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Dietitian reveals exact meal to order at Macca’s for weight loss

Let’s be realistic, sometimes there’s no avoiding Macca’s, even when you’re trying to lose weight. But it doesn’t have to be bad for you.

Nutrition showdown: which fast food is the healthiest?

When trying to lose weight, conventional wisdom might dictate that the first thing to do is stop going to fast food restaurants, but let’s be realistic — sometimes there’s no avoiding a cheeky Macca’s.

But ordering a McDonald’s meal doesn’t always have to derail your diet, a dietitian has said.

While the Golden Arches might seem like more of a hindrance than a help in the battle against excess weight, informed diners don’t have to be afraid to visit one of the world’s most ubiquitous restaurants — they just have to know how to order from the menu.

Sadly, that means no Big Macs.

A dietitian has revealed the best order at Macca’s when you want to lose weight. Picture: Supplied
A dietitian has revealed the best order at Macca’s when you want to lose weight. Picture: Supplied

But by using the same rules you’d use anywhere else — yes to lean proteins, yes to veggies and don’t overeat — you’d be amazed how well you can do, one expert explained.

Dietitian Kristen Carli, owner of Camelback Nutrition & Wellness, shared her go-to order with the fast food experts at Eat This, Not That! — and you’d be surprised at what you can order at Macca’s while maintaining weight loss.

What to order at McDonald’s when you’re trying to lose weight

Go for a cheeseburger with no extra toppings or sauce. Picture: Supplied
Go for a cheeseburger with no extra toppings or sauce. Picture: Supplied

“The best lunch order for weight loss is the McDonald’s Classic Burger with a side of apple slices and an unsweetened iced tea,” Carli wrote.

“Opting for a basic burger, such as a McDonald’s hamburger or cheeseburger, provides protein and some carbohydrates without excess calories from cheese or mayo,” she said.

“Choosing apple slices as a side adds fiber and natural sweetness without added sugars or fat. Selecting an unsweetened drink keeps your drink calorie-free and helps you stay hydrated. “This meal provides a great balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, which can help keep you satisfied while managing your calorie intake,” the pro explained.

Ditch fries for apple slices. Picture: Supplied
Ditch fries for apple slices. Picture: Supplied
She suggested opting for an unsweetened or sugar-free drink. Picture: Supplied
She suggested opting for an unsweetened or sugar-free drink. Picture: Supplied

The meal tops off at just 250 calories, believe it or not, and packs a healthy 12 grams of protein — what Carli calls “your BFF for weight loss” and the “superhero of nutrients,” for the way it fills you up, helping you to avoid eating snacks between meals.

The apple slices instead of fries — and the sugar-free drink — makes this meal seem downright healthy.

Just make sure not to load the hamburger up with cheese and mayo and the like, Carli warned — content yourself with onions, pickle and ketchup.

This article originally appeared on The New York Post and was reproduced with permission

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/dietitian-reveals-what-to-order-at-maccas-when-you-want-to-lose-weight/news-story/93021d927a2413c23b4e7ec941be03f6