No, you don’t like fries with that.
Sticking to your diet and running to McDonald’s may not seem like a perfect match like burgers and sandwiches, but a dietitian insists that with a little discipline, those who are hungry, short on time and stuck in the drive-thru can actually eat. make sure you have a pretty good protein-rich meal.
Nutritionist and author Elizabeth Shaw writes for Eat This, Not That! and isn’t suggesting that everyone should rush to the Golden Arches for their next meal – but as a working mother of two: she knows “the rat race of the meal rush” well, and sympathizes with those who are in the same chaotic boat.
The McDonald’s menu includes a number of protein-packed options; these are the best, according to a dietitian. Christopher Sadowski
McDonald’s, Shaw says, can provide “an occasional satisfying bite while offering some good nutritional qualities, including a handful of high-protein options.”
Americans these days are obsessed with the protein content in their food, and it turns out, Shaw reveals, that some items on the Mickey D’s menu are packed with the stuff — which is known to keep you full and full for hours gives, not to mention its positive properties for people who want to increase their muscle mass and strength.
For example, Shaw notes that McDonald’s Deluxe McCrispy—not an obvious first choice for a healthy meal—contains a whopping 27 grams of protein, more than some gas station protein shakes. (Plus, it also contains fiber, and there’s nothing wrong with a little lettuce and tomato either, making it basically a salad.)
Say no to the mayonnaise and watch your salt intake for the rest of the day, the protein pro suggests, and you’ll have a pretty decent meal.
Decent enough, in fact, for Shaw to put the sandwich on top of her list of high-protein McD’s mustards when cravings strike.
Famous for all the wrong reasons lately, the Quarter Pounder – especially the deluxe version – was also highly rated on the high-protein scale. McDonald’s
“Keep in mind that even though a menu item may contain protein, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for you. Other nutrients, such as fiber, saturated fat and sodium, also play a role,” she warns.
And at the same time, count those saturated fat percentages—aim to consume less than 22 grams of that per day, Shaw urges.
In second place comes the Quarter Pounder Deluxe, who has been in the news for all the wrong reasons latelybut the hearty burger gives you 25 grams of protein – more than enough for one person at a time.
Skip the cheese and mayonnaise – and cut 200 calories off your intake.
Or skip the meat and grab a 10-pack of chicken nuggets – not normally associated with healthy eating, but eaten by countless Americans every day for lunch and dinner.
Good news: you get 23 grams of protein. Or, if you opt for a 20 piece, 56 grams – the upper end of the average recommended daily amount.
In fact, there are only 2.5 grams of saturated fat and 500 mg of sodium.
Take your order home, Shaw suggests, and throw your nuggs into a big salad for a quick, satisfying meal.
Just skip the sauces packed with high fructose corn syrup – you’re eating healthy after all.
Best high protein meals at McDonald’s
A 20-pack of McDonald’s chicken nuggets provides as much protein as the average American should consume in a day, an expert says. McDonald’s
- Luxury McCrispy
- Quarter Pounder Deluxe
- 10-piece Chicken McNuggets
- McDouble
- Sausage McMuffin with egg
- Egg McMuffin
- Cheeseburger