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When you think of eating healthy, McDonald’s doesn’t typically come to mind. But there’s actually proof you don’t have to give up your favorite Golden Arch goodies in order to stay slim. In fact, nutritionists say you can eat the following McDonald’s menu items and not gain a single pound!
[Photo: Shutterstock]
![Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad mcdonalds healthiest menu items southwest chicken salad](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2017/11/mcdonalds-southwestern-salad.jpg)
Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad
The Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad contains tons of healthful ingredients including romaine lettuce, kale, poblano peppers, black beans, corn, and oven-roasted tomatoes. To reduce your calorie-intake even further, switch the creamy Southwest dressing for a lighter option like Newman’s Own Low-Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette. And if you decide to skip the dressing altogether, the salad's cilantro lime glaze will undoubtedly keep your taste buds happy.
![Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich mcdonalds healthiest menu items chicken sandwich](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2017/11/mcdonalds-hacks-2.jpg)
Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich
If you're a gym junkie, nutritionist Lisa Drayer recommends eating McDonald's Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich to help boost your workout. It contains 44 grams of carbs, which help fuel muscles and maintain blood glucose levels during exercise.
![Chicken McNuggets mcdonalds healthiest menu items nuggets](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2017/11/mcdonalds-nuggets-4.jpg)
Chicken McNuggets
Chicken McNuggets are the lowest sugar-option on the menu. Plus, opting for a side of buffalo dipping sauce won't add on the sugar grams, either.
![Egg McMuffin Sandwich mcdonalds healthiest menu items egg mcmuffin](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2017/11/mcdonalds-egg-mcmuffin.jpg)
Egg McMuffin Sandwich
"Not only do I eat guilt-free at McDonald’s,” Christine M. Palumbo, a Chicago area registered dietitian and nutrition communications consultant, told Eat This, Not That!, “I think they get a bad rap all too often.”
Palumbo recommends choosing the classic Egg McMuffin sandwich, which contains 300 calories and 17 grams of protein, for a low-cal and satisfying breakfast choice. Not to mention, the eggs in the sandwich also boost choline, a known belly-fat blaster!
[Photos: McDonald's]