Hey,
Every morning when I’m leaving boot camp I drive by McDonald’s and am amazed at the number of people in the drive through. If you’re wanting to lose weight McDonald’s is not the place to start your day unless you’re prepared to order outside the box. A sausage egg and biscuit contains 510 calories and 36 grams of carbs (personally thought there would be more carbs). The big breakfast with hot cakes contain 1090 calories and 111 grams of carbs (all simple carbs). That’s all the carbs you need for the entire day, OUCH! A Sausage McMuffin contains 360 calories and 29 grams of simple carbs which is the major problem with McDonald’s.
So how do you fix breakfast?
It is possible to eat breakfast at McDonald’s but you must go rogue. Get an egg or two with sausage minus the biscuit or McMuffin. An egg is about 80-100 calories while the sausage is around 100-120 calories, but more importantly there’s zero simple carbs. When eating on the go you must always ask the question. How do I eliminate simple carbs from this meal?
If you choose to eat lunch or dinner at McDonald’s you must become Yoda and choose wisely. The Big Mac has 550 calories and 46 grams of carbs. A simple cheese burger has 300 calories and 33 grams of carbs. Even the grilled chicken sandwich contains 350 calories and 42 grams of simple carbs.
Ever since I watched “Super Size Me” Chicken McNuggets have not been on my menu, but the 6 piece does meet our weight loss criteria at 280 calories and only 18 grams of carbs. The grilled chicken chilpotle BBQ wraps will also work at 270 calories and 25 grams of carbs. The bacon ranch premium garden salad with grilled chicken would be my personal pick at 230 calories and 10 grams of great complex carbs.
McDonald’s has a very limited menu if you’re serious about losing weight and getting healthy. Outside the salad, vegetables are non-existent. (french fries, pickles & ketchup don’t count as a vegetable). In addition, McDonald’s food contains very few vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. If you are absolutely out of options McDonald’s provides a few quick options that will work in a pinch.
Helping You Make the Best Choice with a Bad Option,
Jeff