Drive-thru meals don’t have to derail your diet.
There’s a longstanding belief that fast food leads to weight gain, but nutritionist Lauren Moneyker, based in South Carolina, told Fox News Digital that it’s possible to enjoy a meal from McDonald’s without significant dietary repercussions.
The focus should be on moderation and protein. These healthier options aren’t meant for daily consumption, though.
Moneyker provided some nutritional insights into some of McDonald’s top-selling items. If you’re not interested in apple slices and black coffee, there are several McDonald’s dishes that can fit into your diet.
1. Cheeseburger
When it comes to moderation, McDonald’s cheeseburgers—or hamburgers, for that matter—can be compatible with your dietary choices.
According to Moneyker, “They deliver protein and iron from beef, plus calcium from cheese.” Each cheeseburger or hamburger is between 250 to 300 calories and has about 12 to 15 grams of protein.
She recommends pairing it with a side salad or some fruit to boost nutrient intake.
2. Chicken McNugget
This is a quick protein fix, but there is a caveat.
Moneyker mentioned that McNuggets can be diet-friendly as long as you steer clear of heavy sauces. A four-piece serving has 170 calories.
For a balanced meal, consider adding apple slices and vegetables while keeping the sauce minimal to manage sugar and sodium levels.
3. Filet-O-Fish
Even though it’s fried, the Filet-O-Fish contains a decent amount of protein—16 grams to be exact.
It clocks in at 390 calories, so you’ll want to ensure you balance that out. You can even ask for it without cheese.
This sandwich offers protein and omega-3 fatty acids from the fish, and drinking water or unsweetened tea can help keep things lighter.
4. Egg McMuffin
These muffins are rich in vitamins like B12, B6, and B5, along with iodine, according to Moneyker.
They’re also a good protein source and contain Canadian bacon, which tends to be lower in fat than regular bacon. With 310 calories and 17 grams of protein, Egg McMuffins blend easily into various diets.
5. Small Latte
A small latte from McDonald’s has about 140 calories, and if it’s made with whole milk, it offers 7 grams of protein. Plus, it’s sodium-free.
6. McChicken
The McChicken sandwich has around 400 calories and gives you 14 grams of protein. While Egg McMuffins or cheeseburgers may deliver more protein with fewer calories, this option is still part of a balanced diet.
Moneyker suggests substituting apple slices for fries to keep the calorie count down.
She stressed that these fast-food selections shouldn’t be daily staples but can fit within a balanced diet. “It’s really about enjoying them occasionally, while primarily focusing on nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins,” she advised.
Celebrity fitness trainer Jill Charton shared her thoughts with Fox News Digital, noting that she typically recommends oatmeal and apple slices over conventional fast food. If you’re aiming to build healthy eating habits, planning ahead and combining fresh fruit with nuts could be a better road snack than what’s typically found at fast-food joints.
Fox News Digital reached out to McDonald’s for their comments on these insights.
