McDonald’s? They are Lovin’ It Too
By CLAIRISSA MYATT
Copy Editor
We have all been there. You are on hour five of your trip, the road ahead of you stretches for many more bare miles to come, and wait for it, yes, there it is the inevitable stomach grumble.
You ate all of your healthy snacks already and since you are in the middle of nowhere, there is not a healthy restaurant in sight. Suddenly, the golden arches that you tried so desperately to avoid, this trip appear and without hesitation you know that it is time for a stop at McDonald’s.
While you tried your best to avoid the inevitable, do not fret or fear for your diet’s life because you are about to read some of the meals that even nutritionists would order off of a McDonald’s menu.
First, a regular burger with a side salad.
“If you must have something more ‘traditional’ at McDonald’s, opt for a regular burger patty and swap out the fries for a side salad with a low fat vinaigrette dressing. Otherwise, I would choose the Premium Southwest Grilled Chicken,” said Katherine Brooking, nutritionist.
Grilled Sweet Chili Chicken Wrap, apple slices and a side salad. Marjorie Nolan Cohn, author of “Belly Fat Fix” and nutritionist, said she would choose this because, “It’s grilled chicken, and I like chili – sweet sauces. It doesn’t have the least amount of calories on the menu, but if I have to eat at McDonald’s, I don’t want to eat it and still be hungry after. I’d round out the wrap with fruit and side salad to transform it into a balanced meal.”
“I would select the Premium Southwest Salad without chicken – I’m vegetarian – a McCafe Nonfat Medium Latte and a side order of cuties. [This all totals] 350 calories,” said Vandana Sheth, nutritionist.
Most of the nutritionists agreed with each other picking the Southwest Salad, something to keep in mind next time you pull up to order window. However, here is a meal that may shock you.
“I’d get fresh, hot fries and a small chocolate shake. Why? If I’m famished, I need “quick energy” which I’ll get from carbohydrates, but also because I actually enjoy fries and shakes. I would not worry about nutrition right now because it’s not in the cards. I’d rather get a healthy meal I could savor later, and something quick and enjoyable now,” said Rebecca Scritchfield, nutritionist.
Think about that order on your next road trip. At the end of the day, try your best to keep happy meals to an outright emergency instance.
We are all guilty of pulling over for fast food, and when you absolutely must, keep these few things in mind: when possible, order grilled instead of fried, eat something with protein, try to incorporate a vegetable or fruit and always select a meal that will actually fill you up.
Clairissa Myatt is a senior majoring in multimedia journalism. This column does not represent the opinions of iPulse, but her personal thoughts and views.
