When you think of McDonald’s, you don’t necessarily think of a healthy dinner. But there are ways to choose a better-for-you dinner at the iconic fast food joint.
The chain recently came under fire after 90 cases of E. coli were linked to the Quarter Pounder. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention determined the onions were the likely cause of the outbreak.
While they took the burger off menus for a while, it has since returned. The restaurant is also bringing back spicy chicken nuggets, which were a fan favorite before they left menus.
Dietician Elizabeth Shaw recently told Eat This, Not That how to pick the healthy, high protein offerings at McDonald’s. There are a few good-for-you options at the fast food chain on those nights you really don’t feel like cooking.
A dinner that’s high in protein can help to keep you full and support muscle growth, she said. You have to be careful when choosing high protein meals, because they can oftentimes have high fat and sodium as well.
(Image: Getty)
When choosing a McDonald’s meal, look for something with 15 or more grams of protein. That will help you meet your daily suggested allowance, which is 46 to 56 grams.
It’s also important to pick a meal with some source of fiber. Shaw said that can also help you feel fuller longer, which means less snacking throughout the day. Adding extra vegetables and a whole grain bun can help with this.
When at McDonald’s, try avoiding saturated fats. That type of fat should be no more than 10% of your daily intake.
Another thing to look out for is salt. Many of the items on the menu are very high in sodium, despite the fact that a person shouldn’t consume more than 2,300 milligrams of salt per day.
Here’s what she suggests getting from McDonald’s. Pairing these meals with a side salad instead of fries will make it even better.
- Deluxe McCrispy
- Quarter Pounder Deluxe
- 10-Piece Chicken McNuggets
- McDouble
- Sausage McMuffin with Egg
- Egg McMuffin
- Cheeseburger
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