When you're munching on a Big Mac, the last thing you want to think about is how many calories it contains. McDonald's meals don't contain nutrition labels on the wrapper, so it's tricky to tell the high-fat items from the healthier options. Learn which McDonald's meal items pack on the fat and calories and which meals are a better choice for lunch.
History
The first McDonald's restaurant was opened in 1940 by Dirk and Mac McDonald, according to the official McDonald's website. The restaurant, called "McDonald's Bar-B-Que," was located in San Bernadino, Calif. French fries were introduced on the McDonald's menu in 1949, while salads were not available until 1987. In 2010, McDonald's introduced a line of real fruit smoothies and frappes in order to add more healthy menu options.
Burgers
The McDonald's burger with the lowest number of calories is the hamburger. The hamburger contains 250 calories, 80 calories from fat, 9 g total fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, 25 mg cholesterol, .5 g trans fat, 520 mg sodium and 31 g carbohydrates. The McDonald's burger with the highest number of calories is the Angus bacon and cheese. The Angus bacon and cheese contains 790 calories, 350 calories from fat, 39 g total fat, 17 g saturated fat, 2 g trans fat, 145 mg cholesterol, 2,070 g sodium and 63 g carbohydrates.
Salads
The salad with the highest calorie count is the premium southwest salad with crispy chicken. The salad contains 430 calories, 180 calories from fat, 20 g total fat, 4 g saturated fat, 55 mg cholesterol, 920 mg sodium and 38 g carbohydrates. The salad with the lowest number of calories is the premium Caesar salad without chicken. The salad contains 330 calories, 150 calories from fat, 4 g total fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 18 mg sodium and 9 g carbohydrates.
Sandwiches
The sandwich with the lowest number of calories is the southern style crispy chicken sandwich with 400 calories, 150 calories from fat, 17 g of fat, 3 g of saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 1,030 mg sodium and 39 g carbohydrates. The sandwich with the highest number of calories is the premium crispy chicken club sandwich with 630 calories, 250 calories from fat, 28 g of total fat, 7 g of saturated fat, 75 mg cholesterol, 1,410 mg sodium and 17 g carbohydrates.
Expert Insight
According to the American Heart Association, adding sides, like french fries, as well as sodas and other sugary drinks will add even more fat and calories to your meal. Eliminate mayonnaise and secret sauces from your sandwich or burger to cut back on calories and saturated fat. Opt instead for ketchup or mustard.
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