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Photo:Image: Getty, Design: EatingWell
Image: Getty, Design: EatingWell
A protein-packed lunch can keep you full, satisfied and alert all afternoon long (so long, siesta!). When you’re short on time, McDonald’s has a surprising number of high-protein options. That means you can enjoy a filling meal that supports your health goals without feeling like you have to sacrifice convenience.
We spoke to dietitians to learn the healthiest high-protein lunch orders from McDonald’s. Here are their top picks for a lunch that’s big on protein plus other nutrients to keep you going strong for the rest of your day.
The 5 Best High-Protein Lunch Orders from McDonald’s
Double Cheeseburger
Nutrition information for Double CheeseburgerCalories:440Total Carbohydrate:34 gDietary Fiber:2 gTotal Sugar:6 gProtein:25 gTotal Fat:24 gSaturated Fat:11 gSodium:1,120 mg
Nutrition information for Double Cheeseburger
Filet-O-Fish
If heart health is on your mind, the Filet-O-Fish is a great way to score some protein and healthy fats without as much saturated fat as other McDonald’s options. If you’d like to lighten things up even more, skip the tartar sauce and swap in ketchup.
Nutrition information for Filet-O-FishCalories:380Total Carbohydrate:38 gDietary Fiber:2 gTotal Sugar:5 gProtein:16 gTotal Fat:18 gSaturated Fat:4 gSodium:580 mg
Nutrition information for Filet-O-Fish
6-Piece Chicken McNuggets
When you’re craving protein without all the carbs of a sandwich, a small order of Chicken McNuggets is a great choice. “Compared to other options on the menu, this is lower in carbohydrates and total fat, making it a good option for those mindful of their nutrient intake,” saysPatricia Kolesa, M.S., RDN, founder of Dietitian Dish. The result: 14 grams of protein, yet only 15 grams of carbs and zero sugars. It’s also lower in sodium than many options. To round out your meal and score some filling fiber, add an order of apple slices.
Nutrition information for 6-piece Chicken McNuggetsCalories:250Total Carbohydrate:15 gDietary Fiber:0 gTotal Sugar:0 gProtein:14 gTotal Fat:15 gSaturated Fat:2.5 gSodium:500 mg
Nutrition information for 6-piece Chicken McNuggets
Quarter Pounder with Cheese
A Quarter Pounder with Cheese delivers an impressive 30 grams of protein, making it a satisfying choice. If you’re looking to lighten up this meal, skip the cheese to reduce saturated fat and sodium. You’ll still walk away with 25 grams of protein, saysLisa Andrews, M.Ed., RD, LD, owner of Sound Bites Nutrition.
Nutrition information for Quarter Pounder with CheeseCalories:520Total Carbohydrate:42 gDietary Fiber:2 gTotal Sugar:10 gProtein:30 gTotal Fat:26 gSaturated Fat:12 gSodium:1,140 mg
Nutrition information for Quarter Pounder with Cheese
The McCrispy
Next time you’re craving a high-protein sandwich without all the saturated fat of a burger, the McCrispy’s got you covered. This crunchy Southern fried chicken sandwich packs a hefty 26 grams of protein yet only 5 grams of saturated fat.
Nutrition information for the McCrispyCalories:470Total Carbohydrate:46 gDietary Fiber:1 gTotal Sugar:9 gProtein:26 gTotal Fat:20 gSaturated Fat:5 gSodium:1,140 mg
Nutrition information for the McCrispy
How to Choose a Healthy High-Protein Meal at McDonald’s
The Bottom Line
When you’re looking for a quick, convenient, high-protein lunch, McDonald’s has options that can fit into a balanced diet. Next time you’re swinging through the drive-thru, consider one of these dietitian-approved high-protein picks. Of course, fast food can be high in saturated fat, calories and sodium. Choosing smaller portion sizes can reduce all of these, as can ditching the cheese, mayo and creamy sauces. Finally, don’t forget to add a healthy side of apple slices. In return, you’ll score vitamins, minerals and filling fiber to help you stay energized all afternoon long!
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.McDonald’s.Nutrition Calculator.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.McDonald’s.Nutrition Calculator.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
McDonald’s.Nutrition Calculator.
