Burrell reveals what Macca’s items she always picks - and which ones she steers clear of.
Burrell reveals what Macca’s items she always picks - and which ones she steers clear of.
Whether you love it, crave it or can’t stand the stuff, you can’t deny that McDonald’s is one of the few places around where you can find hot, relatively fresh and reasonably priced meals - and usually close by considering there’s one in every neighbourhood these days.
However,like most fast-food franchises, Macca’s is known for its ultra-processed food, which features heaps of fat, refined carbohydrate, salt and sugar on the ingredients list.
Writing for news.com.au, dietitian and nutritionist Susie Burrell has revealed which menu items are the healthiest options on offer.
So, if you unexpectedly end up on a Macca’s run, here are the top picks when you’re putting your nutrition first - and the ones to avoid.
Every 10 bites have less than 200 calories and 11g of fat, making these one of the better snacks to grab when at your local Macca’s. Burrell recommends that you team it with a salad to satisfy your hunger.
Chicken McBites is one of the better snacks to grab when at your local Macca’s. Photo / Getty Images
Wholemeal Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap
If you don’t forget to order the grilled variety and request the wholemeal version, you will have stumbled on one of the leanest options on the menu. With just 9g of fat and 200 calories per serving, you can lighten the meal even further if you ask for no mayo.
If you have a hankering for a burger, the McChicken is probably your best go, with 450 calories, 22g of fat and 600mg of sodium. It is nearly half the calorie and fat load of many of the other burgers on offer at the popular takeaway spot.
The worst:
BBQ Bacon Angus
One of the worst culprits when it comes to burgers is the BBQ Bacon Angus, Burrell reveals, with 40g of fat, 800 calories and a huge 1600mg of sodium - which is nearly your entire upper daily recommended intake. And not to mention the fries you probably get on the side ...
The Double Quarter Pounder burger will set you back more than 800 calories
Double Quarter Pounder
With nearly no salad, two slices of cheese and two patties of meat, this simple burger will set you back more than 800 calories, a whopping 50g of fat (which is more than some people eat in a whole day) and more than 1400mg of sodium.
Crispy Caesar Salad
Don’t let the term “salad” fool you, eagle-eyed diners who pay attention to the nutritional information of the Crispy Caesar will realise it contains a massive 40g of fat and 1500mg of sodium, making it no healthier than a burger.
Unless you opt for the Zero sugar variety, you’ll be drinking the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar. Photo / McDonald's
Big Brekkie Burger
As the title suggests, this loaded breakfast burger will add 40g of fat to your AM along with more than 1500mg of sodium in tow.
While the humble Fro Co is a popular Macca’s staple, Burrell notes it’s not so great for your health. Unless you opt for the Zero sugar variety, you’ll be drinking the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar.
