8 McDonald’s Healthy Choices

McDonald’s is one of the most well-known and popular fast food chains in the nation, making it an ideal option for a quick bite when you’re traveling or in a rush during your day. However, what if you’re turning over a new leaf and trying to keep things light and healthy? Surely the quintessential fast food chain won’t have many options, right? Fortunately, McDonald’s also has you covered when it comes to grabbing a satisfying and healthy meal. Check out the eight McDonald’s healthy choices below to order next time you swing through the drive through.

 

 

 

1. Fruit and Maple Oatmeal

Whole grain oats combines with cream, sweet red and green apples, cranberries, and two varieties of raisins for a filling bowl that also gives you a burst of healthy antioxidants. By choosing oatmeal instead of, say, an egg sandwich, you’ll save on fat and cholesterol, while also getting a good dose of fiber for healthy digestion.

Fruit and Maple Oatmeal Nutrition Info:

Calories: 310

Protein: 6g

Fat: 4g

Saturated Fat: 1.5g

Trans Fat: 0.1g

Cholesterol: 5mg

Carbs: 62g

Sodium: 140mg

Dietary Fiber: 5g

Sugars: 33g

Vitamin A: 2% DV

Calcium: 8% DV

Iron: 10% DV

Vitamin C: 130% DV

2. Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken Salad

The grilled bacon ranch chicken salad is a super-clean option, especially if you’re looking to keep your carbs low and artificial ingredients to a minimum. Filled with artisan grilled chicken seasoned with garlic and parsley, plus fresh chopped romaine, baby spinach, baby kale, red leaf lettuce, ribbon carrots, grape tomatoes, jack and cheddar cheeses, and thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon, you truly can’t go wrong.

Go light on the ranch dressing, or forgo it altogether for an even cleaner option that’s lighter on sodium.

Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken Salad Nutrition Info:

Calories: 320

Protein: 42g

Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 6g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 135mg

Carbs: 9g

Sodium: 1230mg

Dietary Fiber: 3g

Sugars: 4g

Vitamin A: 180% DV

Calcium: 15% DV

Iron: 10% DV

Vitamin C: 60% DV

3. Pico Guacamole Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich

This McDonald’s healthy sandwich is layered with white meat grilled chicken, guacamole made with Hass avocados, fresh Roma tomato Pico de Gallo, onions, lime, cilantro, creamy buttermilk ranch sauce, smooth white cheddar, and crisp leaf lettuce.

Order it without ranch dressing for an even healthier version with less fat and artificial flavors.

Pico Guacamole Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich Nutrition Info:

Calories: 550

Protein: 42g

Fat: 20g

Saturated Fat: 7g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 120mg

Carbs: 50g

Sodium: 1340mg

Dietary Fiber: 3g

Sugars: 4g

Vitamin A: 10% DV

Calcium: 35% DV

Iron: 15% DV

Vitamin C: 30% DV

4. Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad

All white meat grilled chicken seasoned with garlic, parsley, and salt is tossed with savory black beans, roasted corn and tomatoes, poblano peppers, cheddar and jack cheeses, chili-lime tortilla strips, and cilantro. All of this is atop chopped romaine, baby spinach, baby kale, red leaf lettuce and ribbon cut carrots, then drizzled with southwest dressing.

Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad Nutrition Info:

Calories: 350

Protein: 37g

Fat: 11g

Saturated Fat: 4.5g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 110mg

Carbs: 27g

Sodium: 1070mg

Dietary Fiber: 6g

Sugars: 9g

Vitamin A: 180% DV

Calcium: 20% DV

Iron: 15% DV

Vitamin C: 50% DV

5. Hamburger

If you’re looking to keep it classic and simple, yet still healthy, this fast food burger is an excellent choice. This McDonald’s healthy option is made with a 100% beef patty seasoned with salt and pepper, then topped with a pickle, chopped onions, ketchup, and mustard. It contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, or added colors.

Hamburger Nutrition Info:

Calories: 250

Protein: 13g

Fat: 8g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 30mg

Carbs: 31g

Sodium: 480mg

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 6g

Vitamin A: 6% DV

Calcium: 2% DV

Iron: 15% DV

Vitamin C: 2% DV

 

6. Side Salad

The side salad is a nourishing option to add to your meal for basically no calories and zero fat. It contains chopped romaine, baby spinach, baby kale, red leaf lettuce, ribbon cut carrots, tasty grape tomatoes, your choice of dressing. Choose a non-creamy dressing to keep calories low.

Side Salad Nutrition Info:

Calories: 15

Protein: 1g

Fat: 0g

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Carbs: 3g

Sodium: 15mg

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 1g

Vitamin A: 100% DV

Calcium: 2% DV

Iron: 4% DV

Vitamin C: 20% DV

7. Apple Slices

Apple slices are a fresh option to add to your meal for a crunchy, satisfying side. And if you’ve ever had apple slices at McDonald’s, you know just how sweet and juicy they are. They started out in Happy Meals to appeal to parents and kids, but now they’re available as an a-la-cart item.

Apple Slices Nutrition Info:

Calories: 15

Protein: 0g

Fat: 0g

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Carbs: 4g

Sodium: 0mg

Dietary Fiber: 0g

Sugars: 3g

Vitamin A: 0% DV

Calcium: 2% DV

Iron: 0% DV

Vitamin C: 160% DV

8. Oatmeal Raisin Cookie

If you find yourself craving something sweet with your meal, your best bet at McDonald’s is the oatmeal raisin cookie. It’s made with oats and layered with raisins for a sweet post-meal treat.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Nutrition Info:

Calories: 140

Protein: 2g

Fat: 5g

Saturated Fat: 2.5g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 10mg

Carbs: 22g

Sodium: 125mg

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 12g

Vitamin A: 4% DV

Calcium: 2% DV

Iron: 4% DV

Vitamin C: 0% DV

 

If you’re looking to keep your drive-throughs healthy, definitely keep McDonald’s on your list of fast food chain options. With these eight dishes, it won’t disappoint. Curious about healthy breakfast options at McDonald’s, as well as your other favorite fast food chains? Check out our top picks.