Nutrition Facts For Mcdonald's Fast Food

McDonald's was once notorious for its unhealthy food, but the company has now made an effort to add healthy food items to its fast food menu. McDonald's claims its food can contribute to an overall healthy diet because its fundamental nutritional "principles of balance, variety and moderation" are the foundation of the company's modern-day menu. Despite media depiction of the ills of fast food, people can enjoy nutritious fast foods, and some even lose weight at McDonald's, according to MSNBC.

Beef Sandwiches

If you believe McDonald's hamburger meals are fattening, you're right. Without the side of french fries or similar caloric sides, the smaller burgers by themselves are fairly low calorie, however. A basic hamburger is 250 calories with 9 grams of total fat and 25 milligrams cholesterol. The total fat content in a small McDonald's hamburger is made up of 3.5 grams saturated fat and 0.5 grams trans fat. A small hamburger has 31 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of dietary fiber and 6 grams sugar. The sandwich has 12 grams of protein.

The highest calorie beef-based sandwich offered is the Angus Bacon and Cheese, which is 790 calories with 17 grams saturated fat and 2 grams trans fat -- 39 grams of total fat; 145 milligrams of cholesterol, 63 grams total carbs, 4 grams dietary fiber, 13 grams sugars and 45 grams protein.

Beef Sandwich Nutrition

Beef contains nutrients, such as iron, zinc and B vitamins, and according to the Ironman website, "Calorie-for-calorie, beef is one of the most naturally nutrient-rich foods." However, in addition to the fat and cholesterol in McDonald's hamburgers and beef sandwiches, the amount of sodium in the burgers raises concerns. The smallest hamburger contains 520 milligrams of sodium, while the Angus Bacon and Cheese sandwich contains 2,070 milligrams of sodium, according to McDonald's.

Fries

Potatoes contain a variety of nutrients, including vitamins C and B6, copper, manganese and potassium, according to The World's Healthiest Foods. An order of McDonald's small french fries contain 230 calories with 1.5 grams saturated fat, but no trans fat -- with 11 grams of total fat. The fries contain no cholesterol or sugars, but pack 29 grams total carbs, 3 grams dietary fiber and 3 grams protein. Small McDonald's fries also have 160 milligrams of sodium.

Chicken and Fish

Some of the chicken and fish items on a McDonald's menu are less fattening, but a McChicken sandwich is 360 calories and a Filet-O-Fish sandwich is 380 calories. If you're trying to watch your calories, go for four pieces of the chicken McNuggets, which are only 190 calories. Chicken provides nutrients such as vitamin B3 or niacin, vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, protein, selenium and tryptophan, according to The World's Healthiest Foods.

The McChicken sandwich packs 15 grams of total fat, with 3 grams saturated fat but no trans fat, 35 milligrams of cholesterol, 40 grams total carbs, 2 grams dietary fiber, 5 grams sugars, 14 grams protein and 830 milligrams sodium. The Filet-O-Fish has 18 grams of total fat, which is made up of 3.5 grams saturated fat but no trans fat; 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 38 grams total carbs, 2 grams dietary fiber, 5 grams sugars, 15 grams protein and 640 milligrams sodium.

Salads

For varied nutrition and lower calories, opt for one of McDonald's salads. Keep in mind, however, that a few of the salads are higher in calories, including the Premium Bacon Ranch Salad with Crispy Chicken. Once you add the dressing, total calories are even higher. Go with a side salad at 20 calories or the Snack Size Fruit and Walnut Salad at 210 calories. Add as a side to the four-piece Chicken McNuggets.