When it comes to healthy eating, most dieters know to stay away from McDonald's. While their menu is undoubtedly delicious, most of their food is loaded with calories, sodium and fat, making it a poor choice for those who are watching their weight. But, if you're in the mood for some Mickey D's and want to treat yourself to something from their expansive menu, know that there are some healthy choices you can choose from. In fact, health experts say that the chain's Fruit & Maple Oatmeal is an excellent way to start off your day!
[Photos: Shutterstock]
The Fruit & Maple Oatmeal puts a fun spin on the classic breakfast dish. It features whole grain rolled oats, brown sugar, diced apples, the chain's cranberry raisin blend (sweetened dried cranberries, California raisins, and golden raisins), mixed together with light cream to give it its creamy texture.
"If you feel that you’re low on energy and McDonald's is your only bet, try getting the fruit and maple oatmeal," Jim White, RD, ACSM HFS, tells Eat This, Not That! "This snack will most likely curb your appetite until your next meal because the carbohydrates will take longer to digest than your typical high sugar donut or pastry."
[Photos: McDonalds.com]
But in order for this to be a healthy meal for you and your waistline, White says that you need to take away some of its sugary toppings. He suggests skipping the "calorie-laden" brown sugar, the light cream, and Craisins to make your oatmeal healthier.
McDonald's oatmeal also landed on the Huffington Post's list of "The Healthiest Fast-Food Oatmeals." The publication applauded the chain for using whole grain oats, which they say is "something that most Americans don’t eat often enough."
But like White, they advise that customers order the oatmeal without brown sugar as a means to save some calories, sodium, and carbohydrates.
[Photo: Instagram]
It's nice to know that there are healthy options at McDonald's! What are some healthy tips that you have for eating at fast food restaurants? Let us know in the comments below!
