The Healthiest Foods You Can Order At McDonald’s
If high calorie McFlurries and fries are the only thing that spring to mind when dining at McDonald’s, then you may be pleased to know that there are ‘healthier’ options available! This time, we have decoded the menu so you don't have to...
HEALTHIEST BREAKFAST
Oat so simple or Bacon Roll
McDonald's Oat So Simple is made with wholegrain rolled oats and 100% organic milk. With 9.6g of protein per portion, these oats perfect breakfast to balance blood sugar and provide sustained fuel to the body and brain all morning long. All carbohydrates break down to sugar, however it’s only the fibre-rich nutrient dense carbohydrates which provide longer lasting energy.
Out of all the muffin and roll type breakfasts, the Bacon Roll would make the healthiest choice. This contains the least additives and preservatives and contains fewest ingredients. The bacon provides 18g of protein per serving, and this will slow the rate at which sugar from the roll enters the blood stream allowing for more stable energy levels throughout the day.
However, it’s important to note that excessive consumption of red and processed meat are associated with a greater risk of bowel cancer, and the current guidelines are to consume no more than 70g per day or 500g per week.
Healthiest burger
The Classic Hamburger
With the Hamburger, the beef patty is made of 100% pure beef, with no additives, fillers, binders, preservatives or flavour enhancers.
This burger only provides 250 calories, which is extremely low as burgers go, and also comes with healthy toppings such as onions and pickles. Perfect for if you’re watching your waistline. This burger is also low in saturated fat with just 3.3g per portion which is just a fraction of the 13g saturated found in the Bacon Double Cheeseburger.
Healthiest Sides
Carrot sticks or Shaker Side Salad
A simple bag of fresh Carrots Sticks, providing you with one of your 5-a-day, plenty of fibre, and beta-carotene for eye health and immune function. This really is the freshest and most nutrient dense option on the menu!
Whereas the Shaker Side Salad is a good mix of salad leaves, cucumber, cherry tomatoes. If you're watching your waistline, this would make the perfect side for your hamburger.
Healthiest dessert
Apple Pie or Apple & Grape Fruit Bag
The Apple Pie is one of the lower calorie desserts providing only 250 calories per serving. It also has the lowest sugar content with 11g per serving, which is a far cry from the Cadbury's Caramel McFlurry! Our maximum recommended intake of free sugars is just 30g, which means that most other desserts on the menu exceed this in a single sitting.
The Apple and Grape Fruit Bag is also great because it will give you the sweetness you may crave whilst providing you with one of your 5-a-day! With just 46 calories per serving and 1.8g fibre, it’s a no brainer that this is the healthiest option of the lot.
By leading London Nutritionist Lily Soutter BSc (hons) Food & Human Nutrition, Dip NT
