salt content. While they still have a long way to go, there are some items on the menu that are far better to consume than others. We’ve consulted with Erica Julson, RD to help you pick the best choices when you’re at McDonald's.
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Traditional Hamburger
At only 240 calories and eight grams of fat, the traditional hamburger is a decent way to get your protein in without the extra calories of processed cheeses or sauces. “Add lettuce and tomato for extra nutrients,” says Julson. If you want to make your burger even healthier, try taking off the top bun and eating your burger open-faced.
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Grilled Snack Wraps
The McDonald’s snack wraps are all under 300 calories, and if you ask for no dressing, you save another 50. Since this menu item comes in a tortilla instead of a bun, you cut down on carbohydrates, and the grilled chicken is a healthier option than eating something fried. “McWraps may have as many calories as a premium burger, but they are also loaded with fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and lettuce,” says Julson.
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Unsweetened Iced Tea
If you typically go for a soda, try getting an unsweetened iced tea for a similar energy boost with nutritional benefits. “This is the best beverage you could choose”, says Julson. “It offers hydration, antioxidants, and no extra calories.”
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Premium Grilled Chicken Classic
“Look for items that are grilled, rather than fried,” says Julson. If you ask for no mayo, you can make this chicken sandwich a low calorie and low fat option. Their chicken sandwich is made with white meat, so you can rest assured that you are getting a lower-fat protein.
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Fruit and Maple Oatmeal
The fruit and maple oatmeal is a vegetarian option that contains whole-grain oats as well as fruits like apples and cranberries. Skip the brown sugar option and you’ll have a fiber-filled meal under 300 calories.
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Premium Salads
As you would expect, ordering a salad at McDonald’s is always a healthier option, but beware of creamy, heavy dressings, which can add a lot of calories and fat to your meal. “If you are ordering to-go, take the salad home and dress with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. “This will save you tons of calories, additives, and added sugars,” says Julson.
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