Eating Out: McDonald’s

I think it is about time for another eating out post, and I picked one of the most common fast food restaurants around – McDonald’s.   Like many restaurants the options aren’t super low sodium, but Joe can manage to work them into his diet in a pinch.   I have laid out a couple of breakfast options, some lunch choices, and a couple of desserts here.

Fruit ‘N Yogurt Parfait, as low as 35 mg sodium (75 mg if ordered without any mods). If you skip the granola, this parfait is only 35 mg sodium.  Want the granola?  I don’t blame you.  Leave it on and this is still only 75 mg.  Not too bad for a snack or a quick breakfast.

Egg McMuffin, as low as 330 mg sodium.  As I am sure you have guessed, you will need to skip the super salty American cheese and sodium-laden ham.  Sigh. It’s a little sad, I know.  But try this without the cheese and ham and it is only 330 mg sodium in the entire sandwich.  Add an extra egg round for an additional 70 mg (400 mg sodium total).  It is a little on the high side, but if you are missing fast food, this is sure to satisfy a craving without blowing the diet.

Hamburger, as low as 350 mg sodium.  Order a hamburger without the salty toppings (ketchup, pickles, and mustard) and it is only 350 mg sodium in the sandwich.

McDouble, as low as 480 mg sodium.  If you have a little more wiggle room in your diet, you can order a McDouble (again without ketchup, pickles or mustard).  The sandwich comes in at 480, but like the McMuffin, it goes a long way in satisfying a fast food craving.

Small French Fries, 160 mg sodium.  As ordered, the small fries come in at 160 mg sodium.  If that is a little high for you, try ordering the kids’ size, which is only 80 mg.

Vanilla Cone, 80 mg sodium.  The vanilla soft serve cone is a really good sweet treat and is only 80 mg.

Strawberry Sundae, 95 mg sodium.  If ice cream with strawberry topping is more your thing, order this sundae, which comes in at just under 100 mg sodium per serving.

There you have it.  For full nutritional information, visit McDonald’s nutrition calculator.