The scenario goes a little something like this: You're on a long drive, the road ahead is completely bare and your stomach is making noises louder than the radio.
You've eaten all of your healthy road snacks and there's not a restaurant in sight. Until ... those infamous golden arches miraculously appear as a tumbleweed tumbles by, making the choice a definitive one: You'll be taking a pitstop at Mickey D's.
These kind of experiences happen to the best of us. Even the most prepared person must sometimes compromise her routine to avoid the the lurid side effects of hanger. There are ways to make the most of your McDonald's mischance.
For the sake of strategy, we referred to 10 nutritionists (who tend to avoid fast food like the plague) and asked them what their order would be in an urgent instance like this one. There were a few general trends: When possible, order grilled instead of fried; eat something with protein; try to incorporate a vegetable or fruit; select a meal that will actually fill you up. Check out the McDonald's orders of 10 nutritionists below so next time, when hanger hits, you'll be better equipped to order like an expert.
Note: None of the experts interviewed below work with McDonald's or were compensated for their responses.
- Regular Burger With A Side Salad
McDonald's
"If you must have something more "traditional" at McD's, opt for a regular burger patty and swap out the fries for a side salad with low fat vinaigrette dressing. Otherwise, I'd choose the Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken."
-- Katherine Brooking, M.S., R.D.
- Premium Southwest Salad With Grilled Chicken
McDonald's
"I would have the Premium Southwest Salad with grilled Chicken. I would order that because I would get some veggies, 7 grams of fiber for fullness and would not go overboard on refined carbs (from the buns). I also like that it has 29 grams of protein as I generally strive to get 25-30 grams protein in all of my three main meals every day.
It also has 320 calories, which means I can have a piece of fruit or something else as part of this lunch too."
-- Julie Upton, M.S., R.D., CSSD*
