Prepare for a serving of nostalgia.
Fast food is a big part of our culture because it’s convenient and you know what to expect. However, diet experts say it’s important not to go to places like McDonald’s too often. They don’t suggest it because most of the food there has too much unhealthy fat, salt, sugar, and other not-so-good things for our bodies. This advice comes from Kelsey Costa, who is a nutrition expert.
Even though it’s important to be careful, one diet expert says it’s okay to go to McDonald’s every now and then. This expert, Amanda Sauceda, thinks that while it’s not something she’d eat every day, it can be a nice treat once in a while. She believes that McDonald’s has a familiar and comforting feeling that can make eating there enjoyable, especially when it comes to the social and emotional side of eating.
Experts suggest that having a plan can help you pick healthier options at places like McDonald’s.
Trista Best, a diet expert, says it’s important to have ways to make good food choices at drive-thrus. Some of these strategies could include checking out the menu beforehand, picking grilled food instead of fried, choosing smaller portions, and not getting sugary drinks. This way, you can maintain a balanced diet.
Best says these tips can help you pick healthier options when you want a quick fast-food meal. You can also talk to a diet expert for advice, just like we did.
What To Order at McDonald’s, According to Dietitians
An Egg McMuffin
Many experts we talked to suggested the Egg McMuffin. Nia Rennix, a dietitian and nutritionist who started The Rennix Weigh, says it’s a good choice. It has less than 500 calories and gives you 17 grams of protein.
Another diet expert thinks the Egg McMuffin is a good choice. Brittany Werner, who is from a program called Working Against Gravity, says it’s a lower-calorie option at 310 calories. She also points out that it has a good balance of nutrients, like 13 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbs, and 17 grams of protein in each sandwich.
Oatmeal with fruit
Not into eggs? Rennix says oatmeal with fruit (320 calories) is another good option.
A Happy Meal
Get ready to feel a bit nostalgic. Diet experts say that getting a Happy Meal can make your McDonald’s visit a bit healthier. But what should you pick? Some say go for the burgers, while others say McNuggets.
Emily Tills, a dietitian, suggests that you can order a Happy Meal with a regular cheeseburger, apple slices, and milk. This gives you about 23 grams of protein, and it’s less than 500 calories. She’s a registered dietitian and the founder of Nourished with Emily, LLC.
Sauceda also thinks it’s perfectly fine to have a burger once in a while when you go to McDonald’s. She believes that the plain cheeseburgers are really good, even though they’re simple. She also likes having fries with her burger, but she skips the buns to even out the carbs and protein.
Werner adds that cheeseburgers have good nutrients. She explains that this classic menu item has 300 calories and a balanced mix of nutrients, with 13 grams of fat, 32 grams of carbs, and 15 grams of protein. If you order a plain hamburger instead, you’ll save 50 calories.
However, some pros prefer the McNuggets.
“I go through the McDonald’s drive-thru about once a month,” says Allie Echeverria, MS, RD, LD. She usually gets a 10-piece Chicken McNugget, but if she returns a second or third time, she downsizes rather than supersizes her order.
“If I’m going to be eating fast food more frequently, I switch to the Happy Meal version for smaller serving sizes,” Echeverria explains.
Costa is a vegetarian, but she still thinks chicken McNuggets can be a good choice for meat-eaters at McDonald’s. She’s a fan of the Happy Meal for adults, which includes six Chicken McNuggets. They have 250 calories, 15 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbs, and 14 grams of protein.
Costa points out that the McNuggets have a decent amount of protein and are a bit more balanced compared to a regular cheeseburger. They have fewer processed carbs, saturated fats, and calories. However, she advises eating them in moderation because they are processed and have a long list of ingredients.
Don’t forget the water
When you eat fast food, especially things like salty fries, drinking water can help balance out the effects of the salt. It keeps your body’s fluids in the right balance. Water also quenches your thirst better than sugary or high-calorie drinks. Picking water instead of soda or other sugary drinks is a wise decision for your health and nutrition.
Other Snacks To Grab When You’re On the Go
If you want something different than McDonald’s or just need a snack for the road, dietitians suggest having some simple snacks with you.
According to Best, things like apples, oranges, bananas, nuts, and baby carrots are really good options. They have important nutrients, fiber, and healthier fats, which are a better mix of nutrition compared to fried and processed foods. These snacks can help satisfy your hunger and give you steady energy, making them easy and healthier choices for munching while on the go.
Long story short: It’s OK to eat at McDonald’s sometimes; just try to limit your visits when you can and stick with the healthier options.
Sources
- Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for Consumer Health Digest
- Amanda Sauceda, MS, RD, a registered dietitian
- Trista Best, RD, LD, MPH, a registered dietician at Balance One Supplements
- Nia Rennix RD, MA, MSc, is a dietitian and nutritionist and founder of The Rennix Weigh
SOURCE:PARADE