The 7 Healthiest Things You Can Eat at McDonald’s
Updated: Feb. 10, 2021
When you think about McDonald's, you might not think about healthy eating, but that's about to change!
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.
Inspired By: McDonald's Cheeseburger
A crispy coating mix is the secret ingredient that dresses up these baked hamburgers. 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
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
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
Inspired By: Chicken McNuggets
My 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
Inspired By: Quarter Pounder with Cheese
Go on a burger road trip in your own backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-high with your favorite toppings. For instance, peanut butter and bacon make them southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes, a northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York
Inspired By: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
I turned classic breakfast sandwiches into something heartier that you could even enjoy for dinner. We pile toppings like salsa and avocado—mayo and ketchup, too—on the homemade biscuits. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Inspired By: Honey Mustard Sauce
This fast, easy mustard with rice vinegar and honey has more flavor than any other honey mustard dressing I've ever tried. —Sharon Rehm, New Blaine, Arkansas
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
Inspired By: McCafe Strawberry Shake
Cool off with a thick and rich treat that will remind you of a malt shoppe! Nothing can beat this strawberry shake recipe. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 midmorning munchies) by adding different fruits and nuts every day. —Maddie Kirk, Springfield, Pennsylvania
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
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
Inspired By: Sausage Burrito
This is a great kid-friendly recipe that takes only 20 minutes to prepare and cook.—Sharon Haswell, Cheshire, Massachusetts
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
Inspired By: Fruit 'N Yogurt Parfait
The best time for this dessert is midsummer, when the blueberries are thick in our northern woods. Red raspberries can be added to the mixed berries, too, to brighten the patriotic colors.—Anne Theriault, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Inspired By: Fish McBites
My husband and I love fried fish, but we're both trying to cut back on dietary fat. I came up with this oven-baked version. He likes it as much as deep-fried fish, so I know it's a winner. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
