A Love/Hate Relationship: McDonald's

Since starting this healthy living concept (in conjunction with the weight loss competition),  my friend J. and I have been looking into the nutritional content of the lunches that we eat during the work week.  There is nothing like the feeling of dread that you get when you realize that your favorite grilled chicken salad has a ridiculously high number of calories.  A salad!!! 

We have now realized that we need to be better prepared before we even leave the office.   While fixing your own lunch is the best way to keep track of what you are eating, you do not always have that option.  Sometimes you wake up late, have a packed schedule or are running errands around town and you shouldn't have to avoid fast food restaurants for the rest of your life.  Plus, many of them have been modifying their menus to include healthier options that can provide you with a healthy, tasty meal on the go.

So, let me introduce you to a new series called "A Love/Hate Relationship".  These posts will highlight some of the best and worst options from the fast food and casual dining restaurants that most of us will frequent at some point on this "Get Fit!" journey. 

Who wins the honor of Post Numero Uno?  McDonald's

Let me put all of my business in the streets and say that my favorite meals are the Angus Deluxe Burger, Filet-o-Fish, Premium Crispy Chicken and Southern Style Chicken Meals.  Now let us take a look at just what I have been eating when you factor in that medium fry (380 cal /19g fat) and Coke (210 cal):

• The Angus Deluxe (Cal 750/Fat 39g) ~~~ Meal (Cal 1340/Fat 58g) 
• The Filet-o-Fish  (Cal 380/Fat 18g) ~~~ Meal (Cal 970/Fat 37g) 
• The Premium Crispy Chicken (Cal 510/Fat 22g) ~~~ Meal (Cal 1100/Fat 41g)  
• The Southern Style Chicken (Cal 420/Fat 19g) ~~~ Meal (Cal 1010/Fat 38g)  

Le Sigh.  I do love the fries, but just how many calories have I been consuming every day?  After perusing the nutritional information provided on the McDonald's website, I have found some better options. 

Breakfast 

Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait (Cal 150/Fat 2g)

Fruit & Maple Oatmeal (Cal 290/Fat 4.5g)

Fruit & Maple Oatmeal without Brown Sugar (Cal 260/Fat 4.5g)

Lunch/Dinner

Premium Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken (Cal 190/Fat 5g)

Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken (Cal 290/Fat 8g)

Grilled Chipotle BBQ Snack Wrap (Cal 250/Fat 8g)

Grilled Ranch Snack Wrap (Cal 270/Fat 12g)

Hamburger (Cal 250/Fat 9g)

Cheeseburger (Cal 300/Fat 12g)

Premium Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich (Cal 350/Fat 9g)

Sides

Salad (Cal 20/Fat 0g)

Apple Slices (Cal 15/Fat 0g)

Small French Fries (Cal 230/Fat 11)

Once you throw in a diet soda or unsweetened tea, you have a decent meal!  Keep in mind that while this is not something that you should order on a daily basis, it will provide you with an option that is not 90% of your daily calories!