Within the fast food industry, McDonald's has improved its menu to cater to customers who prefer healthier options. We encourage you to delve into the variety of healthy options on the menu and discover options that go beyond the conventional. The multinational food giant, known for its iconic dishes, has introduced a range of healthier options in response to changing consumer preferences. These options, which range from colorful salads to protein-packed wraps, satisfy those looking for a more sensible way to eat fast food without sacrificing taste. Whether you're a regular or a conscientious eater looking for healthy alternatives, our guide will show you where to find the hidden health-conscious treasures on the menu. Join us as we explore the world of nutrient-dense options, unveiling choices that reflect changing dietary preferences and appealing to a wide range of consumers looking for both convenience and conscious eating.
Quick content links
Not a McMuffin
De Egg McMuffinwas the first breakfast sandwich that McDonald's put on their menu in 1972. The ingredients are simple. It contains a fresh egg,a circle of Canadian bacon, and a slice of American cheese between buttered and toasted English muffin halves. The Egg McMuffin has no sauces or condiments, so the melting cheese and fried egg add a creamy texture. For 310 calories and 13 grams of fat, you get 17 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber and about 15% of your daily iron, calcium and vitamin D. This sandwich contains about a third of the recommended daily sodium limit, which you should keep in mind.
Fruit and maple oatmeal
McDonald's Fruit and Maple Oatmealis an option with less fat and sodium than the Egg McMuffin for about the same amount of calories. I miss McDonald's serving breakfast all day because oatmeal doesa good afternoon pick-me-up and a healthy breakfast. Afternoon oats helped me make up for the nutritional deficiencies earlier in the day by sneaking two servings of whole-grain oats and some fruit into my diet to offset poor breakfast and lunch decisions. Apples, raisins, golden raisins and cranberries with cream and brown sugar make this oatmeal textured, sweet and creamy. At only 320 calories, this is a great breakfast to start the day.
Filet-O-Vis
A simpler and tastier sandwich is hard to findFilet-O-Vis.The fish in these sandwiches comes from fisheries managed with sustainable practices, which makes me feel better when I eat them. This one wild caughtfish sandwichcoincidentally, it has also been one of McDonald's healthy products on their menu for decades. They fry the fish cakes until golden brown and then place them on a soft bun with half a slice of American cheese and spicy tartar sauce. At only 380 calories, Filet-O-Fish is a healthy choice as a lunch or dinner sandwich, especially with vegetables or salad.
Apple slices
I've gotten into the habit of always ordering fries with burgers and sandwiches, and I think a lot of people do the same. If you want to eat healthier, it's a good idea to give up regular fries. SampleApple slicesinstead of. With just 15 calories for a snack bag, you save 205 calories and eliminate the 10 grams of fat that a small order of fries contains. The slices are also a healthier dessert option than the baked apple pie. Sometimes I crave a sweet treat in the afternoon, and instead of spending 500 or more calories on ice cream, a bag or two of apple slices can help. Apples are one of McDonald's healthy products that are great for kids and can replace fries in their Happy Meals.
Southwestern Grilled Chicken Salad
McDonald's removed their Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad and all other salads from their menu in 2020 in response to COVID. If the company knows if the premium salads will return, they haven't announced it yet. This salad was one of McDonald's best healthy items. Minced, white meat grilled chicken lightly seasoned with garlic powder, parsley and salt on a bed of mixed vegetables such as kale, spinach and romaine. Other ingredients includedcarrots, corn, tomatoes, poblano peppers, black beans, cilantro and grated cheese. A sprinkling of chili-lime tortilla strips topped it all off and added a satisfying crunch.
McCicken
The classic McChicken sandwichhas been a regular menu item since 1988 and remains one of McDonald's best and cheapest healthy products. This sandwich has just a few ingredients, keeping the cost and calories low. A fried and peppery piece of chicken lies on a soft, toasted bun with shredded lettuce and mayonnaise. Unlike McDonald's artisanal chicken sandwich, the McChicken patty is a mix of dark and white meat instead of all-white. The dark meat makes the patty moist and tender, while the perfect amount of mayonnaise makes the bun creamy. The salad adds a light crunch. At only 400 calories, the McChicken is a healthy choice for lunch or dinner.
Artisan grilled chicken sandwich
The professionalGrilled chickenSandwich was another casualty of the pandemic that has yet to return. I hope this and the other chicken sandwiches come back soon as they have added variety to the menu. Instead of fried chicken, between the halves of a toasted artisan roll was a seasoned and grilled chicken breast with tomato, lettuce and a light but creamy vinaigrette dressing. This sandwich was an option for people who wanted a chicken sandwich with fewer calories and less fat than their fried crispy chicken sandwich. As one of McDonald's healthy products, this chicken sandwich contained 360 calories and 6 grams of fat.
McDonald's Hamburger
The original hamburgeris another healthy product from McDonald's with a simple ingredient list. The burger is a 100% pure beef patty that contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, chopped onions and a pickle complete the burger and add the familiar flavors we associate with hamburgers. The pickle slices contain an artificial preservative, but everything else in this sandwich is preservative-free, including the soft bun. A McDonalds Hamburger contains only 250 calories and 9 grams of fat. A small order of fries doubles the fat, but still keeps the entire average under 500 calories.
Six piece chicken McNuggets
McNuggets with six pieces of chicken from McDonald'scontains 250 calories and 15 grams of fat, and you'll also get 14 grams of protein if you eat it for lunch or dinner. The secret to McNuggets' addictive taste is the 100% white meat chicken and crispy crust that is lightly seasoned and fried to perfection. These nuggets are delicious, but I think a lotthe appeal is the variety of dips. Choose from pure honey, honey mustard, spicy barbecue, sweet and sour, spicy buffalo or creamy ranch sauce. The sauces range from buffalo sauce with 30 calories to ranch with 110 calories.
