When you think of fast food, it is unlikely that “healthy” will come to mind. However, a registered dietitian suggests that eating a meal from McDonald’s as often is not as bad for your health as you might think. In fact, there are some options The beloved fast food chain can offer some good nutrition — especially for those who have limited options.
For some people, McDonald’s (or a similar establishment) is the closest place to their home where they can go and have a hot meal. In 2009, the USDA estimated that approximately 23.5 million Americans lived in a food desert, which is described as a low-income area more than a mile from a supermarket or large grocery store. For rural areas, the closure is 10 miles.
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Not having a vehicle or reliable transportation in general can further complicate someone’s access to affordable, nutritious foods. Fast food options can in some cases offer more health benefits than packaged foods that you can see at a gas station or convenience store, for example.
According to Sammi Haber Brondo, MS, RD and author of The Essential Vegetable Cookbook: Simple and Satisfying Ways to Eat More Vegetables, everyone’s access to food looks different and fast food places often have a variety of options.
“Chicken nuggets and burgers can both be pretty healthy alternatives,” she says. “They are both a great way to get protein and the portion sizes are also quite reasonable.”
She adds that the fruit and maple oatmeal option at McDonald’s is a healthy breakfast option, as it contains real fruit and offers a good source of both protein and fiber.
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“Even seemingly small things, like getting oatmeal with fruit for breakfast and salad and tomato on a burger for dinner, add nutrients and can be beneficial,” she says. “Also, Try to make your meal as balanced as possible so that it is filled. For example, french fries and a milkshake do not offer much protein or fiber, so that combination will probably not keep you super satiated. “
Instead, Brondo suggests pairing these french fries with chicken nuggets, as this meal will provide more protein and keep you full longer. Apple slices are another great side option for a McDonald’s meal.
Obvious, There is a great deterrent to fast food – the menu selection is seldom not high in sodium. Regular consumption of too much sodium, or more than the suggested 2,300 milligrams per day, can endanger your heart health in the long run, says American Heart Association. But if you only eat McDonald’s once or twice a week, Brondo suggests that you do not have to worry too much.
“Salt helps food stay fresher for longer and is an easy, inexpensive way to add flavor,” she explains. “If you do not eat McDonald’s for every meal, every day, however, I would not stress too much about it. In an overall varied, balanced diet, some faster sodium items are not something to worry about.”
For more tips, be sure to check out our list of the 7 healthiest McDonald’s orders, according to a dietitian.
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