Some people genuinely enjoy McDonald's. But many other people find themselves eating McDonald's simply because of the convenience of fast food. Either way, McDonald's can be an unhealthy choice if you're trying to shed a few pounds. However, there are some ways you can tweak what you order to dodge unnecessary calories. Next time you're at McDonald's try one these ordering hacks that nutririonists approve of.
[Photos: Shutterstock]
Order A Salad & Use Half The Dressing
Ordering a salad seems like an obvious choice to reduce calorie intake at McDonald's. But the real trick here is to only use half of the dressing. "I'd order the Bacon Ranch Salad with grilled chicken and use less than half the dressing," says certified dietitian Elisa Zied tells CNN. You can also lose the ranch and opt for a lighter dressing like balsamic vinaigrette.
Order A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
If you're craving a sandwich, order one of McDonald's grilled chicken sandwiches instead of a Big Mac. “If I had to get a full meal from McDonald’s, I'd order a grilled chicken filet, sans bun and mayonnaise dressing," says registered dietitian Jim White. "Removing the bun and dressing reduces the total fat by 7.5 grams and cuts about 450 mg of sodium."
Order With "No Cheese"
If you're not feeling a grilled chicken sandwich and you still have your mind set on a burger, order it without the cheese. Registered dietitian Katherine Brooking tells CNN, "If you must have something more "traditional" at McD's, opt for a regular burger patty and swap out the fries."
For Sweets, Order A Parfait
If you have a taste for something sweet, avoid the milkshakes and sundaes and order a Fruit 'N Yogurt Parfait instead. According to registered dietitian Gina Consalvo, “The Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait has 150 calories and 4 grams of protein, making it a good snack.”