McDonald's Nutrition Information & Healthy Choices

Even if you're trying to eat healthfully, you're bound to be pressed for time now and then. A quick trip through the drive-thru may be just the ticket. With a little ordering savvy, you can eat healthfully--even at McDonald's.

History

• In 1948, Dick and Mac McDonald reinvented their car hop-style restaurant and opened the first McDonald's drive in. The star of the menu was the $0.15 hamburger. While heavier items were added to the menu over the years, the first health-conscious salads weren't added until 1987.

Identification

• When it comes to healthy eating, knowledge is power. Before going to McDonald's, review the Nutrition Facts online or ask for a printout of the nutrition data before ordering at the restaurant.

Considerations

• Keep in mind that menu items that sound lighter may still pack on fat and calories. For example, a Premium Bacon Ranch salad with crispy chicken and ranch dressing totals 540 calories and 35 grams of fat. That's more than a Quarter Pounder with Cheeese (510 calories and 26 grams of fat).

Recommendations

• Opt for grilled chicken instead of crispy (fried) chicken and choose the low-fat salad dressings. When ordering a sandwich, order a side salad, fruit and yogurt parfait, or apple dippers for a side instead of fries. Feel free to customize your order and eliminate mayonnaise and other high-fat toppings. Also choose water instead of soda.

Fun Fact

• Morgan Spurlock ate nothing but McDonald's menu items for 30 days when filming Super Size Me.