Fast food restaurants usually serve unhealthy options. And McDonald’s is no exception. But often, we have less time at hand to prepare our meals or we just feel tempted to eat those delicious favorites that we like at these outlets. But not all foods at these eateries are unhealthy! McDonald’s too has some healthy food options. Which are these? Know from the nutritionists what they would order there.
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McDonald’s and the fast food restaurants
Fast food restaurants are a favorite with people of all ages worldwide. They serve delicious foods that appeal to our taste buds. But these foods are high in calories, saturated fats, salts and sugars and therefore it is not advisable to have them frequently.
The fast food chain (Source: Forbes)
But when we are hard pressed for time and unable to prepare our meals. Or when we do want to have those foods and cannot resist it, one can select the healthy options there and consume them. Read on to know what Isla Zyair, nutritionist from the Obesity Controller and Amy S. Margulies, registered dietitian from The Rebellious RD would order from the famous outlet of McDonald’s.
Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad
The two nutritionists feel that the best healthy bet at this outlet would be the Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad. Isla feels that this is the healthiest salad at this place. It is even healthier when you compare it with the other salads at other fast food chains. It has ingredients that are all nutritious. These include all-white chicken fillets with no fat, corn, baby tomatoes, kidney beans and baby kale. It is weight friendly. Amy states:
“This salad includes fresh, 100% chicken breast, so you know exactly what you are getting for your protein. It is prepared with fresh lettuce and non-starchy vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, so it keeps the fiber and nutrition up while keeping the total calories and fat down. For under 400 total calories (367 calories), 30 grams of total carbs, 7 grams of fiber, 13 grams of fat, less than 4 grams of saturated fat, and 35 grams of protein, you are getting a well-balanced meal,”
“Just be sure not to order it with fried chicken on top, as this would add calories, fat, and saturated to an otherwise healthy choice for a speedy meal.”
Isla adds:
“This meal is a good source of protein and fiber,”
She continues that it is low in saturated fats and calories.
Further lowering it’s salt and calories
One can customize it so that its calories and saturated fats as well as salt content decreases. Isla advises:
“You may always make it healthier by further customizing it to include other vegetables, making it an even more nutritious option,”