Summary of 10 Unhealthiest McDonald’s Menu Items, According to Dietitians:
Fast food restaurants, like McDonald’s, offer convenient meals that often lack quality nutrition. Many menu items are highly processed and contain high amounts of calories, sodium, fat, sugar, and saturated fat, which have been scientifically linked to weight gain and can increase the risk of serious health conditions. However, there are still options that can work within a balanced diet. It is recommended to choose single items rather than meals, avoid sugary drinks, and limit the use of sauces. Popular menu items to avoid include the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, the Deluxe Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and the Triple Thick Chocolate Shake. Opt for healthier options such as the Sausage McMuffin, the classic burger or cheeseburger, and a small Iced French Vanilla Latte.
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10 of the Unhealthiest McDonald’s Orders You Could Ever Make
Fast food chains, like McDonald’s, offer convenience and meals that appeal to kids and adults alike. However, this convenience often comes at the expense of quality nutrition. McDonald’s is known for its burgers, fries, crispy chicken McNuggets, and more. While these foods may taste delicious and satisfy your need for a quick meal, these McDonald’s menu items are loaded with calories, sodium, fat, sugar, and saturated fat.
To lessen the potential negative impact of your next McDonald’s order, here are a few tips:
Choose single items rather than meals.
Avoid sugary drinks.
Limit the sauces you use to avoid empty calories and keep your order simple.
To help ensure that your next lap around the drive-thru results in a (somewhat) nutritious and wholesome meal, you should also know which are the best to avoid.
1. Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese
Per burger: 740 calories, 42 g fat (20 g saturated fat, 2.5 g trans fat), 1,360 mg sodium, 43 g carbs (2 g fiber, 10 g sugar), 48 g protein
2. Big Breakfast with Hotcakes
Per order: 1,340 calories, 63 g fat (24 g saturated fat, .5 g trans fat), 2,070 mg sodium, 158 g carbs (5 g fiber, 48 g sugar), 36 g protein
3. Large McCafe Mocha Frappe with Whipped Cream
Per medium-sized order: 490 calories, 20 g fat (13 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 90 mg sodium, 70 g carbs (1 g fiber, 62 g sugar), 8 g protein
4. Medium Chocolate Shake
Per medium-sized order: 650 calories, 17 g fat (11 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 310 mg sodium, 107 g carbs (1 g fiber, 85 g sugar), 15 g protein
5. Blueberry Muffin
Per muffin: 440 calories, 20 g fat (3 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 330 mg sodium, 60 g carbs (2 g fiber, 34 g sugar), 5 g protein
6. McGriddles with Sausage, Egg & Cheese
Per sandwich: 550 calories, 33 g fat (13 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 1,290 mg sodium, 44 g carbs (3 g fiber, 15 g sugar), 19 g protein
7. Double Cheeseburger
Per burger: 590 calories, 34 g fat (11 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 1,050 mg sodium, 46 g carbs (3 g fiber, 9 g sugar), 25 g protein
8. Deluxe Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Per sandwich: 530 calories, 26 g fat (4 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 1,050 mg sodium, 48 g carbs (2 g fiber, 10 g sugar), 27 g protein
9. Large Fries
Per large order: 480 calories, 23 g fat (3 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 400 mg sodium, 65 g carbs (6 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 7 g protein
10. Big Breakfast with Biscuits
Per order: 740 calories, 42 g fat (18 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans fat), 1,330 mg sodium, 60 g carbs (2 g fiber, 16 g sugar), 21 g protein
Highly processed foods, like those offered at most fast food restaurants, have been scientifically linked to weight gain and potentially increase your risk for other serious diseases and health conditions. While it’s best to limit your intake of fast food and opt for more wholesome meals, it’s important to know which items to avoid when you do indulge in quick bites.
By making smarter choices and limiting added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium, you can enjoy the convenience of a quick McDonald’s meal without sacrificing your nutrition goals.
