Here’s what you should order at McDonald’s, nutritionists reveal

Lifestyle

Written by Perry Ormont Blumberg, FOX News

Many people believe that McDonald's is not generally associated with the healthiest food.

Katherine Curnuts, a Rhode Island-based registered dietitian and owner of Nutrition Education RD, said many McDonald's foods are high in saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar and salt.

But by not making fast food chains part of your daily life and ordering carefully from the menu, you can choose a better alternative for yourself.

To make more nutritious choices when visiting the Golden Arches, Kalnutt and Lara Clevenger, a registered dietitian in Edgewater, Florida, recommend what is considered “OK” no matter what you order. I expressed my opinion.

Fox News Digital has reached out to McDonald's for comment.

apple slices

“If you're looking for a crunchy, low-calorie snack, McDonald's apple slices are a great option,” Clevenger says.

She added that the snack has only 15 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates and can fit into most meals.

McDonald's apple slices contain just 3 grams of total carbohydrates and can be enjoyed as a snack or side, according to the chain's nutrition information webpage.

egg mcmuffin

The sandwich, made with eggs, cheese and Canadian bacon, has about 310 calories, with 17 grams of protein, 13 grams of fat and 30 grams of carbohydrates, Clevenger said.

“This is a much healthier breakfast option than, say, fruit and maple oatmeal. It has 320 calories, but only 6 grams of protein, 4.5 grams of fat, and a whopping 64 grams of carbohydrates.” she said.

“If you're concerned about blood sugar levels or want to stay fuller longer, the protein and fat in an Egg McMuffin is a better option,” says Clevenger.

McCrispie

You may not want to eat fried chicken sandwiches often.

Still, if you're concerned about getting enough protein, Clevenger said this is a good option if you eat it occasionally.

“This chicken sandwich has only 470 calories and 26 grams of protein,” she said.

hamburger

Mr. Carnutt said McDonald's burgers are a classic choice with a very impressive nutritional makeup compared to other burger options available on the menu.

Again, the operative word here is “by comparison.”

“With 12 grams of protein, you're guaranteed to feel full and satisfied for hours on the go,” she says.

Again, she said she didn't want this menu to be part of her daily diet.

Everything should be done in moderation.

By the way, the difference between a hamburger and a cheeseburger is 50 calories.

Hamburgers and cheeseburgers come with ketchup, mustard, chopped onions, and pickles.

“Our pickles contain artificial preservatives, so don't use them if you prefer,” McDonald's says on its website.

McCafé Americano

“Want a quick caffeine fix without the sugar crash? McCafé Americano of any size contains no sugar,” Carnuts said.

“Remember, coffee is not a meal, so it's best paired with food,” she said.

What is her suggestion for that?

“Fan-favorite” Egg McMuffin.

vanilla corn

If you're craving dessert from a fast-food menu, choose McDonald's vanilla cone, Carnutt suggested.

“This soft-serve ice cream contains 5 grams of protein and 15% of the daily recommended amount of calcium,” she added.

McDonald's vanilla soft serve cone has 200 calories per serving. Contains 33 grams of carbohydrates and 17 grams of sugar.

By comparison, baked apple pie contains 230 calories, 33 grams of carbohydrates, and 13 grams of sugar.

Corn contains 180 milligrams of calcium, while pie contains 6 milligrams.