Since its start, McDonald’s has become a global icon, synonymous with fast food culture. From the iconic Big Mac to the irresistible fries, their menu offers a plethora of tasty treats for every palate. However, it’s also linked to high-calorie foods that aren’t so good for your overall health.
While indulging in McDonald’s classics is undeniably tempting, there’s also room for healthier choices! By making a few adjustments to your order, you can enjoy a satisfying meal without compromising on nutrition or your weight loss goals.
TikTok creator and dietitian Julie (nutritionbyjulie), who has over 298K followers on the app and posts content on gut health and wellness, shared what she would order at McDonald’s as a health expert. Her main order is the quarter pounder, along with adjustments to make room for sides. Read on to find out her tips and tricks.
@nutritionbyjulie Replying to @is_that_mln Mickey D’s #guthealth #guthealthhacks #fastfoodswaps #stomachproblems #dietitiansoftiktok #fastfood #restauranthacks original sound – Julie – Gut Health & Wellness
Healthy McDonald's Order For Weight Loss
Julie says that while McDonalds is not her first go-to option for a healthy meal, there are a couple ways you can customize your order to make it more weight loss-friendly and nutritious.
Because the franchise discontinued their salads and grilled options, she says to order "a quarter pounder with cheese deluxe." With the deluxe option, you have the benefit of adding lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. These vegetables will give you some fiber, which is better than none.
"We went with the quarter pounder instead of the regular hamburger because it's going to have 30 grams of protein compared to the regular hamburger that only has 12," Julie notes.
The trick comes here, where Julie says she will take out the buns so she can add an order of fries. "I'm actually going to take off the bun and eat it almost like a salad with the lettuce, tomato, and onion because, frankly, I don't love buns and I'd rather prioritize french fries," she says.
She suggests ordering a small order of fries to eat with the quarter pounder and a side of apple slices. She says apple slices "are going to give an extra source of fiber and some more vitamins and minerals." If you're feeling thirsty, Julie recommends staying away from sugary drinks and instead "go for an unsweetened iced tea."
The Bottom Line
This McDonald's order could be considered suitable for weight loss because it prioritizes protein and includes some fiber-rich vegetables and fruit. Additionally, choosing the quarter pounder over the regular hamburger increases protein intake significantly, which is essential for maintaining muscle mass and promoting satiety.
As a reminder, she states that "it's what you do 90% of the time that is far more important than what you do the other 10."
