I’m a nutritionist – if you must eat at McDonald’s, choose these high protein meals

No, you wouldn’t want fries with this.

Sticking to your diet and ending up at McDonald’s may not immediately seem to go together like hamburgers and buns, but a nutritionist insists that with a little discipline, those who find themselves hungry, pressed for time and on the go can get a pretty good high protein meal.

Writing for Eat This, Not That!, nutrition expert and author Elizabeth Shaw isn’t suggesting that everyone rush to the Golden Arches for their next meal — but as a working mom of two, she know the “meal rush rat race”. well, and sympathize with those in the same chaotic boat.

McDonald’s, says Shaw, can “provide an occasional satisfying bite by offering some redeeming nutritional qualities — including a handful of high-protein options.”

Americans are obsessed with the amount of protein in their food these days, and it turns out, Shaw finds, that some of the items on Mickey D’s menu are loaded with the stuff — known to fill you up and keep you full. you feel full for hours, don’t you. to mention its positive qualities for those looking to increase muscle mass and strength.

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 gas station protein shakes. (Plus, there’s fiber, and there’s nothing wrong with some lettuce and tomato, which essentially makes it a salad.)

Say no to mayonnaise and watch your salt intake for the rest of the day, suggest protein and you’ll have a pretty good meal.

Good enough, in fact, that Shaw bumps the sandwich to the top of her high-protein McD’s list when the craving strikes.

“Remember that even though a menu item may contain protein, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for you. Other nutrients, such as fiber, saturated fat and sodium, also come into play,” she warns.

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

In second place comes the Quarter Pounder Deluxe, which has been in the news lately for all the wrong reasons, but the hearty burger gives you 25 grams of protein — more than enough for one person per sitting.

Leave the cheese and mayo behind – and shave 200 calories off your diet.

Or, skip the beef and get a 10-pack of chicken nuggets — not usually associated with health food, but eaten by countless Americans for lunch and dinner every day.

Good news – you’re getting 23 grams of protein. Or, if you take a 20 piece, 56 grams – the higher end of the average recommended dietary allowance.

Better yet, it has only 2.5 grams of saturated fat and 500 mg of sodium.

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

Just leave the sauces packed with high fructose corn syrup behind – you’re eating healthy after all.

The 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 Eggs
6. Egg McMuffin
7. Hamburger with cheese