Macca’s burger you can eat if you’re trying to lose weight

A nutrition expert has shared the most high protein items sold at the Golden Arches to help those who want to stay on track when the craving hits.

Sticking to your diet and running out to McDonald’s may not immediately appear to go together like burgers and buns, but one dietitian insists that with a little bit of discipline, those who find themselves hungry, pressed for time and in the drive-through can actually snag a pretty decent high-protein meal.

Nutrition expert and author Elizabeth Shaw isn’t suggesting everyone rush out to the Golden Arches for their next meal — but as a working mother of two, she knows “the rat race of the mealtime rush” well, and sympathises with those in the same chaotic boat.

McDonald’s, Shaw said in a piece penned for Eat This, Not That!, can “occasionally provide a satisfying bite while offering some redeeming nutrition qualities including a handful of high-protein options”.

For those who are obsessed with monitoring their protein intake – known to fill you up and keep you feeling full for hours – it turns out that some of the items on the Macca’s menu are packed with the stuff, Shaw added.

A nutrition expert said the McDonald’s Deluxe McCrispy contains 27 grams of protein and is a better option that some burgers. Picture: Supplied

For example, Shaw notes, McDonald’s Deluxe McCrispy — not an obvious first choice for a healthy meal — contains 27 grams of protein, more than some pre-bottled protein shakes, the New York Post reports.

Plus, she said it has fibre too, and there’s nothing wrong with a little lettuce and tomato, either.

She suggests diners say no to the mayo, and watch their salt intake for the rest of the day, adding the sandwich was at the top of her list of high-protein Macca’s musts when the craving strikes.

“Remember that although a menu item may contain protein, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for you,” she warned.

“Other nutrients, like fibre, saturated fat, and sodium, also come into play.”

And at the same time, count those saturated fat percentages — you’re aiming to consume less than 22 grams of that per day, Shaw urged.

Other high protein options include the Quarter Pounder burger. Picture: Supplied

In second place comes the Quarter Pounder Deluxe, which Saw said contains 25 grams of protein.

Leave the cheese and the mayo behind — and knock 200 calories off your intake.

Or, skip the beef and grab a 10-piece Chicken Nuggets as she said it contains 23 grams of protein. Or, if you pop for a 20-piece, 56 grams — the top end of the average recommended dietary allowance.

Better still, there are only 2.5 grams of sat fats and 500mg of sodium.

Take home your order, Shaw suggests, and toss your nuggets into a big salad for a quick, good-for-you meal.

Just leave the high fructose corn syrup-packed sauces behind — you’re eating healthy, after all.

The ‘worst’ Macca’s burger according to an Aussie nutritionist is the BBQ Bacon Angus. Picture: Supplied

Shaw isn’t the only nutrition expert who has listed the “better” Macca’s options, with Australian nutritionist Susie Burrell previously revealing the menu items she would pick when in need of a quick and easy bite at the Golden Arches.

Burrell recommends opting for a Wholemeal Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap or a McChicken burger, but reminding diners to ditch the sauce to avoid unnecessary calories.

She also outed the “worst” Macca’s options, naming the BBQ Bacon Angus as the biggest culprit.

“With more than 40g of fat, 800 calories and a massive 1600mg of sodium, which is almost your entire upper daily recommended intake and that is without any side order of fries, there are much better burger options on the menu than a Bacon Angus,” she said.

Expert’s best high-protein meals at McDonald’s

1. Deluxe McCrispy

2. Quarter Pounder Deluxe

3. 10-Piece Chicken McNuggets

4. McDouble

5. Sausage McMuffin with Egg

6. Egg McMuffin

7. Cheeseburger

— With the New York Post