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Dieting isn't fun, especially when you're in the mood for McDonald's. Though the popular chain isn't known for offering a healthy menu, there are still ways you can enjoy some Mickey D's without wrecking your diet. In fact, health experts say that there's one menu item that you can have frequently and still lose weight -- as long as you're exercising regularly and staying within your recommended daily calorie intake, of course! It's the Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad!
[Photos: Shutterstock]
Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CDN, founder of Real Nutrition NYC, always orders the Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad whenever she gets a hankering for fast food. The salad combines McDonald's signature salad blend with its southwest vegetable blend (roasted corn, roasted tomato and black beans), shredded cheddar cheese, chili lime tortilla strips, and zesty cilantro lime glaze. At 350 calories and 37 grams of protein (all thanks to its lean grilled chicken), Shapiro says it makes a healthy meal for you and your waistline.
[Photos: McDonalds.com]
"I'd have the Premium Southwest Salad with grilled—not crispy—chicken. I like that the beans and corn in the salad offer up some fiber," she tells Eat This, Not That!
But, she recommends making a slight moderation when ordering the protein-packed salad. "To lighten it up a bit, I'd have them hold the cheese and tortilla strips and use only half of the dressing," Shapiro continues. Good to know!
To make your meal even healthier and to save yourself some calories and sugar, Shapiro also suggest steering clear of ordering a soft drink with your meal.
She also shared a "sweet" tip for those who would want to get dessert after their salad, too! "I might have a Vanilla Reduced Fat Kids cone, just enough to tame the craving for something sweet," she says.
So, no crispy chicken or soda will leave enough room for some ice cream for dessert? Sounds good to us!
What are some of your healthy tips when eating at McDonald's? Let us know in the comments below!
