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Yes, you read that right. Healthy food at McDonald’s might sound like an oxymoron, but there are low calorie options on their expansive menu that can help you lose weight while still getting your Micky D’s fix. But, bear in mind that fast food should still be kept to a minimum when trying to lose weight. And avoid Big Macs at all costs.
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Egg White Delight McMuffin
Start your morning on a good note with this classic McDonald's breakfast sandwich. At only 260 calories, you get 16 grams of protein and a filling meal without feeling guilty for eating at a fast food restaurant.
[Photo: McDonald's]
Fruit And Maple Oatmeal
For an even lower calorie breakfast option, try the fruit and maple oatmeal. This meal only has 4 grams of fat—half as much as the McMuffin—and 310 calories. According to registered dietitian Brierley Wright, oatmeal has plenty of fiber and protein to kick start your day and fight off hunger for hours. This is one of the healthiest items on the menu, but the sweetened fruits and cream do add some extra unnecessary cals.
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Side Salad
Be wary of salads at McDonald’s—most of them are much higher in fat and calories than salads at non fast food restaurants. Some have even more calories than a Big Mac! Your best bet is the side salad, which only has 15 calories and no fattening dressings or toppings. If you do pick one of their other salad options, choose grilled chicken over crispy chicken for fewer calories and ask for no dressing or croutons.
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Fruit 'N Yogurt Parfait
When that 2:00 feeling hits and you need a quick low-cal pick me up, opt for this parfait with low fat yogurt. With 4 grams of protein and only 2 grams of fat, you can’t beat this snack.
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Happy Meal
The most classic McDonald’s staple item—the Happy Meal—can actually be a fairly substantial meal. Order a hamburger Happy Meal with apple slices and a water, and you’ve only hit 260 calories. According to Eat This, Not That, you don’t need to cut hamburgers out of your diet completely to lose weight. The hamburger in the Happy Meal packs on 13 whole grams of protein!
[Photo: Shutterstock]
