McDonald’s doesn’t exactly have a reputation for being a place you go to get super nutritious meals. That doesn’t mean that you have to avoid it altogether if you’re making health-conscious decisions, though!
Follow The Coconut Mama
• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
• Have feedback? Add a comment below!
Shutterstock
As a Registered Dietitian, I’ve rounded up the seven best meals to order next time you’re at McDonald’s. Keep in mind that these menu items aren’t healthy, per se, but they’re among the better choices compared to other menu items in the same category.
Note: Sodium amounts aren’t included here since it’s difficult to find low-sodium, healthier options at fast-food restaurants – calories, fat, carbs, and protein will be listed for each meal, though.
Shutterstock
If you’re hitting McDonald’s up for breakfast, the Egg McMuffin is one of your better bets. It’s rich in protein and is lower in fat than some of the other breakfast items that include high-fat ingredients like sausage and bacon.
The Egg McMuffin will save you 13 grams of total fat (including 7 grams of saturated fat) compared to the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit without sacrificing any of the filling protein.
Nutrition stats: 310 calories, 13 grams of fat (6 grams saturated), 30 grams of carbs, 17 grams of protein
(On a low-carb diet? Ditch the biscuit and it’s 170 calories, 12 grams of protein, and only 3 grams of carbs)
Shutterstock
The simple hamburger has been on McDonald’s menu since the 1940s, and there’s a reason it’s stuck around all this time. Compared to the larger burgers like the quarter-pounder, the hamburger is more modestly portioned while still providing a decent amount of protein.
Choosing the hamburger instead of the cheeseburger (that’s up next) saves you a few grams of fat, but lowers the protein content by a few grams as well.
Nutrition stats: 250 calories, 9 grams of fat (3.5 grams saturated), 30 grams of carbs, 12 grams of protein
Shutterstock
Slightly higher in protein and fat thanks to the cheese, the cheeseburger is more reasonable in terms of calories and fat compared to the larger burgers with multiple patties and several slices of cheese.
Did you know that McDonald’s Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese has 20 grams of saturated fat? That’s 98% of the recommended daily value compared to around 30% of the daily value for the simple cheeseburger.
Nutrition stats: 300 calories, 13 grams of fat (6 grams saturated), 31 grams of carbs, 15 grams of protein
Shutterstock
Compared to some of the chicken sandwiches and burgers, the Filet-O-Fish is lighter in saturated fat without sacrificing protein content. Like any of the sandwiches, you can always cut down on calories and carbs even more by removing the top bun and eating it “open-faced” (my personal favorite), or nix the bun altogether.
Nutrition stats (with bun): 380 calories, 19 grams of fat (4 grams saturated), 38 grams of carbs, 16 grams of protein)
Shutterstock
The McChicken has been one of my favorite menu items since I was in high school. (Admittedly, I ate fast food way more often back then – I wasn’t interested in nutrition at that point!)
Chicken is lower in fat than red meat like burgers, which helps keep the saturated fat in check compared to many of the burgers. Psst..you can skip the mayo and save 100 calories and 9 grams of fat without losing any protein!
Nutrition stats: 390 calories, 21 grams of fat (3.5 grams saturated), 38 grams of carbs, 14 grams of protein
No mayo: 290 calories, 10 grams of fat (2 grams saturated), 37 grams of carbs, 14 grams of protein
Shutterstock
Ahh, a favorite among grown-ups and kids alike. The 10-piece portion is a sweet spot for (likely) being enough for an adult without going overboard and getting 20 nuggets all to yourself.
Nutrition stats: 410 calories, 24 grams of fat (4 grams saturated), 26 grams of carbs, 23 grams of protein
Follow The Coconut Mama
• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
• Have feedback? Add a comment below!
Shutterstock
I’ll be honest here – I love oatmeal, but I don’t love McDonald’s oatmeal. It still makes the list, though, since it’s the only vegan-friendly, plant-based menu item in our lineup (and one of the few on the entire McDonald’s menu) — and it’s low in fat.
What part of it don’t I love? I’m glad you asked…
Shutterstock
I’m not a fan of McDonald’s oatmeal automatically containing brown sugar without any way of removing it. I’d also like to see a higher protein content for a meal, so consider adding nuts to it to boost the protein content (McDonald’s doesn’t provide nuts with their oatmeal anymore, so you’d have to bring your own).
In the meantime, you can at least cut 14 grams of sugar by skipping the raisin and dried cranberry blend, which only adds carbs and calories without much nutritional benefit. Leave the sliced apples, though — those are great!
Nutrition stats (no raisins/dried cranberries): 250 calories, 4.5 grams of fat (1.5 grams saturated), 47 grams of carbs, 5 grams of protein
Shutterstock
For a quick review, here are my seven favorite meals based on McDonald’s current menu selection:
- Egg McMuffin
- Hamburger
- Cheeseburger
- Filet-O-Fish
- McChicken
- McNuggets (10-piece)
- Fruit & Maple Oatmeal (no dried fruit)
My favorite might not be hard to guess if you were paying attention…
Shutterstock
Out of all of those choices, I’m a sucker for the McChicken. I always remove one of the buns because I’m all about the chicken and don’t miss the top bun!
How about you? Let me know which one you’d choose in the comments!
Shutterstock
Leave a Comment