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Food

4 Life-Changing Hacks Nutritionists Swear By To Make McDonald’s Orders Healthy

August 12, 2020 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Food
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If you’ve gone to a fast food restaurant recently, you know how difficult it can be to navigate the menu when you’re trying to eat healthy. Fast food can be high in the bad four–fat, calories, cholesterol AND sodium–and not to mention it’s linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity. Yikes!

READ MORE: Here’s The Real Reason You Should Never Use The Ketchup Packets At McDonald’s

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McDonald's iconic logo and restaurant exterior

But, alas, you can't eat kale salads at home *all* the time, and sometimes you find yourself in a McDonald's, staring at the menu and scratching your head wondering what to order. We spoke to leading health experts to find out their personal tips for making any McDonald's order just a little bit healthier:

McDonald's grilled chicken sandwich with fresh ingredients

Nutritionist Stephanie Rofkahr of FitFourFive:

"If I have to choose a top pick for a healthier food option at a national fast food restaurant such as McDonald's, I would suggest the grilled chicken sandwich with no mayo and only eat the bottom bun with lettuce and tomato."

Southwest chicken salad with vibrant vegetables

Nutritionist Lisa Richards of The Candida Diet:

"The McDonald's Southwest Salad has more nutrient rich-ingredients than other options. You may be better off ordering this salad with grilled chicken and opting for a lower fat dressing, or going without dressing altogether."

McDonald's promotional image showcasing various menu items

Kuudose founding trainer Joey Thurman:

"Skip the fries, sweet, sides, and soda! There is no need to have these. An average soda has around 12 teaspoons of sugar, and that’s not the “super size." Try to get rid of the processed white flour bun and add lettuce for a “cleaner” version of the burger. Do NOT use their salad dressing, make your own at home or even use apple sauce as a dressing. Skip the ketchup, cheese, and bacon as well if you are watching your calories. Don’t do anything fried, if it’s fish and it’s fried doesn’t mean it’s healthy, that’s like making breaded and fried asparagus...pointless. Also, try to fast before your fast food and allow your body to be a little more insulin sensitive to limit that sugar spike."

McDonald's meal spread featuring popular food selections

Tolu of Sapiens Beverage Company:

"I lost a significant amount of weight eating only at McDonald’s. The key for me was to skip the sauce, drink nothing but water, and to only go once a day! My go-to was a McDouble or a filet o fish with fries."

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

Grocery store aisle featuring sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Person enjoying a healthy lunch at a dining table.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Various types of bread displayed on a wooden surface.
Fresh bakery items from Costco, including cakes and pastries.
Woman holding her head, feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Woman experiencing joint pain, indicating health issues.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Popular fast food options from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to her aromatic cup of coffee.
Assorted bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Top view of Brazilian food dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking time on a watch during breakfast.
Display of deli meats and sandwiches in a grocery store.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast served with fries and mixed salad.
Grocery store aisle featuring sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Person enjoying a healthy lunch at a dining table.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Various types of bread displayed on a wooden surface.
Fresh bakery items from Costco, including cakes and pastries.
Woman holding her head, feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Woman experiencing joint pain, indicating health issues.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Popular fast food options from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to her aromatic cup of coffee.
Assorted bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Top view of Brazilian food dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking time on a watch during breakfast.
Display of deli meats and sandwiches in a grocery store.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast served with fries and mixed salad.