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There are healthy menu items at McDonald's? Well, they're not the healthiest options that you can choose, but there are ways that you can modify your order to make it fit into your weight loss plan. In fact, health experts recommended getting an Egg McMuffin the next time you're in the mood for Mickey D's, as it's loaded with protein and not too high in calories.
[Photos: Shutterstock]
"Not only do I eat guilt-free at McDonald's, I think they get a bad rap all too often. When I’m flying in the morning, I typically get an Egg McMuffin and a coffee," says Christine M. Palumbo, MBA, RDN, FAND. "The sandwich only has 300 calories and it offers 17 grams of satiety-providing protein. Instead of the egg white version, I stick with the whole egg sandwich because the yolk contains carotenoids, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.”
[Photos: McDonald's]
Jim White RD, ACSM HFS, says that the chain's Fruit & Maple Oatmeal also makes for a healthy start to your day, as long as you make some modifications to it. "If you feel that you’re low on energy and McDonald's is your only bet, try getting the fruit and maple oatmeal—just skip the calorie-laden brown sugar, cream, raisins and Craisins. This snack will most likely curb your appetite until your next meal because the carbohydrates will take longer to digest than your typical high sugar donut or pastry," he tells Eat This, Not That!
If you're stopping by Mickey D's for lunch or dinner, Toby Amidor, MS, RD, suggests ordering a hamburger Happy Meal. This way, you're getting the burger and fries at a smaller and healthier portion. “Every so often when I have a long drive and can’t pack food or snacks, McDonald’s is where I go. l order a kid’s meal comprised of a hamburger, small order of fries, a bottle of water and a Cuties clementine. This meal has 390 calories and 13 grams of fat,” he says.
Well, this definitely makes us feel better about getting an Egg McMuffin for breakfast! We're happy to see that there are ways to eat healthy at fast food restaurants like McDonald's, especially when we have our New Year's resolutions to uphold.
