This Is Actually The Healthiest Thing To Order At McDonald’s, According To Health Experts

If you’re swinging by the drive-thru to pick up dinner tonight, there is one order you can safely place at McDonald’s that even health experts agree isn’t terrible for you.

Not, it’s not a salad–rather, a simple hamburger! Why is this sandwich your best bet, nutrition-wise? Here’s what the experts have to say:

One of the healthiest items you can get at McDonald’s is a simple hamburger, experts agree. They contain 250 calories, as well as 8 grams of fat, 31 grams of carbs and 13 grams of protein–which health insiders call very “reasonable” for the fast food chain.

“At 250 calories, a plain, classic hamburger is one of the lowest calorie options on the McDonald’s Menu,” Holly Klamer, MS, RDN of My Crohn’s and Colitis Team explains. Wow–who knew? 

“While items like the salad or the oatmeal may seem healthier, they are actually very similar in nutritional value so you may as well get the burger,” Chris Riley of USA Rx agrees.

You can even get the cheeseburger version, Michelle Tierney, MS, RDN, LDN, CPT, of Strong Home Gym tells us.

“It’s substantially lower in calories (150-400) compared to the other burgers and chicken sandwiches, but has proportionally similar amounts of protein,” she explains. Nice!

And don’t forget to skip the fries and drink with your order. “They contribute a lot of empty calories to your meal!” Riley warns.