Nutritionists recommend specific orders at McDonald's.

What do nutritionists suggest when you're craving McDonald's?

Nutritionists recommend specific orders at McDonald's.
Nutritionists recommend specific orders at McDonald's.

It is commonly believed that McDonald's does not offer the healthiest food options.

McDonald's food items are high in saturated fat, cholesterol, added sugar, and salt, according to Catherine Karnatz, a Rhode Island-based registered dietitian and owner of Nutrition Education RD.

Opting for better-for-you alternatives by carefully ordering from the menu and not making the fast food chain a regular part of your routine.

When visiting the Golden Arches, Karnatz and Lara Clevenger, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Edgewater, Florida, provided insights on what to order to make healthier choices.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to McDonald's for comment.

McDonalds kiosks
Registered nutritionist Catherine Karnatz of Florida does not encourage making McDonald's a regular part of a meal plan, but she believes there are ways to enjoy the fast food chain occasionally. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images, File)

Apple slices

Clevenger stated that McDonald's apple slices are a great low-calorie snack option that provides a satisfying crunch.

The snack, with only 15 calories and four grams of carbs, can fit into most diets.

According to McDonald's, their apple slices have only 3 grams of total sugars and can be eaten as a snack or side, as per their nutritional information webpage.

Egg McMuffin

This sandwich, made with egg, cheese, and Canadian bacon, contains approximately 310 calories, 17 grams of protein, 13 grams of fat, and 30 grams of carbs, according to Clevenger.

"This breakfast option is healthier than the Fruit and Maple Oatmeal, which contains 320 calories, six grams of protein, 4.5 grams of fat, and 64 grams of carbs," she stated.

According to Clevenger, the protein and fat content in the Egg McMuffin makes it a better choice for managing blood sugar levels and feeling fuller for longer periods.

mcdonalds egg mcmuffin split
The Egg McMuffin sandwich on an English muffin contains egg, cheese and Canadian bacon. It has only 130 calories and 17 grams of protein.  (McDonalds.com)

McCrispy

You may not want to reach for a fried chicken sandwich regularly.

If you're concerned about getting enough protein, this is a good option to eat on occasion, said Clevenger.

She observed that the chicken sandwich contains 26 grams of protein with only 470 calories.

Hamburger

mcdonalds calssic hamburger
McDonald's classic hamburger has a reasonably impressive nutritional makeup in comparison to other burger options on the chain's menu, say nutritionists. (McDonalds.com)

The Hamburger at McDonald's is a classic choice with a nutritional makeup that is quite impressive, compared to other burger options on the menu.

Again, the operative words here are "compared to."

She assured me that with 12 grams of protein, I would feel full and satisfied for hours while out and about.

Both the hamburger and cheeseburger have ketchup, mustard, chopped onions and a pickle.

She made it clear that she didn't want to make this menu item a regular part of her diet.

Everything should be in moderation.

The difference between a hamburger and a cheeseburger is fifty calories.

Both the hamburger and cheeseburger are topped with ketchup, mustard, chopped onions, and a pickle.

McDonald's states on its website that its pickle contains an artificial preservative, so it may not be suitable for those who prefer natural ingredients.

McCafé Americano

mcdonald's americano nutrition facts
(McDonald's.com)

Karnatz stated that a McCafé Americano of any size has zero grams of sugar, making it a great option for a quick caffeine fix without the sugar crash.

She added that coffee should not be considered a meal and should be accompanied by food.

Her suggestion for that?

The "fan-favorite" Egg McMuffin.

Vanilla Cone

Suggested Karnatz, if you're in the mood for a fast food dessert, go for McDonald's Vanilla Cone.

RD on McDonald's foods you can eat split
The Vanilla Cone at McDonald's can be a fun way to consume some calcium — but be careful not to indulge too often in the treat, nutritionists advise. (McDonalds.com)

She stated that the soft serve ice cream has 5 grams of protein and 15% of the daily recommended value for calcium.

The McDonald's Vanilla Soft Serve Cone has 200 calories, 33 grams of carbs, and 17 grams of sugar per serving.

The Baked Apple Pie has 230 calories, 33 grams of carbs, and 13 grams of added sugar.

While the pie has 6 milligrams of calcium, the cone contains 180 milligrams.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit planetchronicle.net/lifestyle.

by Perri Blumberg

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