1. Caramel Frappé
If you need a bit of a pick-me-up, you may think that a frappé is a great way to have a treat while getting your caffeine fix. However, the high sugar and calorie content of McDonald's Caramel Frappe makes it a poor choice for your health. Believe it or not, just one of these beverages (medium) packs in 62g of sugar and 490 calories.
Experts recommend avoiding any sort of blended coffee for this reason. All that sugar can lead to a range of health issues, especially when you have it first thing in the morning. "The sugar used is usually in the form of fructose, which the body cannot easily recognize, further slowing down metabolism," says Rachel Scott, medical practitioner and Co-Founder of National TASC. "This sugar then is directly converted into fats and not immediately used as a sugar source." All in all, it's best to take your coffee black.
2. Breakfast with Hot Cakes
If you prefer sweeter breakfasts, hot cakes may be your meal of choice. Unfortunately, though, these are another health risk waiting to happen. The Hot Cakes meal at McDonald's contains 1,340 calories, 63g fat, and 2,070mg sodium. Say it ain't so! That's nearly double the fat content of a Big Mac.
"Eating this regularly can be detrimental to your health," Katie Tomaschko, a registered dietitian and nutritionist warns. "At 1,340 calories per meal, this singular meal has a little over half of your recommended daily calories," which could "lead to weight gain, obesity, and even morbid obesity." We'll take some fiber-rich fruit, instead.
3. Shamrock Shake
It's no secret that Shamrock Shakes, a beloved and indulgent seasonal delicacy offered by McDonald's each Saint Patrick's Day, can satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. However, one should exercise caution when it comes to the calorie and nutritional intake of this frothy beverage. Each 16-ounce shake is a hefty 550 calories, packing in 13 grams of fat and a staggering 82 grams of sugar. Such a calorie and sugar overload cannot be ignored, as consuming this dessert on a regular basis can lead to adverse health effects!
"Milkshakes contain a high amount of sugar, unhealthy fats, and very high amount of calories. They are typically made with whole milk, ice cream, and tons of other unhealthy additives," dietitian Jesse Feder explains. "You can have close to half [day's] worth of calories in just one milkshake. They will more than likely lead to weight gain and other negative health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease if consumed regularly."
4. Big Mac
The Big Mac is perhaps the most iconic item on the McDonald's menu. Unfortunately, it's also one of the most unhealthy. Clocking in at 590 calories, 11g of saturated fat, and a whopping 1,050mg of sodium, you're better off steering clear of this burger.
"The Big Mac itself is a calorie-dense option with two beef patties, special sauce, cheese, and high levels of unhealthy saturated fats and sodium," Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet warns. And if you get a meal with a soda and fries, you're setting yourself up for an even bigger effect on your health, especially when it comes to your heart. "This combination of high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium items promotes an unbalanced diet that is not conducive to maintaining a healthy weight or supporting cardiovascular well-being," Richards concludes.
5. Double Quarter Pounder With Cheese Meal
A double quarter pounder, although delicious and filling, presents many of the same issues as the beloved Big Mac. Each of these burgers includes two 4-ounce beef patties and two slices of American cheese, along with onions, and pickles. As much as it makes our mouth water, all of that can pack a serious punch when it comes to calories—740 of them, to be exact. This also comes with a whopping 2,360mg of sodium.
"This is significantly higher than the McDonald’s Hamburger, which only contains 250 calories and 9 grams of fat," notes Dr. Rene Armenta. If you're really craving a burger, it's a good idea to at least stick to this smaller version.
6. Sausage, Egg, & Cheese McGriddle
Craving something greasy for breakfast? We feel you—but ordering a McGriddle may not be the best idea for your body. The Sausage Egg & Cheese McGriddle, for example, contains 550 calories, 33g fat, and 1290mg sodium. Yikes! That already puts you at over half the recommended daily intake of sodium for adults (2,300mg). Consuming too much salt can result in serious health risks, including heart attack, high blood pressure, and more.
Ground sausage, in particular, is one type of meat experts recommend avoiding. "Ground sausage is often considered an artery-clogging meat due to its high content of saturated fat and cholesterol," Richards warns. "Sausage is often processed with additives, preservatives, and high levels of sodium, which can exacerbate these health concerns by contributing to hypertension and water retention." You're better off sticking to lean proteins for breakfast!
7. M&M McFlurry
While it's tempting to add a McFlurry to your meal, it's important to consider the health risks of this creamy dessert. An M&M McFlurry could add more calories and sugar than bargained for to your daily intake. Believe it or not, just one adds 640 calories and 83 grams of the sugar to the mix. While we're not going to tell you that you should never treat yourself it's certainly not a great idea to make a habit out of indulging in this sweet treat.