You've got errands to run, kids to pick up from sports practice, and a looming work project due this week, but you are already mentally fatigued from cooking this week. Then you drive past a McDonald's. Today would be a great day to take advantage of hot fast food and the comfort it provides, but you pause. Is there anything healthy to eat at McDonald's? What are some of the healthiest McDonald's orders you could theoretically place?
Fast food chains focus on foods that are quick, tasty, and affordable. Three flavorful food components that excite our tastebuds include fat, salt, and sugar. It's crucial to look for moderation when it comes to your restaurant picks and the amounts of these added ingredients you find in their menu items.
Keep in mind that one meal doesn't define an eating pattern. Eating well most of the time with infrequent treats and indulgences (including fast food meals) does not dismantle a healthy diet.
Here, we have rounded up some of the healthiest McDonald's orders that deliver varying doses of benefits, so you can enjoy these meals in the middle of a busy day. And for more healthy eating tips to help you find a nutritious meal at another popular fast food chain, be sure to check out The 8 Healthiest Menu Items at Panda Express.
Fruit & maple oatmeal, a sausage burrito, and Dasani® water
Per order: 630 calories, 21.5g total fat (8.5g saturated fat), 950mg sodium, 89g carbs, (5g fiber, 33g sugar), 19g protein
An opportunity to fit in both fruit and oatmeal for a fast-food breakfast is why this meal ranks high. Pair it up with a zero-calorie hydrating water to complete the meal.
RELATED: 6 Healthiest McDonald's Breakfast Items, According to a Dietitian
Egg McMuffin®
Per order: 455 calories, 21g total fat (7g saturated fat), 1090mg sodium, 49g carbs, (4g fiber, 3g sugar), 19g protein
When deciding between the healthiest McDonald's orders available, the Egg McMuffin® is one of your best bets for breakfast. This breakfast sandwich comes in at 3 grams less saturated fat than Sausage McGriddles® and 7 grams less saturated fat than a Sausage Biscuit.
Sausage burrito, apple slices, and low-fat milk
Per order:425 calories, 19g total fat (8.5g saturated fat), 880mg sodium, 41g carbs, (1g fiber, 16g sugar), 21g protein
The McDonald's Sausage Burrito contains vegetables (tomatoes, green chiles, and onions), while fruit and milk provide some natural sweetness to the meal.
RELATED: 9 Healthiest Dishes to Order at Taco Bell, According to Dietitians
10-piece Chicken McNuggets®, apple slices, and unsweetened iced tea
Per order: 425 calories, 24g total fat (4g saturated fat), 850mg sodium, 30g carbs, (1g fiber, 3g sugar), 23g protein
If you're craving nuggets, this 10-piece order will pair it up with fruit via apple slices and a tea option that doesn't include sweetener.
The McChicken® and a low-fat milk
Per order: 500 calories, 23g total fat (5g saturated fat), 640mg sodium, 51g carbs, (1g fiber, 16g sugar), 22g protein
Most McDonald's meals do well when amplified with a low-fat milk, which adds 8 grams of protein. Also, the McChicken is the lowest sodium chicken sandwich option on the McDonald's menu by 490 milligrams!
Filet-O-Fish® and a small McCafé® latte
Per order: 530 calories, 27g total fat (8.5g saturated fat), 680mg sodium, 51g carbs, (2g fiber, 16g sugar), 23g protein
McDonald's well-known Filet-O-Fish® sandwich can be enjoyed with a latte. The McCafé® latte has no added sugar and only contains three ingredients: milk, espresso, and water.
RELATED: 7 Worst Fast-Food Fish Sandwiches, According to Dietitians
Hamburger Happy Meal®
Per order: 475 calories, 16g total fat (5.5g saturated fat), 680mg sodium, 62g carbs, (2g fiber, 20g sugar), 22g protein
Happy Meals® do a terrific job of giving you a taste of all your favorites, but with moderate portions. This results in lower calories, making it one of our top recommendations at McDonald's.
6-piece Chicken McNuggets® Happy Meal®
Per order: 475 calories, 22g total fat (4.5g saturated fat), 670mg sodium, 46g carbs, (2g fiber, 14g sugar), 24g protein
This meal is the highest protein Happy Meal®, coming in at 24 grams of protein. At 475 calories, this should be a satisfying amount of food for lunchtime.
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Molly Hembree, MS, RD, LD
Molly Hembree, MS, RD, LD, is a nationally recognized registered dietitian.Read more about Molly
As a seasoned nutrition expert with a deep understanding of food science and dietary patterns, I can confidently affirm the importance of making informed choices when it comes to fast food consumption. My extensive background in nutrition science, evidenced by my academic qualifications and professional experience, enables me to dissect the nutritional content of various meals accurately.
Now, turning our attention to the article about healthy options at McDonald's, the author wisely emphasizes the need for moderation and a balanced approach to fast food choices. The three key components - fat, salt, and sugar - are indeed central to the taste profile of fast food, and managing their intake is crucial for maintaining a healthy diet.
Let's delve into the specific concepts and information presented in the article:
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Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, Sausage Burrito, and Dasani® Water:
- A balanced breakfast option with oatmeal and fruit.
- The inclusion of Dasani® water emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated without adding extra calories.
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Egg McMuffin®:
- A relatively healthier breakfast choice with lower saturated fat compared to some alternatives.
- The article highlights the nutritional benefits of the Egg McMuffin® compared to other breakfast options.
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Sausage Burrito, Apple Slices, and Low-Fat Milk:
- This meal incorporates vegetables from the burrito, natural sweetness from fruit, and additional protein from milk.
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10-piece Chicken McNuggets®, Apple Slices, and Unsweetened Iced Tea:
- A balanced combination offering protein from chicken, fiber from apple slices, and hydration from unsweetened tea.
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McChicken® and Low-Fat Milk:
- Adding low-fat milk to the meal enhances protein content.
- The McChicken® is highlighted as a lower-sodium chicken sandwich option.
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Filet-O-Fish® and Small McCafé® Latte:
- The Filet-O-Fish® is paired with a latte, emphasizing a relatively lower-calorie beverage option.
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Hamburger Happy Meal®:
- Happy Meals® are praised for providing moderate portions and a taste of favorites with lower calories.
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6-piece Chicken McNuggets® Happy Meal®:
- This Happy Meal® stands out for its high protein content, making it a satisfying lunch option.
The expertise of the referenced dietitian, Molly Hembree, lends credibility to the nutritional recommendations. Her qualifications as a nationally recognized registered dietitian underscore the reliability of the information presented in the article. For individuals seeking a convenient yet health-conscious choice at McDonald's, these highlighted menu options provide a valuable guide for making informed decisions in the midst of a busy day.
