The 7 Healthiest Things You Can Eat at McDonald’s

McDonald’s is delicious (there’s a reason its Coke taste so good) but, like all fast food, it’s not always the healthiest choice. If you’re in a time or money bind but still looking to stay on track with eating more mindfully, try these healthier options at the Golden Arches.

The below items are made with whole and real ingredients. While the recipes keep it pretty simple, you won’t be missing out on any flavor. Plus, it helps that they’re priced reasonably!

Fruit & Maple Oatmeal

Running late for work? A hot Fruit & Maple Oatmeal will hit the spot, and it’s completely customizable, whether you’re a fan of brown sugar, fresh diced apples, a splash of cream or a blend of dried cranberries.

The stats:

• 310 calories
• 4g fat
• 62g carbs
• 6g protein

Hamburger

If you’re craving a classic burger, go for a no-frills hamburger. It contains a healthy amount of protein and other nutrients. To cut down on sodium and carbs, skip the side of fries (there’s a secret reason those are so addicting). That’s not necessarily exciting, but will still keep you full.

The stats:

• 250 calories
• 8g fat
• 31g carbs
• 13g protein

Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad

This zesty chicken salad is filling, sweet and crunchy, without any extra fat. Opt for grilled items at any fast food chains, as “crispy” or “fried” menu items usually just mean extra fat and carbs that you’re probably trying to steer clear of.

The stats:

• 350 calories
• 11g fat
• 27g carbs
• 37g protein

Do you know about theses eight McDonald’s secret menu items?

Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken Salad

Looking for a more classic salad blend? Grilled chicken, bacon, tomatoes, carrots and cheese are tossed with greens for a flavorful, satisfying lunch. Whether you’re in a Southwest or a Bacon Ranch mood, make sure to specify the grilled variety, as both salads have a crispy chicken counterpart.

The stats:

• 320 calories
• 14g fat
• 9g carbs
• 42g protein

Egg McMuffin

You can take comfort in knowing that the eggs in your egg McMuffin are 100% real, and are free from any added ingredients, unlike some of the other all-day breakfast offerings. No matter what time you’re craving breakfast, the Egg McMuffin is definitely the healthy way to enjoy a morning-inspired sandwich.

The stats:

• 300 calories
• 12g fat
• 30g carbs
• 18g protein

Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich

For a sandwich without unhealthy extras, give the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich a bite that will satisfy your cravings in a healthy way. Win-win!

The stats:

• 380 calories
• 6g fat
• 45g carbs
• 36g protein

Fruit ‘N Yogurt Parfait

Looking for a sweet dessert without the guilt? The Fruit ‘N Yogurt Parfait layers low-fat vanilla yogurt with fresh strawberries, blueberries and granola for a sweet treat you can enjoy at any time of day.

The stats:

• 150 calories
• 2g fat
• 30g carbs
• 4g protein

When in doubt, you can take a quick glance at the nutrition facts, which chain restaurants are now required to publish. Look for menu items with minimal ingredients and preservatives. If you don’t cook with them at home, you probably don’t want to eat them at a restaurant, either.

Psst: This restaurant is officially one of the healthiest fast foods.

These McDonald's Copycat Recipes Are the Real Deal

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Inspired By: McDonald's Cheeseburger

A crispy coating mix is the secret ingredient that dresses up these burgers. You bake them in the oven instead of grilling or frying. I like to use a sweet and spicy steak sauce for the best flavor. —Mike Goldman, Arden Hills, Minnesota

Get Our Recipe for Oven-Baked Burgers Here

Inspired By: McDonald's French Fries

An even tastier way to eat fries! The addition of Parmesan and garlic makes this side dish simple irresistible. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Get Our Recipe for Parmesan & Garlic Fries Here

Inspired By: Shamrock Shake

Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California

Get Our Recipe for Thin Mint Milk Shake Here

Inspired By: Chicken McNuggets

My 3-year-old is going through a stage where he'll eat only chicken nuggets and French fries. I like to make these golden nuggets for him so I know what he's eating. They're so good, we like them, too! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama

Get Our Recipe for Parmesan Chicken Nuggets Here

Taste of Home

Inspired By: Quarter Pounder with Cheese

Go on a burger road trip in your own backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-high. Peanut butter and bacon make them Southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes, a Northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York

Get Our Recipe for Burger Americana Here

Inspired By: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit

I turned classic breakfast sandwiches into something heartier you could have for dinner, too. We pile toppings like salsa, avocado—even mayo and ketchup—onto my homemade biscuits. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

Get Our Recipe Cheesy Ham & Egg Sandwiches for Here

Inspired By: Honey Mustard Sauce

This fast, easy mustard with rice vinegar and honey has more flavor than any other honey-mustard dressing I have ever tried. —Sharon Rehm, New Blaine, Arkansas

Get Our Recipe for Quick & Easy Honey Mustard Here

Inspired By: Pico Guacamole with Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich

You can use any type of bread or roll for this sandwich. We like the ciabatta, but have used other breads and rolls, whatever I might have handy. You can also pan fry the chicken if you can't get to a grill.—Debbie Speckmeyer, Lakewood, California

Get Our Recipe for Cilantro-Lime Chicken Sandwiches Here

Inspired By: McCafe Strawberry Shake

Cool off with a thick and rich treat that will remind you of a malt shoppe! —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Get Our Recipe for Thick Strawberry Shakes Here

Inspired By: Hotcakes

This is the best fluffy pancakes recipe according to my family. They are quick and easy to prepare, but we still consider these homemade pancakes a special treat. —Eugene Presley, Council, Virginia

Get Our Recipe for Fluffy Pancakes Here

Inspired By: Chicken Selects

These strips are designed for kids, but tasty enough for company. The tender strips are moist and juicy and would also be great on a salad. —Becky Oliver, Fairplay, Colorado

Get Our Recipe for Seasoned Chicken Strips Here

Inspired By: Tangy Barbecue Sauce

I've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California

Get Our Recipe for Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce Here

Inspired By: Cinnamon Melts

A slow cooker turns day-old cinnamon rolls into a comforting, old-fashioned dessert. It tastes wonderful topped with lemon or vanilla sauce or whipped cream. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

Get Our Recipe for Slow Cooker Cinnamon Roll Pudding Here

Inspired By: McRib

Perfect for a weekday dinner or cozy weekend meal, this recipe makes fall-off-the-bone tender meat with delicious flavor. —Margaret Luchsinger, Jupiter, Florida

Get Our Recipe for Country Rib Sandwiches Here

Inspired By: Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad

This knockout shredded pork makes a healthy, delicious and hearty salad with black beans, corn, cotija cheese and plenty of fresh greens. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma

Get Our Recipe for Southwest Shredded Pork Salad Here

Inspired By: Fruit & Maple Oatmeal

I tasted muesli on a trip to Switzerland, and when I came home, I made it my way. Keep things interesting (and avoid the mid-morning munchies) by adding different fruits and nuts every day. —Maddie Kirk, Springfield, Pennsylvania

Get Our Recipe for Overnight Maple Oatmeal Here

Inspired By: Filet-O-Fish

The seasoned breading of this hearty sandwich turns mild-flavored cod or halibut into a taste sensation, and the creamy sauce just keeps it going! Mildred Caruso - Brighton, Tennessee

Get Our Recipe for Breaded Fish Sandwiches Here

Inspired By: Tartar Sauce

Here’s a traditional sauce worth making from scratch. It makes the meal feel very special, and guests are always impressed. You might never buy the bottled stuff ever again. —Roger Slivon, Genesee Depot, Wisconsin

Get Our Recipe for Green Onion Tartar Sauce Here

Inspired By: Sausage Burrito

This is a great kid-friendly recipe that takes only 20 minutes to prepare and cook.—Sharon Haswell, Cheshire, Massachusetts

Get Our Recipe for Ham & Egg Wraps Here

Inspired By: Sweet BBQ Bacon Burger

Every family has a burger of choice, and this is ours. It's stacked tall with bacon and crunchy onion rings. —Paula Homer, Nampa, Idaho

Get Our Recipe for BBQ Bacon Burger Here

Inspired By: Fruit 'N Yogurt Parfait

The best time for this dessert is mid-summer, when the blueberries are thick in our northern woods. Red raspberries can be added to the mixed berries, too, to brighten up the patriotic colors.—Anne Theriault, Wellesley, Massachusetts

Get Our Recipe for Star-Spangled Parfaits Here

Inspired By: Fish McBites

My husband and I love fresh, fried fish, but we're both trying to cut back on fats. I made up this recipe and it was a huge hit. He tells me that he likes it as much as deep-fried fish, and that's saying a lot! —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma

Get Our Recipe for Oven-Fried Fish Nuggets Here