How to eat smart at McDonald’s

How to eat smart at McDonald’s. As a point of interest, and personal concern for myself and my family, I wanted to see what I could find on eating at McDonald’s. Supposedly, McDonald’s has added new items so that we all can eat healthy there. My question is, “Is this really true… can we really eat smart at McDonald’s?”

How to eat smart at McDonald’s is my main focus for this article. In addition, I also feel that if you are going to be eating fast food, you had better be supplementing your diet with proper nutrition. This is because of all the fillers that fast food restaurants add… Especially to their meats to cut down on cost and increase profits. I personally Supplement my diet with a multi-vitamin and with Moringo Nutramatrix. Let’s Go Here for More information on this.  

How to Eat Smart At McDonald’s. Is it Possible?

According to their own website: 
http://www.mcdonalds.com/content/us/en/websites.html.

“Good food and fun knows no boundaries. McDonald’s has over 32,000 locations in more than 100 countries around the globe”.

“We serve more than 60 million people around the world every day. Learn more about our company, our environmental policies and social responsibility efforts, and our history”.

Referenced from their site: http://www.mcdonalds.com/content/us/en/our_story/our_history.html.

Our History

Since 1955, we’ve been proud to serve the world some of its favorite food. And along the way, we’ve managed not just to live history, but create it. From drive-thru restaurants to Chicken McNuggets. Not to mention college credits from Hamburger U and much more. It’s been quite the journey. And we promise this is just the beginning. We’ve got our hearts set on making more history.

First, Is this really a good food and lifestyle decision for us and our family? Is this something we really should be doing???

We all may ask: “Is it a good idea to let my children eat at McDonald’s?” Should we even consider How to eat smart at McDonald’s?

Moreover, when searching on the topic I came across the following. And it is pretty alarming and enlightening to what we all think is the answer. No… you probably shouldn’t let your children eat McDonald’s… not if you love them.

See Ref 1 Below.

5 Reasons to Never Let Your Kids Eat McDonald’s.how to eat smart at McDonald's

1. How to eat healthy at McDonald’s – It’s a lie!

On this note, McDonald’s, (really fast-food in general) isn’t real food. In addition, the “nugget” isn’t a part of the chicken’s anatomy at all. Furthermore, real ribs have bones (I’m looking at you McRib). Also, and most importantly, real food rots.

Moreover, there are stories everywhere on the internet that talk about how people have kept a McDonald’s cheeseburger in it’s wrapper, un-refrigerated for a year! And you know what these people have found? The cheeseburger is in pristine condition. Not to mention… No mold or anything for this matter has grown on it. Is this something we should be putting into our bodies if bacteria, mold, and other organisms don’t want it?

how to eat smart at McDonald's

Hey, Check out this McDonald’s hamburger from 1999 (Above). Yes, it’s been sitting on a shelf for 14 years. Can you believe that there’s not a spot of mold or a single maggot? Secondly, if nature’s natural composers don’t recognize it as food, neither should we. Furthermore, if you feed your kids McDonald’s, you forever alter their concept of what real food looks, feels and tastes like. On this note, How to eat smart at McDonald’s I feel may be impossible.

2. How to Eat Smart at McDonald’s – Its heinously unhealthy.

how to eat smart at McDonald'sSince there are few things that derail your health like fast-food. The average McDonald’s meal contains so much sodium, unhealthy fat, sugar and empty carbs. It’s staggering. More importantly, the exact opposite of what any doctor or nutritionist (even the good ol’ USDA) would consider a healthy diet.

A 2004 study published in “The Lancet” found.

In fact, eating fast food more than twice per week is linked to rapid weight gain, increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and sometimes fatal cardiovascular health problems. On another note, the processed fat in McDonald’s food (and other fast food) promotes endothelial dysfunction. In addition, this is linked to erectile dysfunction down the road. Is all of that really worth a couple of minutes without whining? So the question remains… How to Eat Smart at McDonald’s. Is it possible?

how to eat smart at McDonald's

3. The company refuses to acknowledge what its food really does to kids – How to Eat Smart at McDonald’s

Sure, sure, every day we hear that McDonald’s offers a plethora of healthy choices, blah, blah, blah. It doesn’t matter. Offer as many weird, wilted salads as you want. Because almost no one buys them, and certainly not kids. If McDonald’s is so healthy for kids, why doesn’t the company prove it? Instead, McDonald’s has consistently refused to assess the impact it has on children’s weight and health.

how to eat smart at McDonald's

4. how to eat smart at McDonald’s – It hurts families.

Are you looking forward to the holidays? Planning family meals and special Christmas morning surprises? You’re lucky. For the millions of parents who have no other option but to take jobs in the fast food industry (because, you know, if they go on public assistance while looking for better work they’re called mooches).

First of all, these luxuries don’t exist. In recent years, McDonald’s has urged its franchises to stay open on Christmas day.

Furthermore, to add insult to injury, workers at company-owned restaurants didn’t receive overtime for working the holiday last year. This is on top of the frighteningly low pay, zero benefits and general exploitation.

how to eat smart at McDonald's

5. Because Your kids Are Their future – how to eat smart at McDonald’s.

Moreover, we haven’t even begun to discuss the impact McDonald’s and other fast food chains have on our environment and agriculture (i.e. factory farming). If those issues matter to us, the last thing we should do is introduce our kids to this food. It’s no secret that one of the oldest items on the McDonald’s menu is the “Happy Meal“. A kid-sized sack of fake food accompanied by a plastic, Made in China toy.

McDonald’s has and always will target children with its advertising. Why? Because kids, especially crying, screaming ones like in the NYC custody story, are very persuasive.  

Those commercials and toys are meant to get kids eating McDonald’s early. So that they’ll be customers for life. Did I mention fast food has been proven to be intentionally addictive? Once hooked, McDonald’s knows your kids will return as adults. Allowing them to continue their gross, destructive, exploitative practices in perpetuity.

So then comes the question… if you are eating at McDonald’s, “How to eat smart at McDonald’s?” Or is it just best to stay clear and stay away? With the growing numbers of new restaurants encompassing the Globe, is it something you should be supporting. Do you think it’s something that is literally hurting our fellow Earth Dwellers?

It has been stated by Doctors in several Health Conferences and Training Events throughout the 90’s.

Because McDonald’s (in particular) and several other Fast Food Chains utilized engineered foods. It is safe to say that these foods are engineered to make us eat more and more. Along with causing us to literally gain cravings for their Food.

The question remains, “how to eat smart at McDonald’s,” how can we when we are consuming engineered foods. This food simply is not REAL. Moreover, it’s engineered to make us consume more and more of it.

Hence, all processed Foods, are Designed to make us Bigger consumers (and bigger has several meanings in money spent and the size of our waists).

Moreover, by allowing us to eat and buy even more. 5 for 5? Really? Like anyone needs 5… and its so much cheaper than buying 2. So why not buy and eat 5 yourself? Heck! In conclusion, it goes on and on like that. Hence, making it affordable – but at a health cost that by far could cost us so much more!

What can you do to make it Healthy – or Healthier? I then found the following. How to eat smart at McDonald’s.

I also feel that if you are going to be eating in fast food, you had better be supplementing your diet with proper nutrition.

Related: Such as Moringo Nutramatrix. LETS GO Here for Direct Access.

McDonald’s uses Worms and Other Filleres in their 100% Beef Patties.How to eat smart at McDonald's

Ref: According to http://dailybuzzlive.com/mcdonalds-uses-worm-meat-fillers-can-legally-call-100-beef/

First of all, McDonald’s can claim there meat to be 100% Beef patties through this legal loop hole. McDonald’s has assured its consumers that its product contains 100% beef. They are allowed to do this because McDonald’s buys their “beef” from a company called “100% Beef Company”, making it possible for McDonald’s to call beef byproducts and soy products “100% beef”.

After McDonald’s buy’s their Beef from the “100% Beef Company”, they ship the beef to their grinding facility. This facility is in Oak Brook, Illinois. From there they take the ground worm filler and add it to their “100% beef patties”. Many people have heard that they use earth worms… This isn’t true. What is used is called Meal Worms that are corn fed.

Hence, these “fillers” is what allows McDonald’s to produce a higher profit margin. In addition, they are able to increasing the amount of patties that can be made, by increasing their product load with the worm filler. The worm filler is ground and packaged in a facility next to McDonald’s corporate headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois.

The employees must sign a confidentiality waiver to never discuss the ingredients of the McDonald’s food products or face termination and legal repercussions. However many employees have stepped up over the years with the truth and have created a huge controversy over the quality of food that the company produces.

See Ref 2 Below.

Believe it or not, sometimes even diet experts eat at the Golden Arches. Here’s how to eat smart at McDonald’s.

First of all, what do Ronald McDonald and dietitians have in common? They’re “lovin’ it” – the Golden Arches menu that is. Before you call my bluff, hear this out: Not only is this true, but I got proof. In the form of eight diet experts’ go-to picks.

Secondly, bear in mind that most of our experts said that dining at the fast food joint was only a “sometimes” occurrence. But either way, their RD-sanctioned picks are sure to come in handy. And next time you can’t kick a fast food craving or find yourself with no where else to eat. Although they don’t exactly qualify as the best weight loss foods in the world. You have our word that none of the meals below will drown your hard-earned results in a pile of fry grease.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A PROTEIN-PACKED BREAKFAST – How to eat Smart at McDonald’s

“Not only do I eat guilt-free at McDonald’s, I think they get a bad rap all too often. When I’m flying in the morning, I typically get an Egg McMuffin and a coffee. The sandwich only has 300 calories and it offers 17 grams of satiety-providing protein. Instead of the egg white version, I stick with the whole egg sandwich. Because the yolk contains carotenoids, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.” – Christine M. Palumbo, MBA, RDN, FAND, a Chicago area registered dietitian and nutrition communications consultant.

*The nice thing about the egg’s.. They are REAL and are cracked open and made on the spot to put into their Egg McMuffin’s.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A BEEF-BASED LUNCH

“Every so often when I have a long drive and can’t pack food or snacks. McDonald’s is where I go. l order a kid’s meal comprised of a hamburger, small order of fries, a bottle of water and a Cuties clementine. This meal has 390 calories and 13 grams of fat.” – Toby Amidor, MS, RD nutrition expert and author of The Greek Yogurt Kitchen: More Than 130 Delicious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Day.

This is worth repeating: You don’t need to strike burgers from your meal plan if you’re trying to slim down. To have the best of both worlds, indulge in The Best Burgers for Weight Loss.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A CHICKEN-BASED LUNCH – How to Eat Smart at McDonald’s

“I turn to the indulgent-sounding, but not overly heavy Premium Grilled Chicken Ranch BLT Sandwich. As long as you avoid the Crispy version–which adds an unnecessary 160 calories and 13 grams of fat–the super-low calorie count of the chicken breast lets you enjoy some splurge-worthy toppings like bacon.” –Dave Zinczenko, Creator of the Zero Belly Diet.

“If I had to get a full meal from McDonald’s, I’d order a grilled chicken filet, sans bun and mayonnaise dressing. Removing the bun and dressing reduces the total fat by 7.5 grams and cuts about 450 mg of sodium. To help keep me full and add some vitamins to the meal, I’d also get a side salad and top it with a fresh mandarin orange.” – Jim White RD, ACSM HFS, Owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios.

IF YOU WANT TO STICK WITH A SALAD

“It’s no surprise that a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist might order a side salad with grilled chicken from McDonald’s, but the dish is a good source of protein and iron, which will help you feel fuller, longer.

Topping the greens with with Low-Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette or Family Recipe Italian Dressing makes for a delicious meal that comes in between 290 and 460 calories.”

Libby Mills, MS, RDN, LDN, Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

“I’d skip the soft drinks and opt for Dasani water and then I’d have the Premium Southwest Salad with grilled—not crispy—chicken. I like that the beans and corn in the salad offer up some fiber. To lighten it up a bit, I’d have them hold the cheese and tortilla strips and use only half of the dressing. Then I might have a Vanilla Reduced Fat Kids cone, just enough to tame the craving for something sweet!” – Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CDN, founder of Real Nutrition NYC.

“The Premium Bacon Ranch Salad with Grilled Chicken is a good source of fiber. Which can boost satiety and aid digestion. Add a bit of vinaigrette dressing for some flavor and wash it down with some water.” – Lauren Minchen MPH, RDN, CDN, a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist based in New York City.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AN ENERGIZING SNACK

“If you feel that you’re low on energy and McDonald’s is your only bet, try getting the fruit and maple oatmeal. Just skip the calorie-laden brown sugar, cream, raisins and Craisins. This snack will most likely curb your appetite until your next meal. Because the carbohydrates will take longer to digest than your typical high sugar donut or pastry.” – Jim White RD, ACSM HFS, Owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A LIGHT DINNER

“If I’m in need of a quick light dinner, I might order a premium McWrap Southwest Grilled Chicken. After a quick dietitian’s makeover of removing the tortilla strips, cheese and ranch sauce, this wrap only contains 380 calories while serving up a whopping 27 grams of muscle-building protein and 4 grams of appetite-suppressing fiber. Finish it off with a side of apple slices to make for a well-balanced meal that will make you sing ‘I’m lovin’ it!’” – Lisa Moskovitz, R.D., founder of The NY Nutrition Group.

Learning where you can grab low-cal, high-protein snacks on the run will make your weight loss journey even easier. And keep your waistline toned and tight—in record time—with these essential 10 Best Foods for Rapid Weight Loss.

IF YOU’RE CRAVING SOMETHING SWEET.

“The Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait has 150 calories and 4 grams of protein, making it a good snack.” – Gina Consalvo, MA, RD, LDN, Pennsylvania-based owner of Eat Well with Gina.

Image: Bikeworldtravel / Shutterstock.com.

I also found the following info out… and it gave some light as to decisions you can make should you find yourself at the Golden Arches.

And you really are not looking to create health problems down the road. Or at least you want to be wiser about your selection. Even though that Big Mac may be calling out your name. Along with the Fries Playing Cheerleaders for your taste buds to become addicted once more.

See Ref 3 Below: how to eat smart at McDonald’s

how to eat smart at McDonald's

The scenario goes a little something like this. You’re on a long drive, the road ahead is completely bare and your stomach is making noises louder than the radio.

You’ve eaten all of your healthy road snacks and there’s not a restaurant in sight. Until … those infamous golden arches miraculously appear as a tumbleweed tumbles by. Making the choice a definitive one: You’ll be taking a pit stop at Mickey D’s.

These kind of experiences happen to the best of us.

Even the most prepared person must sometimes compromise her routine to avoid the the lurid side effects of hunger. There are ways to make the most of your McDonald’s mischance.

Again: I also feel that if you are going to be eating in fast food, you had better be supplementing your diet with proper nutrition. Such as Moringo Nutramatrix. START Here for Direct Access. This is a must for me and my family. And when we eat poorly compared to the many other options. I know the impact is less with the Moringo.

For the sake of strategy, we referred to 10 nutritionists (who tend to avoid fast food like the plague).

We asked them what their order would be in an urgent instance like this one. There were a few general trends; When possible, order grilled instead of fried; eat something with protein; try to incorporate a vegetable or fruit; select a meal that will actually fill you up. Check out the McDonald’s orders of 10 nutritionists below so next time, when hanger hits, you’ll be better equipped to order like an expert.

Note: None of the experts interviewed below work with McDonald’s or were compensated for their responses.

Nutritionists At McDonald’s – how to eat smart at McDonald’s

how to eat smart at McDonald'sRegular Burger With A Side Salad. “If you must have something more “traditional” at McDonald’s, opt for a regular burger patty. And swap out the fries for a side salad with low fat vinaigrette dressing. Otherwise, I’d choose the Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken.”
— Katherine Brooking, M.S., R.D.

Sweet Chili Chicken Wrap (Grilled), Apple Slices & A Side Saladhow to eat smart at McDonald's

“I’d choose the Sweet Chili Chicken Wrap. Because it’s grilled chicken, and I like chili/sweet sauces. It doesn’t have the least amount of calories on the menu. But if I have to eat McDonald’s, I don’t want to eat it and still be hungry after.

I’d round out the wrap with a fruit and side salad to transform it into balanced meal.”

how to eat smart at McDonald's4-Piece Chicken Nugget, Small Fries, Apples & A Go-Gurt.

If it is lunch time, I typically choose a kids meal. A 4-piece nugget, small fry, apples and a go-yogurt. This contains fewer than 500 calories. With this meal, the small portion size equals the right amount of calories for me. Plus it’s adding a fruit and dairy serving for the day.”– Angela Ginn-Meadow, R.D., L.D.N., C.D.E., Spokesperson for The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.

Premium Southwest Salad (No Chicken), McCafe Latte and Cuties.how to eat smart at McDonald's

“I would select the Premium Southwest Salad without chicken (I’m a vegetarian). A McCafe, Nonfat Medium Latte and a side order of cuties.

All of this would total to 350 calories, 70g fat, 55g carbs, 8g fiber, 35g sugar and 21g protein.

This meal would be satisfying, flavorful, hit most of the food group targets. And one that I would enjoy.” — Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDE, registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

— Marjorie Nolan Cohn, MS, RD, CDN, ACSM-HFS, National Spokesperson.

* The trick would be resisting the fries! Those yummy, greasy fries!

Fruit & Maple Oatmeal — Without The Brown Sugar.how to eat smart at McDonald's

“Being the oatmeal fanatic that I am (hello, fiber, whole grains and energizing B vitamins!). I’d probably go for the fruit and maple oatmeal without brown sugar. And I’d likely be the annoying customer that asks for blueberries from the yogurt parfait and apple slices on the side.

Complete with a whopping 8 teaspoons of added sugar, McDonald’s oatmeal with brown sugar has more sugar and calories than a 2-ounce Snickers bar.

Hence; Moral of the story? Pass on the brown sugar.” — Alexis Joseph M.S, R.D., author of Hummusapien.com.

how to eat smart at McDonald'sFries And A Small Chocolate Shake.

“I’d get fresh, hot fries (not wimpy cold ones) and a small chocolate shake. Why? If I’m famished, I need “quick energy”. Which I’ll get from carbohydrates, but also because … I actually enjoy fries and shakes. I wouldn’t worry about nutrition right now because it’s not in the cards. I’d rather get a healthy meal I could savor later, and something quick and enjoyable now.”

— Rebecca Scritchfield, MA, RD, HFS.

Bacon Ranch Salad With Grilled Chicken (And Half Of The Dressing).

“I’d order the bacon ranch salad with grilled chicken how to eat smart at McDonald'sand use less than half the dressing. It provides some veggies and fiber, some lean protein to fill me up. As well as some calcium and flavor from the cheese and extra flavor from the bacon (sue me, I like bacon every once in a while). I’d also order apple slices as they provide fiber and help me meet my fruit quota.

Once in a while I will eat French fries with ketchup. If I ordered them with a salad, I’d choose a small order. And I’d limit total fat and saturated fat the rest of the day.

I think when it comes to fast food, watching portions is most important. If you stick to smallest portions and try to get foods from at least 3 food groups (lean protein, fruits and vegetables), a fast food meal doesn’t have to be a dietary disaster.”

— Elisa Zied, MS, RDN, CDN, Author of “Younger Next Week”.

how to eat smart at McDonald'sPremium Southwest Salad With Grilled Chicken (how to eat smart at McDonald’s)

“I would have the Premium Southwest Salad with grilled Chicken. Then, I would order that because I would get some veggies, 7 grams of fiber for fullness and would not go overboard on refined carbs (from the buns). Also, I like that it has 29 grams of protein as I generally strive to get 25-30 grams protein in all of my three main meals every day.

It also has 320 calories, which means I can have a piece of fruit or something else as part of this lunch too.” — Julie Upton, M.S., R.D., CSSD.

It’s also got a serving of vegetables (including a salad blend that actually includes some nice greens, like mizuna and arugula) and 5 grams of fiber. For fast food, that’s actually pretty good!

In conclusion, How to eat smart at McDonald’s. As a point of interest, and personal concern for myself and my family, I wanted to see what I could find on eating at McDonald’s, and what it meant to our health. Lets eat smart at McDonald’s??? On that note, is it possible? Lastly, what do you think? In addition, feel free to comment!

What I have found is yes, it is possible on how to eat smart at McDonald’s. However, I feel it is not possible to eat healthy at McDonald’s.

Furthermore, If you are going to eat poorly, you may need to compensate with supplements. Moringo Nutramatrix is the one supplement I believe everyone should be taking daily. You will not only feel better, but you will be giving your body a fighting chance. Hence, a fighting chance against all the processed foods and nutrition devoid food choices we make and consume. This may be one way how to eat smart at McDonald’s.
References; (1) http://www.care2.com/causes/5-reasons-to-never-let-your-kids-eat-mcdonalds.html. (2) http://www.eatthis.com/what-diet-experts-eat-mcdonalds. (3) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/19/healthy-mcdonalds-what-to-order_n_6886068.html. (4) http://dailybuzzlive.com/mcdonalds-uses-worm-meat-fillers-can-legally-call-100-beef/ (5) http://www.mcdonalds.com/content/us/en/websites.html.